Project Phase Structure
TxIS typically divides a project into multiple phases. This allows TxIS to execute the project in manageable and well-defined sections, and allows the Client multiple decision points during the process to decide whether or not to move forward, based on the results of the preceding stage.
There are no requirements for starting at any particular phase, nor any requirements for progressing through all phases. The starting point for each project will be determined by the Client and TxIS, as will the progression through multiple stages if required.
The typical phases that projects are divided into are shown below. For each phase, the typical deliverables to and the ownership rights of the Client are listed. Note that these are only guidelines, and that the project scope, deliverables and ownership rights for each project will be agreed upon by the Client and TxIS.
Whitepaper
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- Describes how a technology could potentially be used in a defined application.
- Typical Deliverables for a Whitepaper
A Whitepaper delivers an overview of an emerging technology and provides better understanding of how this technology may be applied in the defined application, the range of applications and operating conditions for which it would be suitable.
- Typical Ownership Rights for a Whitepaper
The Whitepaper delivers an overview of existing technology and as such there are no intellectual property rights created that transfer to the Client.
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Evaluation Phase
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- At times, a complex project begins with an Evaluation Phase consisting of:
- Reviewing and understanding the provided parameters and goals for the project and identifying the correct technical disciplines and professor(s) needed to complete the project,
- Travel to Client’s site(s), reviewing the project, and working with Client’s research and development team,
- A written summary detailing the chosen professor(s) competence in the required field(s) of interest and research and a plan for moving forward.
- Typical Deliverables for the Evaluation Phase
A comprehensive summary discussing the professor(s) competence as well as the recommended sequence of project phases in order to achieve the maximum project goals within a minimum timeframe.
- Typical Ownership Rights for the Evaluation Phase
The Evaluation Phase involves the review of an existing Client technology or product and as such there are no intellectual property rights created that transfer to the Client.
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Feasibility Phase
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- Many projects undertaken by TxIS are based on a generally known problem, technology need, or principle in addition to the Client’s specific data or information. TxIS recommends that in such cases where the outcome is not a foregone conclusion, the Feasibility Phase should be undertaken first to examine the goals and objectives. The Feasibility Phase is an analysis of various solution approaches to a problem(s) and a recommendation(s) towards the best practical solution. This provides a thorough analysis of all parameters, including possible roadblocks that may stand in the way of the venture’s success. Its conclusion includes a detailed description of the probability of successful completion in percent value. However, the Feasibility Phase does not guarantee the success of any project, theory, or idea.
- Typical Deliverables for the Feasibility Phase:
- Description of the project,
- Stated goals and objectives for the actual solution,
- Description of the research and examined methods to achieve the goals for the solution,
- Analysis of each examined method as to how feasible each is to achieve certain goals,
- Overall discussion with regards to the proposed “best way(s)”,
- Success analysis predicting the likelihood of a positive outcome in percentage, and an analysis with regards to partial success (“one function of the project could be predicted at 100%, another at 65%”),
- Time and financial estimate,
- Search of present patents for potential infringement cases.
- Typical Ownership Rights for the Feasibility Phase
The Feasibility Phase typically provides several potential approaches to achieve a solution to the stated problem. These potential solution approaches, detailed analysis, and/or subsequent assertions and recommendations made by TxIS do not constitute intellectual property for the purposes of proprietary rights and ownership. All rights to any potential solutions not pursued with TxIS within 120 days from the completion of this phase will remain with TxIS.
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Solution Phase
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- The objective of the Solution Phase is to deliver a required result to the Client. This result could be, but is not limited to: a proof-of-concept prototype with laboratory data, a technology trend study, a document, technology, process review, etc.
- Typical Deliverables for the Solution Phase
Depending on the objective of the Solution Phase, the Deliverables contain a wide spectrum of material. Generally speaking, the Solution Phase delivers a required result to the Client that is satisfactory to either move forward with the Development Phase, receive a complete understanding of the problem, or a comprehensive study of a next technology trend.
- Typical Ownership Rights for the Solution Phase
All rights, title, interest and intellectual property rights resulting from the outcome of this phase shall vest in and be held by Client unless previously agreed by the Parties.
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Development Phase
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- The Development Phase takes the result of the Solution Phase and moves forward to develop a Beta prototype.
- Typical Deliverables for the Development Phase
Consists of a fully functioning Beta prototype, with relevant schematics, laboratory data, software source code and general data supporting the creation of a pre-production prototype. Deliverables do not include manufacturing drawings, PCB layouts, mechanical drawings, BOM & component prices, assembly instructions, test procedures, critical components analysis, failure analysis with block diagrams, and other manufacturing-related items.
- Typical Ownership Rights for the Development Phase
All rights, title, interest and intellectual property rights resulting from the outcome of this phase shall vest in and be held by Client unless previously agreed by the Parties.
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