An alternative approach, a sort of compromise, would be for the instructor to provide some suggestions but let the class take the initiative in organizing the project. To suggest areas or problems which might be worth examining 2. This approach will be used, and the notes which follow provide some general suggestions.
Projects tend to present at least two problems which are less common in non project situations.
In the real world this is often accomplished in the early stages of initiating and planning the project, through concept or requirement studies, marketing, proposals, contract negotiations, design studies, etc. And, as a practical matter, these efforts may be projects themselves. In the real world this is a key step, usually a critical early part of planning and includes a lot of techniques including those grouped under functional specialization, work breakdown structure, etc. Second, there are certain tasks which must be done no matter what the subject or purpose of the project is. These include, of course, scheduling, costing, technical interface, preparation of the final report.