Reference no: EM132301551 , Length: word count:500

Foundations of Engineering Assignment - Individual problem-solving report

Goal: Founded upon the practical experience and lessons learned during Semester thus far and the real-world problems identified on the field trip, the goal is to demonstrate, individually, an understanding of how engineering problems can be collaboratively investigated and solved.

Situation: During the field trip you were presented with several problems that Council's engineers need to solve on the Sunshine Coast coastline.

Task: In this assessment you are tasked to select one of these problems, then using techniques such as those outlined in Chapter 6 of Idea Engineering, by La Verne Abe Harris (2014), & practiced in tutorials, clearly define the problem that you have chosen to investigate and identify some possible solutions.

An example of a systematic approach is that outlined by Harris (2014) (see Prezi for additional steps) to answer the following questions:

Question 1: What do you think is the problem?

Question 2: Why is this a problem?

Question 3: How urgent is a solution needed?

Question 4: How are other companies/countries dealing with this issue?

Question 5: Why did this happen?

Method: Graphically represent the causes identified in the answers to the above questions. Those that are considered the most significant should be highlighted (eg. perhaps using the fishbone technique). A concept map or mind map could also be used to assist you to identify relationships between causes and the real problem that needs to be addressed.

Using the results from the above techniques develop a statement of the problem; review that statement and based on the feedback you received, adjust your problem statement.

Finally, perhaps by using matrix/quantification methods suggest possible, and an optimal solution to this problem.

Product: 500 word (2 to 4 pages) individual report, preferably in PDF format.

Assessment Criteria:

• Identification of external factors that impact engineering practice.
• Use of key engineering terms in the appropriate context.
• Critical review of engineering practice.
• Critical review of the engineering outcome.

Possible document structure:

Heading (Document title / name etc.)

Introduction (what the document is about, what it contains, how it is laid out)

Identifying the problem (what you did & what you found)?

Optimising the solution (what you did and what you found)?

Conclusion

References

Appendices as necessary (perhaps fishbone diagram, mind maps, matrices, Excel excerpts etc.)

Attachment:- Assignment File & Chapters.rar