Lesson 2: The power of planning

IntroductionPlanning major projects is a key skill in engineering construction. You might have little experience of project planning but you will have seen or have been involved in managing different time frames, from holiday preparation to exam revision and even wedding arrangements.

Lesson 2: The power of planning

Objectives•To know that all engineering construction projects require project plans•To sequence events for the construction of a power station•To devise, present and justify an effective project plan

Lesson 2: The power of planning

StarterArrange the following aspects of making a pizza into the correct order.

Lesson 2: The power of planning

• Add sauce, cheese and toppings (2 mins)

• Knock back risen dough (2 mins)• Mix 500g flour, 1 tsp salt and 10g dried

yeast (2 mins)• Add water and make dough (10 mins)• Cook in oven until crisp (10 mins)• Preheat oven (15 mins)• Knead dough (10 mins)• Prove dough until risen (50 mins)• Shape dough to pizza shape (5 mins)• Make tomato sauce (30 mins)

Lesson 2: The power of planning

Making a pizza (or any meal) involves pre-planning. It involves sourcing materials, energy and labour as well as a variety of processes at specific times to ensure satisfactory construction of the product.Knowing how much of each factor is required, when and for how long is the project planner’s job. Project planners play an important role in engineering construction, making sure the site has everything it needs to meet tight deadlines. Some projects take years to finish because of their size and require regular upkeep over many years.

Lesson 2: The power of planning

Lesson 2: The power of planning

PlanningA new nuclear power plant has been commissioned and it is your job to plan it so that others can build it and deliver the finished power station on time and on budget.•Working in your pairs/groups sort the cards into an order you feel would be appropriate.•When you have agreed the order mark the information on the project planning schedule.•Remember, phases of construction might overlap and this should be represented by ‘whiskers’ to mark likely start and end points.

Planning timetable example

Lesson 2: The power of planning

PresentationArrange your plans as a wall display and prepare to present your ideas to the rest of the group. You have three minutes to explain:•Which phases must come first and why?•Who does what and when?•When are specific skills, jobs and materials required?•How does project management enable the delivery of complex buildings on time and at cost?

Lesson 2: The power of planning