The biggest risk we have encountered thus far is scheduling. Although we determine deadlines, those deadlines are very often not met, which could lead to the entire project not being completed. In order to mitigate and control this risk, we can take the steps of enforcing stricter deadlines and providing consequences if those deadlines are not met. We can also start project parts sooner rather than later so that the deadline is easier to meet and provides less stress on the group as a whole. In the event we continue to fail to meet deadlines, or worse, fail to complete the project by the required date, we intend to attempt to use every possible resource to either complete the project that day, or work with faculty to hopefully secure an extra day or two with which to complete and demonstrate out product, regardless of the stage it is in.
Ultimately we managed to overcome this risk. No punishment was required to be enforced. This is largely due to the refocusing of the group at the start of the second semester. The team assumed a singular direction, and worked tirelessly to see its fruition. This is due to the determination of a single prototype on which we focused. We also set stricter deadlines and worked more outside of meeting time to mitigate the risk of an incomplete project due to faulty scheduling.,
High Risk
Non-Functioning Product
Although not as likely, there is always the chance that the product we have determined to develop either does not function properly, or does not function at all. Although it would likely not lead to a fatal error and thus produce a project that cannot be finished by the ultimate deadline, a non functioning product would result in a total reworking of the designs, models, and prototypes used up to that point. This would use a substantial amount of time and could dramatically increase the cost of the project if several subsequent prototype designs fail. In order to handle this, our team has already developed a multitude of different designs to implement rapidly in the event that a single design does not work as expected. In the unlikely event that all product prototypes fail to meet our standards, we will still have results to present and failed prototypes to demonstrate, indicating that the project can be submitted by the date it is due.
Ultimately, our product functioned. Although not as perfectly as we had envisioned or as well as a full prototype would, we refocused to instead prove proof of concept as opposed to developing a high quality, higher tech device. This allowed us to produce a complete prototype in a timely manner.
Moderate Risk
Hard to Produce Turbine Designs
One risk that jeopardized the project was the necessity of highly specialized parts. These parts, namely the turbine, are extremely difficult and expensive to create through traditional industrial methods. Accordingly, this risk could have bankrupt the project if not properly addressed.
Ultimately, the turbine design was overcome by 3D printing the turbine blades. This allowed for extremely cheap and rapid prototyping of even advanced turbine parts. By doing so, we mitigated the risk of running over budget while accelerating the speed at which we completed the project.
Lack of Available Material
A major risk that presented itself was the lack of raw material, especially high power magnets and iron. This risk could have led to the inability of the product to be finished and produced.
To overcome this, we refocused on making a proof of concept design instead of a fully functioning, higher end prototype. This allowed us to use the plentiful amount of 3D printer filament while still enabling us to use the higher end, more powerful magnets. The magnet problem was solved by identifying an economic supplier of the magnets online.
Testing Environment
The testing environment proved to be a risk for this project. Due to the high wind speeds required to accurately test the product, the testing environment would have been costly, complex, and potentially hazardous. This could lead to the product being destroyed if not built correctly, and a very slow prototyping time.
To mitigate this risk, we opted to test the turbine in a live environment. While maximizing hazardous risk due to being held out the window of a moving vehicle, it allowed us to have a testing environment at all hours of the day. This allowed for extremely rapid design and prototyping.
Low Risk
Dysfunctional Team
The lowest risk factor we encountered was a dysfunctional team. A dysfunctional team could have proved fatal due to the extremely small team size.
Thankfully, no team problems were encountered, and team members maintained a central and similar focus at all times.