I can define a problem, identify primary and secondary stakeholders, and separate needs from proposed solutions.
POE Unit 5 • Lesson 5.2
Mission Problem Selection and Stakeholders
Focus question: How can engineers choose a meaningful mission problem and understand the people affected by the solution?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
A focused sequence that advances the capstone without creating unnecessary documentation.
Opening promptConcept modelGuided workInteractive applicationEvidence checkExit ticket
Lesson Targets
What You Will Be Able to Do
Mission problem and stakeholder map
The problem statement is solution-neutral and stakeholder needs are supported by research, observation, or interview evidence.
Activity Flow
How the Lesson Moves
Each step produces a decision, artifact, or test result needed for the capstone.
1. Explore mission contexts
Identify authentic aerospace operations, access, safety, or performance problems.
2. Map stakeholders
Separate direct users from people indirectly affected.
3. Write the problem
Describe the need without prescribing a specific solution.
Lesson Interactive
Build the Stakeholder Map
Apply the lesson concept to a capstone aerospace-systems scenario. Use the feedback to correct your reasoning before completing the main deliverable.
Mission Context
Maintenance technicians repeatedly carry inspection equipment across a large hangar. Equipment managers schedule labor and purchase tools.
Interview note: “The repeated trips delay inspections and increase fatigue.”
Separate the user, other affected stakeholders, the need, and the evidence supporting it.
Today’s Work
Main Deliverable
Mission problem and stakeholder map
Create one focused engineering artifact that demonstrates today’s capstone progress.
- Write one solution-neutral problem statement with a defined context and user need.
- Create a stakeholder map with at least one primary and two secondary stakeholders.
Exit Ticket
Capstone Debrief
State the most important engineering decision your team made today.
Name the evidence, requirement, interface, or risk that supports that decision.
Identify the next action and the person responsible for completing it.
Resources
Lesson Resources
Lesson 5.2 PowerPoint
Use the presentation to review the lesson concepts, examples, and activity directions.
Principles of Engineering
Return to the POE course hub for units, resources, certifications, and course information.
Aerospace Systems Capstone
Return to Unit 5 to review the capstone sequence, deliverables, and project challenges.