Projects in Electronics

Methods For Distributing Information on Projects

Executive Summary By Gina Abudi

Ensuring that the right people (such as stakeholders, project team members, project sponsors, etc.) get the right information at the right time for project status updates and to make decisions on projects requires a great deal of planning.  Communication Methods



    * Project team meeting

    * Stakeholder meetings

    * Portal or project intranet site

    * Collaborative work management tools



There are pros and cons to different methods of distributing (communicating) project information. General Categories of Communication



    * Face-to-face communications (group or individual meetings)

    * Hard-copy communications (letters, memorandum, reports)

    * Electronic communications (email, conference calls, web conferencing)



Hard-copy communications can really be combined with the category of electronic communications.  Given the shortage of time, tight budget controls, the need for project managers to manage multiple projects, and project team members spread out over the country or in different countries, electronic communication methods are quite common.  There are various methods of electronic communications and you may deploy a certain method depending on the communication need.  Communication Management Plan



(Reference: Project Management Body of Knowledge, 4th Edition, Chapter 10: Project Communications Management, Section 10.2.3)



    * Stakeholder requirements for communication

    * Reason for the distribution of the information (e.g., share information, make decisions)

    * Time frame and frequency of communications

    * Person responsible for communication of information

    * Methods or tools used to convey information (e.g., email, meetings)

    * Resources allocated for communicating information including time expectations and budget

    * Method for updating and refining the communications management plan

    * Flow charts depicting information flow in the project including workflows with sequence of authorization, reporting, meeting plans, etc.

    * Company policies around communications

    * Size of the project and number of individuals involved, project complexity

    * Project alignment to organizational goals

    * Other factors relevant to your project, company, stakeholders, etc.



Basic Electronic Components and Supplies Needed by the Electronics Newbie

Executive Summary By Andy Bauer



Basic Components and Supplies to Start Out



Working on electronic projects is a great way of learning electronics and depending upon the project undertaken, a number of tools and electronic components may be needed accordingly. Carbon film resistors are a good choice for small electronic projects.

Ceramic disc capacitors or electrolytic capacitors are both good choices for beginning electronics projects, and again, a good variety would be needed in terms of values. Signal diodes are also a good buy for electronic projects and these electronic components find application in a number of projects. The next electronic component to consider would be rectifier diodes which are needed in power supplies. Transistors are the next electronic components to be considered. I recommend TO92 package for beginners.



A switch is a good component to have on hand. Depending upon the circuits and projects, some integrated circuits would also be needed. Depending on your project, how about a project box or enclosure?



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