Engineering design resource planning: A case study in identifying resource forecasting opportunities in research project planning
Year: 2017
Editor: Anja Maier, Stanko Škec, Harrison Kim, Michael Kokkolaras, Josef Oehmen, Georges Fadel, Filippo Salustri, Mike Van der Loos
Author: Holliman, Alexander; Thomson, Avril; Hird, Abigail
Series: ICED
Institution: University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom
Section: Design Processes, Design Organisation and Management
Page(s): 209-218
ISBN: 978-1-904670-90-2
ISSN: 2220-4342
Abstract
Resource forecasting is a key element to project planning, this is particularly true for research and design. Due to uncertainties inherent in such fields, resource demand forecasting is a specific challenge. This presents an opportunity for mapping out research planning processes, identifying opportunities for resource forecasting methods. Building on research conducted at an engineering research centre, this study explores the two types of engineering research projects (Commercial and Public Research & Development). Individual projects can utilise multiple engineering teams within the research centre and both project types have their own distinct planning process. This study outlines these existing project planning processes, the resource planning stages within the process, what informs the resource planning and what opportunities are present for improvement of these processes.
Keywords: Process modelling, Project management, Uncertainty, Project planning, Resource forecasting