Description
Book SynopsisThis book sets out the principles of engineering practice, knowledge that has come to light through more than a decade of research by the author and his students studying engineers at work. Until now, this knowledge has been almost entirely unwritten, passed on invisibly from one generation of engineers to the next, what engineers refer to as âœexperienceâ. This is a book for all engineers. It distils the knowledge of many experts in one volume. The book will help engineers enjoy a more satisfying and rewarding career and provide more valuable results for their employers and clients. The book focuses on issues often seen as âœnon-technicalâ in the world of engineering, yet it shows how these issues are thoroughly technical. Engineering firms traditionally have sought expert advice on these aspects from management schools, often regarding these aspects of engineering practice as something to do with psychology or organisational behaviour. The results are normally disappointing because m
Table of ContentsPreface: Engineering practice has been invisible 1. Why engineer? 2. What type of engineer? 3. Flying start, no wings, wrong direction 4. Becoming an expert 5. What engineers know 6. Three neglected skills: Listening, seeing and reading 7. Collaboration in engineering 8. Informal teaching: More than an interpreter 9. Technical coordination: Informal leadership 10. Managing a project 11. Understanding investment decisions 12. Negotiating sustainability 13. Great expectations 14. Seeking work 15. Conclusion; Guide to online appendices; References; Keyword Index; Index of People and Organisations.
