UNIT IV: Methodology of Engineering

This unit explores the processes and methods used in engineering.

Difference Between Scientific Method and
Engineering Design
Scientists study how nature works and discover new knowledge. They use the scientific
method.
Engineers create or construct new things like products, systems, and processes. They follow
the creativity-based engineering design process.
Scientists aim to make testable explanations and predictions. Engineers aim to create
solutions to problems by identifying a specific need ("Who need(s) what because why?").
●​ The Scientific Method steps: State question, background research, formulate
hypothesis, identify variables, design experiment, establish procedure, test hypothesis,
analyze results, draw conclusions, communicate results.
●​ The Engineering Design Process steps: Define the problem, do background research,
specify requirements, create alternative solutions, choose the best one and develop it,
build a prototype, test and redesign as necessary, communicate results.
In practice, there's an overlap; scientists may do engineering work, and engineers apply
scientific principles. If the goal is inventing something new, the engineering design process is
appropriate.
ADDIE Model
A generic process used by instructional designers and training developers.
●​ Consists of five phases: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation.
●​ It's a dynamic, flexible guideline for building training and performance support tools.
●​ Each phase's outcome feeds into the subsequent step.
●​ Variations exist (e.g., ISD, Dick & Carey). Rapid prototyping is a common improvement
for catching problems early.
○​ Analysis Phase: Clarify the problem, set goals/objectives, identify the
audience/learning environment. (e.g., Who is the audience? What are the
constraints? What is the timeline?).
○​ Design Phase: Deal with learning objectives, assessments, content, lesson
planning, media selection. Requires a systematic and specific approach. Includes
applying strategies, creating storyboards, designing UI/UX, and prototyping.
○​ Development Phase: Create and assemble content assets from the design
phase. Programmers develop technology, testers debug, the project is
reviewed/revised.
○​ Implementation Phase: Train facilitators and learners on curriculum, delivery
methods, tools, etc. Ensure all resources are in place and functional.
 ○​ Evaluation Phase: Includes formative (ongoing throughout) and summative
(tests, user feedback) evaluation.
CDIO INITIATIVE
An educational framework for training the next generation of engineers.
●​ Stresses engineering fundamentals within the context of Conceiving — Designing —
Implementing — Operating (CDIO) real-world systems and products.
●​ Used globally by universities for curriculum planning and assessment.
●​ Developed with input from various stakeholders (academics, industry, engineers,
students).
○​ Conceive: Define needs, consider constraints, develop concepts/plans.
○​ Design: Create the plans, drawings, and algorithms.
○​ Implement: Transform the design into the product (manufacturing, coding,
testing, validation).
○​ Operate: Use the product to deliver value (maintaining, evolving, retiring).
Engineering Design Process (Detailed Steps)
A series of steps to find a solution, which is iterative. Steps may be repeated to learn from
failures and make improvements.
●​ Applies science, math, and engineering sciences for optimization.
●​ Common steps include:
○​ Define the problem: Understand what needs solving, for whom, why, and identify
limitations/requirements.
○​ Brainstorm Possible Solutions: Generate many ideas without early judgment.
○​ Research Ideas / Explore Possibilities: Learn from past projects and diverse
perspectives (including users).
○​ Establish Criteria and Constraints: Define factors limiting the work.
○​ Consider Alternative Solutions: Compare different viable ideas by repeating
earlier steps.
○​ Select an Approach: Choose the solution that best meets requirements.
○​ Develop a Design Proposal: Refine the selected solution (this stage can be
ongoing).
○​ Make a Model or Prototype: Create a test version of the product based on the
proposal.
○​ Test and Evaluate: Test the prototype to identify areas for improvement.
○​ Refine the Design: Revise the design based on testing results (can be repeated).
○​ Create the Final Product: Develop the finished solution after testing and
refinement.
○​ Communicate the Results: Document and present the final product and
process.
Operational Factors in System Design
Key concepts for designing efficient, scalable, accessible, secure, and cost-friendly
architecture (especially software).
Include:
●​ Integrity and Consistency: Ensuring data is reliable and consistent, using redundancy
and backups.
●​ Performance and Scalability: Designing the architecture to handle growth in users
and traffic.
●​ Deployment Strategy: Integrating the deployment process into the design.
●​ Security: Incorporating security procedures and enforcing strong practices.
●​ User Experience and Inclusivity: Designing systems with the end-user journey and
accessibility in mind.
●​ Recovery and Planning: Including data recovery and business continuity planning for
unforeseen events.
●​ Unit Testing: Making unit testing an essential part of the design, encouraging
automation.
●​ Application Performance Monitoring: Designing systems to provide support
information and insights when issues occur.

UNIT V: Axiology of Engineering

This unit focuses on the value and ethics associated with engineering. Axiology is the study of
value.
Engineering and Society
Engineers have significantly changed the world through their creations and problem-solving.
Key areas of impact include:
●​ Health: Advances in medical technology by engineers enable doctors to treat patients
effectively.
●​ Technology: Engineers are behind the growth in technology, from mobile devices to
satellites.
●​ Communication: Engineering has vastly improved global communication.
●​ Development: Innovations like steam engines, jet engines, and airplanes have
increased efficiency and transformed travel.
●​ Space: Engineers made space travel and ventures like the International Space Station
possible.
Engineering impacts nearly every aspect of modern life and continues to be beneficial.
Engineers Code of Ethics
●​ Engineering is a learned profession requiring high standards of honesty and integrity.
●​ Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people.
●​ Engineers' services must be honest, impartial, fair, equitable, and dedicated to
protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
 ●​ Engineers must adhere to the highest ethical principles.
●​ Fundamental Canons:
○​ Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
○​ Perform services only in areas of their competence.
○​ Issue public statements objectively and truthfully.
○​ Act as faithful agents or trustees for employers/clients.
○​ Avoid deceptive acts.
○​ Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully.
●​ Rules of Practice provide more detail on these canons, covering duties such as
reporting dangers, approving conforming documents, maintaining confidentiality,
avoiding associations with dishonesty, reporting code violations, operating within
expertise, being truthful in statements, disclosing conflicts of interest, avoiding
improper compensation or solicitation, and avoiding misrepresentation of qualifications
or influence-peddling.
Sustainability and Diversity
●​ Sustainability is development that meets current needs without compromising future
generations' ability to meet their own needs.
●​ It involves responsible resource use considering long-term consequences.
●​ Beyond environmental concerns, sustainability involves 3Es: Environmental, Economic,
and Ethical (Equity/Social). A balance is needed.
●​ A diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) workplace improves a company's sustainability
impact.
○​ Environmental E: DEI helps create equitable processes, inclusive leaders can
manage diverse teams for global operations, diversity helps build better strategies
by understanding community impacts, and diverse teams are more innovative and
ready for bold actions needed for environmental efforts.
○​ Ethics (Equity/Social) E: Often overlooked. Measured by social license (support
from stakeholders). Ethical impact involves fair treatment of employees,
non-discrimination, investing in communities, etc. DEI ensures equal opportunities
and participation, leads to more conscious and fair decisions, improves
psychological safety, and helps companies reach wider audiences while avoiding
discriminatory practices.
○​ Economic E: Beyond profitability, involves good governance, transparency, and
avoiding conflicts of interest. Diversity with inclusion is profitable (culturally
diverse boards show higher profits). Inclusive organizations promote transparency
and better handle conflicts, leading to a trustworthy brand image.
●​ Sustainability and DEI are intertwined; an inclusive workplace is a key step for
successful sustainability efforts.
Engineer’s role to achieve Sustainable Development
Engineers must operate within a broad context encompassing social, ethical, environmental,
and economic challenges. The 3Es guide their professional obligations towards sustainability.
Engineers should maximize their activity's value towards a sustainable world, understanding
changing societal demands.
Key responsibilities include:
●​ Recognizing potential global and long-lasting impacts of their work.
●​ Understanding relevant social and cultural structures outside their own.
●​ Recognizing their role in sustainable development of communities.
●​ Incorporating community views and concerns regarding project impacts.
●​ Applying professional judgment and taking leadership.
They must look at the broad picture, stay updated on sustainable development, influence
decision-makers, identify issues/options considering economic, social, environmental
outcomes, and ensure solutions contribute to sustainability.
●​ Going beyond minimum legal compliance is necessary. This includes anticipating future
legislation, helping others improve, alerting authorities to deficiencies, and using
expertise to drive new codes.
●​ Using resources efficiently and effectively is crucial. This involves understanding
environmental limits, reducing demand and waste, using resource-efficient systems,
adopting strategies for re-use/recycling/disposal, minimizing impacts at the design
stage, and repairing damage.
●​ Complex challenges require seeking multiple views. Engineers should engage with
stakeholders (including non-specialists), involve other professionals, utilize
cross-disciplinary knowledge, and promote their leadership role.
●​ Engineers manage risks, ensuring assessment includes potential environmental,
economic, and social impacts, even beyond the project's lifetime.
Professional Organizations for Engineers
These organizations provide support like advocacy, professional development, publishing
updates, and networking.
Examples mentioned:
●​ National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE): Addresses non-technical
concerns of licensed engineers, offers continuing education and networking.
●​ IEEE: World's largest technical professional organization focusing on technology
advancement across fields, known for publications and networking opportunities.
●​ American Association of Engineering Societies (AAES): Multidisciplinary, serves as a
collective voice for the U.S. engineering community, works with international societies.
●​ Society of Women Engineers (SWE): Focuses on women in engineering, providing
education, networking, leadership development, and promoting diversity discussions.
●​ International Engineering Consortium (IEC): Brings universities and societies
together for continuing education, heads the Electrical and Computer Engineering
Department Heads Association.