**3.4.3 Research planning, use of project management methodology**

After the description of the problem and the choice of the research type that needs to be done are completed, the next step is the planning of research. This is performed by using the project management methodology. The most often used software in this field is Microsoft Project. The main stages of the planning process are shown in figure 6.

Outside of research or optimization, a project can contain various modules for product design, design technology, prototype design and/or prototype technology design.

In order to make a realistic plan, it is very important to have a network database with complete information about: researchers, laboratories, knowledge in various fields, costs, resources available, etc.
