The project binder documents the project as it proceeds. It will contain all of the important documentation for your project. You are responsible for keeping the binder current and in readable condition. All of the material in the binder can be revised as the project progresses, but DO NOT REPLACE ANYTHING. If a revision occurs, simply document the revision with the new date and explanation, and add it to the binder. The binder is a living and evolving document describing the life of the project. If you need special pockets or pages to properly document your project in the binder, use them. For example, an appropriate diskette can be included with any special program written for the project. All elements of the binder should be dated and an author identified (when appropriate).
Having the binder up-to-date will allow your Project Advisor to review the project at regular intervals. The binder is the defining document for your project; it must be kept up-to-date and well-organized. As with all design processes, there are variations on the contents of a typical project binder. One possible organization for the binder is the following:
MANAGEMENT-a snapshot of the project and its participants
Project Goal
Company Contacts
Group Members
Other Industrial Contacts
Project Timeline
PROJECT DEFINITION-the elements that define the project
Principal Goal
Constraints
Specifications
ANALYSIS-supporting engineering analytical efforts (each should
stand alone)
Problem Statement
Assumptions
Calculations
Conclusion/Answer
Comments
TESTS/MEASUREMENTS-supporting experiments and their results (each
should stand alone)
Problem Statement
Apparatus
Conditions of Test
Data/Results
Conclusion/Answer
Comments
VENDOR LITERATURE-information from other companies regarding
parts and instruments
Contacts
Literature
Costs and Delivery Schedule
Subcontractors
PRELIMINARY DESIGN-your considered design ideas (supported by
analysis and measurements)
Drawings
Descriptions
Comments
FINAL DESIGN-the final product
Conclusions in Bullet Form
Design Drawings
Descriptions
Cost Analysis
PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW PRESENTATION
Outline of Presentation
Hardcopy of Overheads
FINAL DESIGN PRESENTATION
Hardcopy of Overheads
PROJECT PROGRESS
Agendas
Minutes
Progress Reports
Chronological Record of Miscellaneous Comments