This part of the report describes the object, element or structure that will made to solve the

problem. It also details aspects of secondary importance, such as the reasons for the project or
information consulted. The report has different sections.

4.1. Analysing and describing the need or problem

The first thing to do when you want to make an object, system or structure is to explain the

problem you want to solve very precisely and establish an objective. Then, you determine

the conditions the project has to meet.

• Project justification. The project justification should explain why the project is needed.

• Objectives. After you have explained the problem, provide a brief and very clear definition of
the project. You can include clarifications in your explanation.

• Initial conditions. After you've described the need for the project and defined it, brainstorm
several solutions. Remember that your solutions must be based on the initial conditions and
requirements. These conditions can be of the following types:

4.2. Searching for information

Searching for information involves finding and collecting information that can be useful for
designing and constructing a project. A single person generally does not have all the knowledge
required to solve a technical problem. So, you must find a reliable source to provide the
information you need. Without good sources of information, finding the most efficient and
effective solution to a problem is almost impossible.

Just knowing where to find sources of information is not enough, you also have to know how to
use them. If you're using a textbook, first read the table of contents. If you ask an expert, it's
helpful to know their qualifications, etc.

You should also consider how to process the information you find, for example, how to select
the correct information and the best ways to save it for later use.

• Two important conditions for searching for information correctly are:

1) You should determine what information you need, which is based on your initial conditions.

2) You should make sure you understand the source of information (a 12- or 13-year-old may
find a university-level text difficult, for example).

• Lastly, you should save the information so you can use it when you need it. Being well-
organized in this phase will make your work in the design and construction phases much easier.

4.3 Generating and selecting ideas (brainstorming)

When you've set your objective, established the initial conditions and collected information,
the next step is to prepare the preliminary design. This is the most complex and most creative
part of the project lifecycle.

Generating ideas means looking for different solutions to the problem you want to solve.
Initially your solutions may seem correct, but they will have to pass a selection process, in
other words, you will have to choose the best solution.
The idea selection process is the last step before construction begins. Any drawbacks that you
identify in your initial designs and sketches should be evaluated and corrected if necessary. In
order to make your idea more concrete, you can improve its appearance and indicate what
materials to use.

5. The construction report

Once you've defined your project, you can start building it. This is the beginning of the
construction or production phase, the stage where your ability to execute plans is very
important. When you build, you make your designs a reality, but you must follow a specific
plan. So, there are three stages: 1) scheduling, 2) construction, and 3) evaluation.

Proper scheduling provides three very useful advantages to get the job done as quickly and
efficiently as possible.

1. It helps you to not miss any steps, which could mean you would have to start over again.

2. It ensures that materials are available when you need them.

3. It helps you complete the project on time. You can also determine if more than one job can
be done at the same time.

5.2. Evaluation

The last part of the construction or production phase is evaluating the completed project. This
is called post-construction or post-production evaluation. In this phase, you analyse the final
result (the finished object or structure) and the process (each step in the project lifecycle).

The result

The first step when evaluating an object or structure is checking if it satisfies the initial
conditions established when describing and analysing the problem. The purpose of evaluating
a newly constructed object or structure is not only used to identify errors. There are two more
purposes:

1. To improve results

2. To avoid repeating mistakes in future projects

There are many ways to evaluate a completed project, everything from simple observation to
asking for the opinions of potential users. If you're going to ask users for their opinions, you
should make a questionnaire (see box below).

The process

Evaluating the process consists of examining how the different stages of the project lifecycle
method were executed. This can include everything from the initial conditions to how the
evaluation itself was done. One way to do this is to ask a series of questions about each step
(what, when, where, why and how).

6. The budget

The cost of a project is an important criterion for determining its viability and if it has been
planned well. Estimated costs are indicated in the project budget. You should use a
spreadsheet to make budgets.
The budget is an approximation of the cost of the project. Although it is an approximation, you
should try to make it as accurate as possible. To prepare the budget, you need to know the
materials and labour you will need. You should also take into account that unforeseen events
may arise and increase the cost of the project.

7. Work rules

The best place to complete the steps in the project lifecycle method is your technology
workshop. You should be very careful when you use tools, machines and different materials.
You must follow a set of rules to avoid injuring yourself or damaging materials.

• Usage rules describe how to correctly use facilities, tools and machines.

• Maintenance rules describe how to keep spaces, facilities, tools and machines in Good
condition.

• Safety rules explain how to avoid accidents.

8. Workshop project report

Reports are structured differently for different types of projects. Below is an example of a
report that could be for project done in the workshop. It has three parts.

• The cover should be clear and well-structured, and should include the name of the person
who wrote the report. The title should present the reason for the project very clearly.

• The table of contents indicates all sections and subsections in the report. If the report is very
short, you don't need to indicate the page numbers.

• The analysis and description describe the problem and establish the objective and conditions.

• The research section lists all sources of information and the information obtained from them.

• The preliminary design contains possible ideas in the form of sketches with descriptions of
the main parts and materials. If you have an example, you can also explain some of its most
interesting details. You must always have sketches and diagrams.

• The work process section details all work step by step, so you know what materials, machines
and tools you will need in each step.

•The evaluation explains areas for improvement in the final result and the process.