About the Authors ix
Preface xii
Engineering spotlights: at a glance xiv
Part 1 Introduction to engineering 1
Chapter 1 What is engineering? 2
Introduction 3
1.1 What is the role of an engineer? 4
1.2 Engineering disciplines 7
1.3 The core skills and attributes of an engineer 17
1.4 Engineering science 23
1.5 The impact of engineering on society and national identity 24
1.6 Professionalism, certification and ethical practice in engineering 35
Summary 37
Key terms 37
Exercises 38
Project activity 39
References 39
Acknowledgements 41
Chapter 2 The engineering method 43
Introduction 44
2.1 The engineering method 45
2.2 Systems thinking 56
2.3 Project management 59
2.4 The life cycle of an engineering asset 68
2.5 Critical thinking 73
Summary 80
Key terms 81
Exercises 81
Project activity 82
References 82
Acknowledgements 84
Part 2 Engineering in society 85
Chapter 3 Sustainable engineering 86
Introduction 87
3.1 What is ecologically sustainable development (ESD)? 89
3.2 Strategies for practising sustainable engineering 96
3.3 Environmentally sustainable engineering 102
3.4 Socially sustainable engineering 109
3.5 Economically sustainable engineering 116
Summary 120
Key terms 121
Exercises 122
Project activity 123
References 123
Acknowledgements 126
Chapter 4 Professional responsibility and ethics 127
Introduction 128
4.1 Professional responsibility: standards and professional liability 129
4.2 Work health and safety (WHS) and personal liability 132
4.3 Engineering ethics 137
4.4 Ethical theories 142
4.5 Common ethical dilemmas in engineering 146
4.6 Macro ethics 153
4.7 Culture and corruption 154
Summary 158
Key terms 159
Exercises 160
Project activity 161
References 161
Acknowledgements 162
Part 3 Professional skills 163
Chapter 5 Self-management 164
Introduction 165
5.1 Understanding self 167
5.2 What motivates you? 171
5.3 Developing your skills 177
5.4 Self-management skills 180
5.5 Life-long learning 182
5.6 Reviewing your performance 196
Summary 200
Key terms 201
Exercises 201
Project activity 202
References 202
Acknowledgements 204
Chapter 6 Working with people 207
Introduction 208
6.1 Collaborating with others 209
6.2 Working in groups 215
6.3 Meetings 226
6.4 Negotiation 237
6.5 Dispute resolution 242
Summary 244
Key terms 245
Exercises 245
Project activity 246
References 246
Acknowledgements 247
Part 4 Communication 249
Chapter 7 Understanding communication 250
Introduction 251
7.1 What is communication? 253
7.2 Communication theories and models 256
7.3 Communication contexts 263
7.4 Communication methods 274
7.5 Communication roles 279
Summary 284
Key terms 285
Exercises 285
Project activity 286
References 286
Acknowledgements 287
Chapter 8 Communication skills 289
Introduction 290
8.1 Verbal communication skills 295
8.2 Formal verbal communication 300
8.3 Written communication skills 308
8.4 Visual communication 315
Summary 331
Key terms 331
Exercises 332
References 332
Acknowledgements 333
Part 5 Applying the engineering method 335
Chapter 9 Information skills 336
Introduction 337
9.1 Data, information and knowledge 340
9.2 Identifying information needs 349
9.3 Locating and retrieving information 353
9.4 Evaluating information and information sources 370
9.5 Integrating, managing and using information 374
9.6 Citing and referencing 380
Summary 383
Key terms 384
Exercises 384
Project activity 384
References 386
Acknowledgements 387
Chapter 10 Engineering design 389
Introduction 390
10.1 Design = problem solving 391
10.2 Systems thinking 394
10.3 Generating alternative solutions 410
Summary 423
Key terms 423
Exercises 424
Project activity 424
References 425
Acknowledgements 427
Chapter 11 Evaluating options 429
Introduction 430
11.1 Evaluating solutions — economics 430
11.2 Technical feasibility 442
11.3 Mathematical modelling in design 445
Summary 451
Key terms 451
Exercises 451
Project activity 452
References 453
Acknowledgements 453
Chapter 12 Engineering decision making 455
Introduction 456
12.1 Engineering decision making 456
12.2 Complexity 459
12.3 Team-based decision making 460
12.4 Reviewing key decision-making criteria 466
12.5 Decision support systems, tools and techniques 469
Summary 481
Key terms 481
Exercises 482
Project activity 482
References 482
Acknowledgements 483
Chapter 13 Managing engineering projects 485
Introduction 486
13.1 Understanding project management 487
13.2 Planning the stages of an engineering project 495
13.3 Creating a risk-management plan 510
13.4 Developing a knowledge management plan 515
13.5 Quality management and its relationship to project management 518
Summary 524
Key terms 524
Exercises 525
Project activity 526
References 526
Acknowledgements 527
Chapter 14 Communicating information 529
Introduction 530
14.1 Three communication contexts 532
14.2 Planning a communication 536
14.3 Writing in the engineering workplace 542
14.4 Technical presentations 564
14.5 Visual communication 566
14.6 Integrating AI into engineering communications 576
Summary 582
Key terms 583
Exercises 583
Project activity 583
References 583
Acknowledgements 585
Part 6 Planning your career 587
Chapter 15 Your engineering future 588
Introduction 589
15.1 Engineering to meet future global challenges 590
15.2 Engineering and globalisation 600
15.3 Futuristic engineering: emerging fields 604
15.4 An engineering career 609
Summary 614
Key terms 614
Exercises 615
Project activity 616
References 616
Acknowledgements 618
Index 619
