--- title: "Characteristics, non-routine task, progressive elaboration" subject: "Project Engineering" chapter: 1 key: "semester_7/project_engineering:characteristics-specific-task-elaboration" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/characteristics-specific-task-elaboration site: BCT Engineering --- # Characteristics, non-routine task, progressive elaboration Project Engineering · Chapter 1: Introduction of Project and Project Management - Asked in: 2082 Baisakh, 2+5 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/project_engineering/characteristics-specific-task-elaboration - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/project_engineering/chapter-1 ## Question List out the characteristics of a project. Elaborate with an example the "specific task not routinely performed" and "progressive elaboration" characteristics of a project. ## Short answer A project has specific objective, definite start/end, uniqueness, progressive elaboration, temporary team, limited resources, uncertainty, interdependent tasks, and stakeholders. Uniqueness: each is non-routine; e.g., a suspension bridge over Karnali needs a fresh plan due to unique geology. Progressive elaboration: details develop stepwise, e.g., a hydropower scheme from concept to detailed design. ## Answer #### Characteristics of a project - Specific objective and deliverable - Definite start and end (limited life) - Unique task, not routinely performed - Progressive elaboration - Temporary team or organisation - Limited resources (time, money, manpower) - Uncertainty and risk - Interdependent activities - Multiple stakeholders and customer orientation #### Specific task not routinely performed A project produces something new each time, so it is not a repeated daily operation. Even for similar works, the site, soil, design and conditions differ. Example: constructing a suspension bridge over the Karnali. Its geology, span, river flow and community are unlike those of any earlier bridge, so a fresh plan and method statement are required. In contrast, repairing potholes every day is routine work. #### Progressive elaboration Details are developed gradually, in steps, as more information becomes available while the project moves forward. Example: for a hydropower scheme, at first only the idea and the capacity (say 30 MW) are known. The pre-feasibility study gives an approximate layout; the feasibility study fixes the headworks and powerhouse; the detailed design gives drawings, quantities and a precise estimate; and construction drawings are issued as the work proceeds. At each stage the scope and cost become more accurate. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Why is a project called unique or non-routine? A. Because it always uses new money and never uses old equipment B. Because only one engineer works on it C. Because it has no deadline D. Each project differs in site, design and conditions, so it is not a repeated daily operation Answer: D. Even similar works, like two dams, differ in site and conditions, so a fresh plan is needed each time. (Key point: Unique, non-routine) 2. What does progressive elaboration mean for a project? A. All details are fixed completely at the start and never change B. Only the cost is revised and the scope stays unknown C. Details are developed step by step as more information becomes available D. The project is repeated several times to improve it Answer: C. Scope and cost become more accurate stage by stage, e.g. concept, feasibility, detailed design, drawings. (Key point: Progressive elaboration) 3. Which is the best example of a task not routinely performed? A. Repairing potholes every day B. Constructing a suspension bridge over the Karnali C. Daily clerical filing D. Running a factory shift Answer: B. The bridge has unique geology, span and river flow, needing a fresh plan; pothole repair is routine. (Key point: Specific task example) 4. How does elaboration progress in a hydropower scheme? A. From detailed drawings back to the idea B. Everything is fixed at pre-feasibility C. From idea and capacity, to pre-feasibility layout, to feasibility, to detailed design and precise estimate D. Only construction drawings are produced at the start Answer: C. At each stage scope and cost become more accurate. 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