Project Proposal
Sabina Miles
The Concept
The idea for
this project is to design test equipment that will demonstrate the physical
properties of buoyancy and stability in the context of marine science.
The Need
The problem
is that the department of Mechanical and Design Engineering at Portsmouth
University requires lab equipment that is specific to the new course in Marine
Sports Technology. The current selection is limited so the department is
looking for a range of marine-based products in order to update their labs.
A number of project ideas have
been evaluated and the most suitable project has been identified (the concept
described above). This choice is based on the marketing potential within
the scope of the project. The limiting factors are cost, manufacture, space
and educational potential. The level 2 unit of Marine Technology Concepts
has been identified as containing laboratory exercises. The syllabus of this
unit includes the principles of buoyancy and stability and the outcome should
be the ability to analyse the relevant data. The need is to provide equipment
that will encourage this learning outcome.
The Goals
The aim is
to design a product that will be set up in one of the department’s laboratories.
The product must therefore consider the key requirements of the department.
They require inexpensive lab equipment that could be largely manufactured
using the current facilities of the department itself. It should be relevant
to the degree programme of Marine Sports Technology and consider the educational
needs of the students. The current equipment in the department lab, relevant
to buoyancy and stability, is dated. The products available from TQ Ltd.
are too expensive. The aim is to compete against these products and provide
a medium choice for the department.
The Market
The product will be marketed toward
the stakeholders, which is the management of the department.