ABSTRACT
The initial task is to define the actual problem; depending upon the information provided by the lecturer, the problem may be well-defined or it may be quite unclear initially exactly what is required. While time management is an essential attribute, the rush to eliminate options can lead to problems and revisions later in the project and it is worthwhile keeping the number of useful options open as long as possible. The step is to identify the information required, decided after initial consideration of the problem. In universities, the chemical(s) to be produced is specified and the following information may be given: Some or all of this information may be expected to be obtained by the student as part of the design project. The project was oriented towards local markets and conditions, and the case study material presented here has retained that emphasis.
