10. Project Management and Innovation (ACtE10)

10. Project Planning, Design, and Implementation (AALL10)

10.1 Engineering Drawings and its Concepts:

• Fundamentals of Standard Drawing Sheets: Engineering drawings are standardized using specific sheets that conform to industry norms. These drawings communicate technical information like measurements and material specifications.
• Dimensions: Represent the size, length, width, and height of objects in a drawing. Correct dimensions are crucial for manufacturing and construction.
• Scale: Drawings are often presented to a scale where the dimensions of the object in the drawing are proportional to the real-world object. Scales help to represent larger or smaller objects within the limits of the drawing sheet.
• Line Diagram: A diagram using lines to represent the outline or shape of an object, often used in conceptual or simple representations.
• Orthographic Projection: A method of representing three-dimensional objects in two dimensions. Typically, the object is viewed from different angles (front, top, and side).
• Isometric Projection/View: A 3D representation of an object where the angles between the axes are all 120°. It gives a visual sense of the object’s depth and spatial relationships.
• Pictorial Views: These drawings provide a realistic or more illustrative representation of an object, helping to visualize how it would look in real life.
• Sectional Drawing: Shows an object as though it has been cut through to reveal its interior features. Sectional drawings are crucial for understanding internal structures and components.

10.2 Engineering Economics:

• Understanding of Project Cash Flow: Cash flow refers to the inflow and outflow of money throughout a project, helping to assess whether the project is financially viable.
• Discount Rate: A rate used to convert future cash flows into their present value, accounting for the time value of money.
• Interest and Time Value of Money: The concept that money available today is worth more than the same amount in the future due to its potential earning capacity.
• Basic Methodologies for Engineering Economics Analysis:
  • Discounted Payback Period: A method that calculates the time it will take for a project to recover its initial investment, factoring in the time value of money.
  • Net Present Value (NPV): A method used to assess the profitability of a project by calculating the difference between the present value of inflows and outflows.
  • Internal Rate of Return (IRR): The discount rate at which the NPV of a project equals zero, helping to evaluate the project's profitability.
  • Minimum Acceptable Rate of Return (MARR): The minimum return rate deemed acceptable for a project to be considered worthwhile.
• Comparison of Alternatives: This involves evaluating multiple project options to determine which offers the best financial return.
• Depreciation System and Taxation System in Nepal: Understanding how assets lose value over time (depreciation) and the specific taxation regulations in Nepal that affect engineering projects.

10.3 Project Planning and Scheduling:

• Project Classifications: Projects can be classified into types such as construction, research, IT, or manufacturing, each with its specific planning needs.
• Project Life Cycle Phases: The stages through which a project progresses, typically: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
• Project Planning Process: The phase where the project’s goals, objectives, scope, timeline, and resources are defined.
• Project Scheduling:
  • Bar Chart: A graphical representation of a project’s schedule showing tasks along a timeline. It helps in visualizing task dependencies and project milestones.
  • Critical Path Method (CPM): A project management tool used to determine the longest sequence of tasks that must be completed on time for the project to finish on time.
  • Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT): A statistical tool used to analyze the time required to complete each task in a project and the minimum time needed to complete the project.
• Resource Leveling and Smoothing: Techniques used to balance resource usage across a project, ensuring that no resource is over- or under-utilized.
• Monitoring/Evaluation/Controlling: The process of tracking project progress, ensuring it stays on schedule, and making adjustments as necessary to meet the project’s goals.

10.4 Project Management:

• Information System: A system used for collecting, managing, and distributing project-related data. This could involve software tools that help track progress, costs, and resources.
• Project Risk Analysis and Management: Identifying, assessing, and managing risks that could impact the project, such as financial, technical, or environmental risks.
• Project Financing: The methods used to fund a project, such as equity, debt, or government funding. It involves assessing financial needs and sourcing funds accordingly.
• Tender and its Process: The procedure for inviting bids for a project. This typically includes preparing the tender document, calling for bids, and selecting a contractor.
• Contract Management: The management of contractual agreements, ensuring that all terms are met and any issues are resolved. This includes negotiating terms, monitoring performance, and handling disputes.

10.5 Engineering Professional Practice:

• Environment and Society: The impact of engineering practices on society and the environment, including sustainability and social responsibility.
• Professional Ethics: Engineers must adhere to ethical standards, ensuring the safety, well-being, and rights of the public are prioritized in all engineering activities.
• Regulatory Environment: The legal framework within which engineers work, including standards, codes, and regulations that govern engineering practices.
• Contemporary Issues/Problems in Engineering: Issues like climate change, sustainability, technological advancements, and the integration of AI in engineering practices.
• Occupational Health and Safety: Ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of workers in the engineering field by implementing proper safety protocols and protective measures.
• Roles/Responsibilities of Nepal Engineers Association (NEA): NEA is responsible for regulating the practice of engineering in Nepal, ensuring standards, and advocating for the profession's interests.

10.6 Engineering Regulatory Body:

• Nepal Engineering Council (Acts & Regulations): The Nepal Engineering Council oversees the practice of engineering in Nepal. It establishes and enforces rules, codes of practice, licensing, and the regulation of engineers to ensure high professional standards and safety in engineering projects.