The engineering design process is so comprehensive and versatile that some people wonder what are the differences between engineering design and the scientific method. The truth is that while both concepts are extremely useful, there are important differences between them. What Is the Scientific Method? Let’s begin by defining what the scientific method is. The…
One of the most common questions we get is “How is engineering design different from other types of design?” Asking this question makes sense, since both “design” and “engineering” are wide concepts with many different applications, so it’s essential to understand the difference between some disciplines that are related but are by no means the…
When it comes to project management, Gantt charts are the gold standard. Project managers all over the world use this visual insrument to keep track of tasks performed against time. Read on to learn more about how these graphics help all kinds of projects stay on track. What Are Gantt Charts? A Gantt chart is…
In the first part of our basic glossary of engineering design, we explored some terms essential to navigate this exciting discipline. Today we bring you the second part of this selection of useful terms. Proof of Concept Also known as proof of principle, this is a rough model made to test if an idea is…
As fascinating as it is, engineering design can prove difficult to understand without a good grasp of some basic concepts. The following are some terms you will come across often as you explore this vast and compelling discipline. Blueprint A technical drawing that shows in detail how to build or develop something. This term, that…
You may be familiar with the acronym PSEP without really knowing what those four letters stand for. PSEP stands for Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan. This is an implementation plan established in 2014 by Southern California Gas (SoCalGas) to promote the continued safety of gas transmission pipelines. The basic goal of the plan is testing and…
In previous posts, we have defined engineering design and the engineering design process. As we have seen, engineering design is an important component of our society. But its benefits extend beyond the creation of useful things. Engineering design is also a thinking tool, and as such it offers several benefits to children. Introducing kids from…
Engineering design is all around us. It has been used to create everything from the chair you may be sitting on, to the device you are using right now to read these words. And yet, despite its ubiquity and importance, this field remains little understood. So much so, that the most common question related to…
Few people are as focused, organized, and goal-oriented as project managers. The secret of their mental and emotional discipline is a series of project management habits that anyone can adopt. Be Prepared One of the main tasks of a project manager is assessing potential setbacks. Risk management allows project managers to stay on top of…
Successful project management can be the difference between outstanding results and a project filled with disagreement and delays. From guidelines to a solid kickoff meeting to a simple way to ensure that a project stays on track, here are three keys for successful project management. Getting Off to a Good Start is Essential for Succesful…