Contacting Agencies and Analysis of the Initial Design
Feb 3rd, 2012 by Simon
This week Marty Frost from BEST has sent us the contact information for several agencies that already have similar van transportation systems in place that are willing to assist BEST and our team in creating the optimum design for the STAR project. Kyle and Simon will be responsible for contacting these agencies to find out a few things about their transportation system:
- The operating cost of their van (i.e.: driver’s wage, fuel, insurance, etc.)
- The acquisition cost of their modified van
- Potentially, a list of pros and cons of their current van
- Attempt to set up a meeting to view their current van
This would help us to decide if our initial design is feasible and whether or not to make any modifications.
In our discussion this week about the feasibility of the initial layout of the van’s interior that BEST has provided us, an issue of passenger safety was raised. In the initial drawing seen below, there are side-facing passengers on the top of the image. We are concerned that, in the unfortunate event of a collision, passengers may be more easily harmed sitting in this configuration. Alison will be investigating precedent studies on any safety issues with this seating arrangement. As safety of the passengers is of paramount concern, we are considering reconfiguring the design so there are two rows of three seats facing each other in lieu of removing the side facing seats. Furthermore, the corner seating may reduce leg room and we would also like our passengers to be as comfortable as possible. Any modifications will be discussed with Marty as soon as we have more information.
We have also discussed the actual size of van that will be modified with the final design. Tristan is currently in the process of creating a list of makes and models of vans we will be considering for our design, along with prices and dimensions of the interiors. Also, as we start viewing vans that are currently in use, we can have a better idea of makes and models we will be pricing. Below is an image of the size of van we are imagining will be used. Note that this image of the van doesn’t have any windows in the rear area where the passengers would be sitting. This is not desirable for our final design, we believe the passengers would be happier with windows and; therefore, we will research vehicles with windows in the passenger area.
(Image Source: Benz Insider)
Now that we have a clearer outline of our aspect of the STAR project, our initial work breakdown schedule will soon be finished. Our projected completion date of the final design is tentatively Friday, February 17th, if all goes as planned. However unforeseen issues may arise, so this date is not set in stone.
What’s Next?
Our project currently seems to be on track and in the next two weeks we need to do the following:
- View current vans at agencies
- Contact suppliers to get modification costs
- Prepare an initial cost outline
- First draft of dimensioned van interiors
- Review with Marty from BEST
It looks like the project is progressing well and that you are on track. Congratulations!
I wonder how your experiences on this project so far are corresponding with what you learned in CIVL 201 about the stages in project management and the various components of project management, including the influence of the project context. If you are planning to work as a transportation engineer, are you learning something about the context of this project that may be relevant to your future career?
Regards,
SN