What concerns people most in choosing their own question may be their doubt about sufficient understanding about it. With the following quick share, hopefully, choosing one out of the three questions will be quite easier.
Question 1 is the shortest:
Choose a major engineering accident (“Psychology and design processes” lists some at the beginning of section two). Present an argument on whether the use of psychology as described in “Psychology and design processes” during the design process would have prevented the accident.
The article mentions many things, but they are not quite useful for this question. Instead of understanding the content of that very long article, it is useful to have a glance at its first and last sentences of each paragraph. It indicates that engineering accidents are also due to the lack of social interaction. From that point, it is obvious that psychology can help with preventing accidents. "What is the relation between psychology" and "How can it help lessen the risk?" are the two questions need to be answered.
Question 2 takes some first lines to approach the topic:
As noted in “Nuclear power’s new dawn,” the public is very concerned about the safe operation of nuclear reactors. Public opposition was given as one reason why few nuclear reactors have been built in the past few decades in many countries. With this concern in mind, choose one of the generation IV reactor concepts listed on page 239 of “Nuclear power’s new dawn” and present an argument to support further research and development funding for it. Remember to consider influential factors such as security, cost or performance when you summarize and rebut opposing views. You will need to include very recently published sources in your references.
Two important terms which need to keep in mind are "reactor concepts" and "support". The question asks for a decision and then a reason for making it. One who chooses this question can first make a comparison between those concepts regarding of safety (or security), cost, performance and public reaction factors. The opposed arguments should be stated first before rebutting with supportive views. The topic of this question is rather easy to catch up, but persuasive thesis and efficient facts should be carried out.
Question 3 needs more surveying work:
Choose a concept or prototype currently in research and development and not widely available in the market. Present an argument on how the design can be improved to enhance safety. Remember to consider influential factors such as cost or performance when you summarize and rebut opposing views. You will need to include very recently published sources in your references.
Looking for a prospective device or technology that hasn't been popular is the first step. More brainstorming is needed in this question. After getting the concept (or prototype), one can think about a suggestion for the design in order to make it safer. Interaction between that concept and humans is a good starting-point. In line with every supportive argumentis an opposing view. Paragraph can be organized in block pattern to discuss about safety and infuential factors.
Each question of the WA2 has its own topic but relates to each other in the way of writing an argumentative essay. Before the moment of decision, reading the questions again and again to understand them is much essential.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
WA1
It is true that we need to be more creative especially in today's modern context where we face complex issues like climate change. Usually such problems require great ingenuity and often need the integration of different disciplines. For example, tackling the problem of climate change requires engineers to design new technology to deal with greenhouse gases, environmentalists and politicians to campaign for clean technology, cooperation of venture capitalist and business counterpart to capitalize on green technology and the general public to be more efficient in the usage energy. This underlines the fact that problems cannot be viewed from one perceptive alone.
Hence engineers need to inculcate the virtue of anticipating possible problems before embarking on a project. In fact being ignorant of other problems may actually spell disaster for an engineering project. For instance, one of the main reasons why the causalities of Titanic is high was due to the fact that there were insufficient life boats around. Without sufficient preparation, any project is likely to fail. After all, people who fail to plan, plan to fail.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
WA 1 reflection
The topic for WA1 was the two problems faced by the engineers in our home country. While I was doing research, i found out that there are actually many obstacles that greatly hinder the engineering design and processes. In China, for example, besides the rigid education system and the lack of a centralised authority, there are also problems like corruption and lack of suitable equipment and materials. Thus, there are actually many more challenges in the process of engineering design.
I also realised that in different countries, there are different major problems. one of the common problems is the education system which does not promote creativity, whether in China or Singapore. I think this is because the education systems in the eastern countries are different from that in the western countries. we can see that in the 20th century, the world's technological advancements were dominated by the European and the American countries. and thus the education system in a country plays a significant role in mouldling the future generations.
another common problem is the lack of fund. in many countries, it is very difficult to raise enough fund to start a project. most of the time, a project may easily take up to millions of dollars. thus, sometimes, a project may be either aborted or stopped half way due to the lack of fund.
all in all, engineering design processes in different countries may face various problems which cannot be easily solved.
I also realised that in different countries, there are different major problems. one of the common problems is the education system which does not promote creativity, whether in China or Singapore. I think this is because the education systems in the eastern countries are different from that in the western countries. we can see that in the 20th century, the world's technological advancements were dominated by the European and the American countries. and thus the education system in a country plays a significant role in mouldling the future generations.
another common problem is the lack of fund. in many countries, it is very difficult to raise enough fund to start a project. most of the time, a project may easily take up to millions of dollars. thus, sometimes, a project may be either aborted or stopped half way due to the lack of fund.
all in all, engineering design processes in different countries may face various problems which cannot be easily solved.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Syeed Khandani's Engineering Design Process, Revisited
In the article Engineering Design Process, Khandani states that the five major processes are: "defining the problem", "gathering information", "generating multiple solutions", "analyze and select a solution", and finally "analyzing and implementing the solution". He asserts that every process for innovation bank on these five factors.
In the first writing assignment, we have looked at how some problems in our home country may significantly hamper Engineering Design Process for innovations. We focused primarily on these five processes, and listed how domestic limitations may affect each of these stages from being fully realized (i.e. put into action).
But before we go on, we need to holistically consider whether true engineering can actually be reduced into such an idealistic statement.
We know that true engineering is practised. While the above five statements may conceptualize the major hurdles to overcome during the process, these statements do not fully reflect the full process of engineering design. In reality, most engineers are actually plauged by another series of much pettier problems during the design process. Examples of which include deadlines, funding, collaboration (failure), profits and personal interest. These problems are usually social, economic and psychological in nature, yet they too do greatly contribute to the engineering design process.
In the guest presentation given 28th August 2009, one of the presenters stated that engineering is not 'all between man and machine'. Rather, our present engineering success was built out of a tension of 'contingency and compromise' from the past. Compromise not only between man and truth (technological knowledge advancement), but also between man and himself (psychology), man and society, man and ethics, and ultimately man and his ideals.
There is a saying that "should man truly wish to improve his current deposition (either technologically via engineering or spiritually via metaphysical enlightenment), the three primary areas to work on shoild be in the domains of Truth, Goodness and Beauty.". Indeed, while we strive twards a greater knowledge of the objective truth and towards the beauty of the improved life, we cannot compromise Goodness (ethics, especially in the field of bioengineering) for aesthetics. Neither can we disregard our needs for survival (wages), nor the true aims of engineering for our fellow men.
Engineering, as I believe, is more than just another set of skills to master or understand. And while the above five processes do justify the main concerns of engineering, we still have to bear in mind that such concerns are not exhaustive. To the technicalities of engineering must be added the philosophy, and the implications of engineering. Then can we holistically realize engineering as it truly is.
In the first writing assignment, we have looked at how some problems in our home country may significantly hamper Engineering Design Process for innovations. We focused primarily on these five processes, and listed how domestic limitations may affect each of these stages from being fully realized (i.e. put into action).
But before we go on, we need to holistically consider whether true engineering can actually be reduced into such an idealistic statement.
We know that true engineering is practised. While the above five statements may conceptualize the major hurdles to overcome during the process, these statements do not fully reflect the full process of engineering design. In reality, most engineers are actually plauged by another series of much pettier problems during the design process. Examples of which include deadlines, funding, collaboration (failure), profits and personal interest. These problems are usually social, economic and psychological in nature, yet they too do greatly contribute to the engineering design process.
In the guest presentation given 28th August 2009, one of the presenters stated that engineering is not 'all between man and machine'. Rather, our present engineering success was built out of a tension of 'contingency and compromise' from the past. Compromise not only between man and truth (technological knowledge advancement), but also between man and himself (psychology), man and society, man and ethics, and ultimately man and his ideals.
There is a saying that "should man truly wish to improve his current deposition (either technologically via engineering or spiritually via metaphysical enlightenment), the three primary areas to work on shoild be in the domains of Truth, Goodness and Beauty.". Indeed, while we strive twards a greater knowledge of the objective truth and towards the beauty of the improved life, we cannot compromise Goodness (ethics, especially in the field of bioengineering) for aesthetics. Neither can we disregard our needs for survival (wages), nor the true aims of engineering for our fellow men.
Engineering, as I believe, is more than just another set of skills to master or understand. And while the above five processes do justify the main concerns of engineering, we still have to bear in mind that such concerns are not exhaustive. To the technicalities of engineering must be added the philosophy, and the implications of engineering. Then can we holistically realize engineering as it truly is.
Friday, 4 September 2009
Creativity Adventure
The lecture last week likely drew up an overall picture of a design process. Those who do not want to work fixedly could somewhat imagine their future job. The three previous posts did summary the lecture’s contents sufficiently well; for that reason, in this post, an adventure of creativity is presented to clarify the process.
The following Greek mythology gives us a fair example of the adventure.
Perhaps being the namesake of the Greek city, Athens, best honours Athena, but it was her creativity that allowed the city to keep the name. The Greek god of the sea, Poseidon was jealous of this, so he challenged Athena in a contest to give the Greeks something. The winner would become the city's final patron. Poseidon gave the residents a saltwater well. Athena topped him by providing a very creative gift: an olive tree, which provided shade from the sun, oil for lamps and olives to eat. Her multipurpose gift illustrates her brilliance. The olive today is of course associated with Greece (Donna Talarico, 2007).
As the story presents, the adventure begins with an idea. Generating an idea is not such a hard work since it is not necessary that the idea be significant. As long as humans still demand, there are a lot of things to do to meet their needs. The first try should take place from the daily life where some improvements should be carried out. Observing and questioning can also help. Besides, the idea should be new and interesting. It is because: Thinking is the door, but creativity is the key.
In the second part, the idea now needs analysing. What is its purpose? How can it give improvements? How about its feasibility? What are its affects against society and vice versa? The answers can only be objective if they are obtained from other people. Both experts and civilians will give distinctive answers to the idea. Interviewing, in this case, is more useful than thinking. Finding out about social feedback and challenges extending into contemporary society must not be ignored.
The final stage of the process is bringing the idea into life after a lot of considerations. It does not matter which way it is conducted or how long it takes, but it should not be done without passion. During the work, obstacles and criticisms may slow down the speed or even cause diversion. Like Galileo centuries ago, he kept his determination against all other harsh prejudice. Aspirations could be fulfilled with patient and persistence.
A design process which could be innovative requires creativity, feasibility and determination. “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe”, said Gail Devers.
The following Greek mythology gives us a fair example of the adventure.
Perhaps being the namesake of the Greek city, Athens, best honours Athena, but it was her creativity that allowed the city to keep the name. The Greek god of the sea, Poseidon was jealous of this, so he challenged Athena in a contest to give the Greeks something. The winner would become the city's final patron. Poseidon gave the residents a saltwater well. Athena topped him by providing a very creative gift: an olive tree, which provided shade from the sun, oil for lamps and olives to eat. Her multipurpose gift illustrates her brilliance. The olive today is of course associated with Greece (Donna Talarico, 2007).
As the story presents, the adventure begins with an idea. Generating an idea is not such a hard work since it is not necessary that the idea be significant. As long as humans still demand, there are a lot of things to do to meet their needs. The first try should take place from the daily life where some improvements should be carried out. Observing and questioning can also help. Besides, the idea should be new and interesting. It is because: Thinking is the door, but creativity is the key.
In the second part, the idea now needs analysing. What is its purpose? How can it give improvements? How about its feasibility? What are its affects against society and vice versa? The answers can only be objective if they are obtained from other people. Both experts and civilians will give distinctive answers to the idea. Interviewing, in this case, is more useful than thinking. Finding out about social feedback and challenges extending into contemporary society must not be ignored.
The final stage of the process is bringing the idea into life after a lot of considerations. It does not matter which way it is conducted or how long it takes, but it should not be done without passion. During the work, obstacles and criticisms may slow down the speed or even cause diversion. Like Galileo centuries ago, he kept his determination against all other harsh prejudice. Aspirations could be fulfilled with patient and persistence.
A design process which could be innovative requires creativity, feasibility and determination. “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe”, said Gail Devers.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
The need for being creative and innovative
The three professors discussed the problems faced by engineers from the different perspectives. The first speaker, professor Macelo Ang, shared with us some very creative inventions which made us ponder whether the creations would be accepted by the public. For example, airplane was one of the greatest inventions in the 19th century. Airplanes had quickly become a way of transportation because they made our lives much more convenient. Hence, it was a successful invention. On the other hand, however, the full length umbrella is indeed a better way to shield us from rain, but it may not be accepted by majority of people. Thus, we should ensure that the products invented must suit people’s needs well.
While the need for being creative had been emphasized, we must also be aware of the social factors. As being mentioned by the second professor, the invention of picture phone was definitely a breakthrough during that period. However, it had eventually become a failure because of the fact that users may want to keep their privacy while they are talking over the phones. Therefore, sometimes the products or inventions may not be commonly adopted if we ignore the social external factors.
All in all, as an engineering student, it is important to be creative and innovative at all times. Nevertheless, we must also take into considerations about the external factors which may possibly affect the products. Lastly, as being mentioned by professor Seah, we need to have passion for what we aim to achieve
While the need for being creative had been emphasized, we must also be aware of the social factors. As being mentioned by the second professor, the invention of picture phone was definitely a breakthrough during that period. However, it had eventually become a failure because of the fact that users may want to keep their privacy while they are talking over the phones. Therefore, sometimes the products or inventions may not be commonly adopted if we ignore the social external factors.
All in all, as an engineering student, it is important to be creative and innovative at all times. Nevertheless, we must also take into considerations about the external factors which may possibly affect the products. Lastly, as being mentioned by professor Seah, we need to have passion for what we aim to achieve
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
On technology and meaning
I would like to refer one of the issues brought up by guest speaker Marcelo H Ang Jr on Friday 28th August 2009 regarding the philosophy of life and technology.
Marcelo had brought up a series of questions and interpretations on the earlier half of his presentation. One of which struck me most was the issue of the purpose of life. In his presentation, he made a loose allusion between the meaning of life, perfection, human drives and solving problems. While he mentions that without challenges and strives for perfection life would hold little meaning, he acknowledges that a life strived just for the creation and solving of problems is no different from reaching out to an ever shifting goalpost. Personally, I believe that these words do hold very good sense.
Now, as we strive towards success by come up with solutions to counter yesterday's problems, a fundamental question arises: what does engineering and technology have to do with the meaning of our lives?
Indeed, we can generally agree that much of our world is far from perfection. Asthetically, we see an impaired world as a reflection of our impaired selves; hence from engineering we sought solutions to enhance ourselves. With our advances in technology, we have made our lives more comfortable, and at the same time took a step in the direction of perfection. Glasses help us to see when our eyesight fails; the motor car allows us to travel further than our legs can carry us. We build buildings to protect ourselves from the elements, as well as infrastructure to facilitate development within our society.
But even so, we cannot say that the strife towards technological advancements is the sole purpose of our lives. We know that the purpose of life transcends this one-dimensional issue of merely creating and solving problems. As observed by Marcelo with his analogy of the shifting goalpost, such ideals to achieve perfection by solving problems would only lead to the creation of other problems. Moreover, it is not until we are infinitely successful do we see a purpose in living. If it is so- then it can be argued that life itself is meaningless.
So what can we conclude? It would be impossible to make a hasty philosophical conclusion today on what the true meaning of life is. Similarily, it would be equally unwise to state that our inventions have brought us nowhere. (After all, it is evident that the quality of life has improved over the past few decades with technology.) Perhaps our true purpose in life is to make use of the time that has been bestowed upon us to improve- not only technologically speaking, but also in a metaphysical sense. Technology, being what we do best, then becomes an important channel and medium for that 'holistic' improvement towards perfection.
Marcelo had brought up a series of questions and interpretations on the earlier half of his presentation. One of which struck me most was the issue of the purpose of life. In his presentation, he made a loose allusion between the meaning of life, perfection, human drives and solving problems. While he mentions that without challenges and strives for perfection life would hold little meaning, he acknowledges that a life strived just for the creation and solving of problems is no different from reaching out to an ever shifting goalpost. Personally, I believe that these words do hold very good sense.
Now, as we strive towards success by come up with solutions to counter yesterday's problems, a fundamental question arises: what does engineering and technology have to do with the meaning of our lives?
Indeed, we can generally agree that much of our world is far from perfection. Asthetically, we see an impaired world as a reflection of our impaired selves; hence from engineering we sought solutions to enhance ourselves. With our advances in technology, we have made our lives more comfortable, and at the same time took a step in the direction of perfection. Glasses help us to see when our eyesight fails; the motor car allows us to travel further than our legs can carry us. We build buildings to protect ourselves from the elements, as well as infrastructure to facilitate development within our society.
But even so, we cannot say that the strife towards technological advancements is the sole purpose of our lives. We know that the purpose of life transcends this one-dimensional issue of merely creating and solving problems. As observed by Marcelo with his analogy of the shifting goalpost, such ideals to achieve perfection by solving problems would only lead to the creation of other problems. Moreover, it is not until we are infinitely successful do we see a purpose in living. If it is so- then it can be argued that life itself is meaningless.
So what can we conclude? It would be impossible to make a hasty philosophical conclusion today on what the true meaning of life is. Similarily, it would be equally unwise to state that our inventions have brought us nowhere. (After all, it is evident that the quality of life has improved over the past few decades with technology.) Perhaps our true purpose in life is to make use of the time that has been bestowed upon us to improve- not only technologically speaking, but also in a metaphysical sense. Technology, being what we do best, then becomes an important channel and medium for that 'holistic' improvement towards perfection.
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