BETTS GEO

Friday discussion - Engineering judgement is dying out….? I once thought good engineers were like dinosaurs… used to be everywhere but have become extinct. But thankfully I think they are more like an endangered species - think we need a special sanctuary to grow some more. Something to think about :- Engineering judgment, which involves applying experience, intuition, and reasoning to solve complex problems, is crucial for effective engineering practice. Its decline can be attributed to several factors, including over-reliance on automated tools, a focus on narrow specialization, and insufficient practical training. Rescue plan: 1. Enhance Education and Training - Integrate Practical Experiences: Incorporate more hands-on projects, internships, and real-world problem-solving into engineering. 2. Case Studies: Use historical case studies to teach students how experienced engineers approached and solved complex problems. 3. Promote Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Establish programs where experienced engineers mentor younger engineers, sharing their knowledge and decision-making processes. 4. Communities of Practice Create forums for engineers to discuss challenges and solutions, fostering a culture of collaborative learning. Something we have lost recently - ‘don’t talk to the competition’ seems to have taken over in corporate management. 5. Balance Technology and Human Insight - Critical Thinking Training: Emphasise critical thinking skills in education and professional development to ensure engineers can assess and interpret data effectively. 6. Tool Proficiency: Train engineers to understand the limitations of automated tools and the importance of cross-verifying results with human judgment. Don’t just rely upon what the computer package regurgitates… 7. Encourage Lifelong Learning: Support ongoing education and professional development opportunities that focus on broadening engineers' knowledge and skills. 8. Interdisciplinary Learning: Encourage learning from other disciplines to develop a more holistic approach to problem-solving. Different industries have different key skills and practices - rarely do I see an engineer who can transfer one to another. ‘Because we always do it like that’ reoccurs- opening your eyes to other industries can bring huge benefits! Note Picture for attention - Roman road construction - calculated or replicated? Bottom up: Starter layer / drainage layer Capping 6f5 Type 1 sub Wearing course #engineeringjudgement #construction