Initiating a Project (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The students are able to write product definitions and apply their skills in technology in a project which combines several fields of technology. The students know methods for product definitions and idea creations and can use those to write a technical product definition.

Content (course unit)

A product project starts with initiating the project, where the students set the goals for the project, define the resources and the schedule. The results of the initiation phase are a literature review and a project plan. The literature review presents the existing solutions and implementations of the topic. The project plan lists milestones, their schedules and various resources required for different tasks. The group organises itself.

As working methods, the students read literature about project work, familiarise themselves with project software and any background information and literature of the topic of the project. The group meetings look at the results produced after the previous meetings and agree on further activities. Each member of the group knows what the others are doing and collaborative learning takes place in the sharing of results. The students continue their learning diaries as specified in the previous course.

Exam schedules

ei tenttiä

Assessment methods and criteria

Raportit, Portfoliot, Näytöt, Keskustelut, Vertais- ja itsearviointi

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Projektioppiminen, Tietoiskut, Työpajatyöskentely, Esitelmät

Student workload

Lähtökohtana opiskelijan kokonaistyön mitoitus (27 h/op). Työnteko ja rytmitys on opiskelijavetoista, projektitavoitteen mukaista. Osallistutaan FIMECC InnovationCamp tapahtumaan lokakuussa, joka on osa kokonaisuoritusta.

Content scheduling

Projektit etenevät omaan tahtiinsa.

Completion alternatives

ei valinnaisia suoritustapoja

Practical training and working life cooperation

oppimisprojektit ovat työelämälähtöisiä

International connections

Toteutus on tarjolla vaihto-opiskleijoille.

Further information

Completing the course requires the students to work hard and with discipline and take an active part in the different roles of group work.

Project can be evaluated as failed because of following reasons
- the coach has been responsible for all communication with the client
- project group has not had any documented meetings
- project group has not written a project plan and/or project report
- project group has not evaluated the process and outcome of the project

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Project can be evaluated as failed because of following reasons
- the coach has been responsible for all communication with the client
- project group has not had any documented meetings
- project group has not written a project plan and/or project report
- project group has not evaluated the process and outcome of the project

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The group does not have clear rules, the work proceeds mostly due to the coach's or clients activity. Project leader does not take responsibility on leading. Time and work management, and control is inadequate.
Members of project group focus on their own sub-tasks, co-operation between group members and with the client, and utilization of the group members' special skills is inadequate. Work load is unevenly divided between the group members. Project outcome is incomplete, or group's and client's judgement of the outcome differs significantly.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Group agrees on the rules with the assistance of coach, and mainly follows the agreed rules during the project. Project leader takes responsibility on the progress of the project, and takes care that each member can participate in the project work.
Group members work according to the agreed rules and project leader's guidelines. They listen to each other's opinions and co-operate with the client. Project members' commitment to the project varies in different phases.
Project outcome is in accordance with the task description. Group and client have quite similar opinions on the quality of the project work and its outcomes.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Group self-directively and collectively agrees on the rules and takes care that all group members follow them during the project.
The project leader takes appropriate responsibility, takes the group members' skills into account and leads the project with smoothly. Project leader finds creative solutions to enhanche good working atmosphere. Time and work load allocation is systematical and balanced.
Each group member works for accomplishing the project aims in co-operation with group members. All group members participate actively in all phases of the project. Group members listen to and respect others' opinions and competences. Group members co-operate with the client and adjust plans according to feed-back.
Project proceeds according to the timetable or the timetable (and or the aims) is adjusted in co-operation with the client. The project group is able to evaluate realistically the quality of outcome with regard to the project aims and is able to reflect the project work process.