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UNIT 6 TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT

I Discussing technical requirements

1 What is needs analysis? In pairs, discuss why the following factors are important in
needs analysis, giving examples of products and installations.
budget; capacity; dimensions; layout; looks; performance; regulations;
timescale;
2a ► 6.1 Claudia, an engineer, is asking Kevin and Dave, the managers of a fun park,
about their requirements for a proposed space module simulator called Mars Lander. Read
the conversation and note the three main areas Claudia asks about.
1 2 3

Claudia: So with regard to the capacity, in terms of the number of people it actually needs to
carry, what sort of figure are you looking at? Kevin: Urn, 36 is what we’re aiming for.
Dave: If you think we can add a few seats without making compromises, then by all means, let's
look at it.
Kevin: I think 36 is going to be at the top end as far as size is concerned.
Claudia: And as regards the graphics, is the video sequence finalised? Will it be exactly as it is
on this DVD?
Kevin: Unless you have any problems generating the physical effects that go with it, then, yeah,
as far as we're concerned, that's it.
Claudia: Right, excellent. We can start looking at that straight away then, and get things
moving. Urn, so regarding the schedule, then, what sort of timescale do you have in mind, for the
whole project?

b How do Claudia and Kevin focus on specific subjects? Complete the following phrases
from the conversation using the words in the box. Listen again and check your answers.
concerned regard regarding regards terms
3 ... with to the capacity, ...
4 ...in of the number of people ...
5 ... as far as size is .
6 ... And as the graphics ...
7 ... the schedule ...

c Write questions using the following prompts and the phrases in Exercise 2b.
1 dimensions: what / overall size / module? with regard to the dimensions , what is the
overall size of the module?
2 materials: what / bodywork / made of?
3 schedule: when / work start?
4 power: what / maximum output / need / be?
5 heat resistance: what sort / temperature / paint / need / withstand?
6 tolerance: what level / precision / you want us / work to?

3a 6.2 ► Claudia goes on to ask about the physical effects the simulator needs to produce.
Read the conversation and make notes on the following points.
1 Possible variation in simulator movement
2 Extent of physical effects required

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