Application of Project Management to Develop a Multifunctional Wheelchair Mount in the Non-Profit Sector

Abstract

There are currently few commercially available multi-function accessory mounts for electric wheelchairs that are practical for high-level quadriplegics. Consequently, an individual user must design and create one for themselves, an undertaking that requires significant resources in the form of expertise, time, and money. Wes Price, a quadriplegic, has developed a concept mount for operating a hunting rifle. This project optimized the proof-of-concept by building a prototype and completing a design that can be offered to the public. The primary tasks and deliverables of this project include: 1) Research and develop improvements to the proof-of-concept and prototype 2) Fabricate prototypes 3) Field test and analyze results This project used Project Management methodology to effectively plan, organize, and execute. It was completed with volunteers, thus introducing novel project management issues and concepts. A project management guide was produced to be used on similar future projects executed in a volunteer framework.