Explain the use of Critical Path Analysis (CPA) in relation to the above task including the potential planning techniques available.

Assignment -Conceptual design of a universal knife holder

Learning Outcome 1 Plan a design solution and prepare an engineering design specification in response to a stakeholder`s design brief and requirements.

Learning Outcome 2 Formulate possible technical solutions to address the student-prepared design specification.

Learning Outcome 3 Prepare an industry-standard engineering technical design report.

Learning Outcome 4 Present to an audience a design solution based on the design report and evaluate the solution/presentation.

For Section 1:
A formal report of around 3500 words with appropriate use of structure and referencing.

For Section 2:
A written evaluation of around 1000 words, to include three design solutions with evidence of the use of software in simulation/modelling/prototyping in order to justify of a proposed final design solution.

For Section 3:
An industry standard design report of around 1200 words with appropriate use of structure and referencing.

For Section 4:
A formal presentation, using around 10-12 presentation slides, and a formal feedback letter to your manager of around 200 words.

Assignment Brief and Guidance

Scenario:
You work as a design engineer for a small design & manufacturing company. The company mass produces a large variety of storage items based on customer requirements. You have been asked to meet with a client, who wants to produce a universal knife holder which can hold kitchen knives, pocket knives, combat and outdoor knives etc. With the main consideration of the following aspects of safety, ease of access, storage of variety of knives you are required to meet the customer expectations.

Section 1: Preparing a design specification

With reference to the customer brief above you should produce a design specification, using a standard template, which meets all the customer requirements. In addition, you should present a project schedule for the designing of three different types of universal knife holders. You should consider the importance, sequence and timing of each activity within your plan and provide illustrations of these.

To determine whether your brief is appropriate you should compare and contrast it with the supplied industry standard specification.

In order to complete this part, you should research on existing designs and techniques.

Identify the stakeholder requirements with the consideration of facts to be considered other than the above mentioned explaining how these affect the preparation of the design brief.

Explain the use of Critical Path Analysis (CPA) in relation to the above task including the potential planning techniques available.

Justify the preferred type of design.