Evaluation Plan
In order to maintain the desired level of quality and productivity, the success of
each of the four phases of the project will need to be evaluated at its conclusion. In
addition to these end-of-phase evaluations, there should be checks at regular intervals
during each phase. For phases zero and one, the majority of these checks come in the
form of class assignments, and are mostly out of the team’s control. The same applies to
regular evaluation intervals, since class time is allocated for the project. The phase two
and phase three mid-phase evaluations will be derived from entries in the Work
Breakdown Structure, and evaluation meetings will be scheduled at a regular interval
depending on the phase. Finally, before entering a given phase, the evaluation plan itself
should be examined and possibly updated to reflect any changes in specifications,
deadlines, and/or requirements.
PHASE 0
PHASE 1
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
EVALUATION PLAN
The following tables show the initial evaluation items for each phase of
development. Phase zero is the conception phase, where the problem is defined, the
suggested solution is researched, initial plans are made, and feasibility is demonstrated.
There are several CS410 specific deliverables that are listed in the evaluation section
rather than the deliverables section because they are designed merely to facilitate
preparation of the SBIR document and to serve as evaluation guides before the evaluation
plan has been formalized.
Phase 0
Conception
Deliverables
SBIR document
Mid-Phase Evaluation
End-of-Phase Evaluation
Feasibility presentation
Feasibility proven
Milestones presentation
WBS completed
Website published
SBIR document prepared
Phase 1
Proof of Concept
Phase one is the first SBIR funded phase. It centers around developing a working
prototype to further demonstrate feasibility and proof of concept. This phase is partially
covered by CS411, so there will likely be additional mid-phase and end-of-phase
evaluation items that are not covered in this initial evaluation plan.
Deliverables
Lab prototype
Business plan
Preliminary
production
specifications
Mid-Phase Evaluation
Lab prototype
plan completed
Prototype developed
End-of-Phase Evaluation
Lab prototype demonstrated
Documentation completed
SBIR document prepared
Phase 2
Functional Prototype
and Development
Phase two involves actual product development. With the system demonstrated
by the phase one lab prototype, development will begin on a functional prototype and
beta test units. The software and hardware designs must be finalized during this phase.
A more detailed evaluation plan will have to be created at this point, to address the
specific requirements of the various components, particularly the software.
Deliverables
Final production
specifications
Mid-Phase Evaluation
End-of-Phase Evaluation
Proposed contracts
Budget finalized
Hardware designed
Test, personnel,
management and
marketing plans
Test plan developed
Service center established
Software completed
Beta testing underway
Phase 3
Production and
Out Years
Phase three represents a fully functional operation. Employees will be hired, units
will be produced and maintained, and marketing and production plans will be in full
swing. Once again, a more detailed evaluation plan will need to be developed in order to
reflect any changes in the evolution of the project. Nevertheless, several initial
evaluation criteria can be established.
Deliverables
Commercially
available product
Continued service
Mid-Phase Evaluation
Positive customer
feedback
End-of-Phase Evaluation
Return on investment