While highly cohesive groups are potentially advantageous they are also often correlated with the emergence of knowledge and information silos based around those same functional or occupational clusters. Consequently, an essential challenge for engineering organisations wishing to overcome informational silos is to implement mechanisms that…

This paper describes research underpinning a course, developed in Australia, on ethics for engineers. The methodology used, that of identifying the principal ethical issues facing the discipline and designing the course around these issues, would be applicable to other disciplines and in other countries. The course was based on the assumption that…

This paper presents the effects of a continuous assessment process on mechanical engineering education at Kuwait University. This process has been in place for the last five academic years and is producing results. Efforts to educate faculty and students about the process are beginning to produce accurate and consistent measurements of student…

We have been teaching applied molecular genetics to engineers and adapted the teaching methodology to the European Credit Transfer System. We teach core principles of genetics that are universal and form the conceptual basis of most molecular technologies. The course then teaches widely used techniques and finally shows how different techniques…

The paper presents an "inverse" method to teach specialist manufacturing processes by identifying a focal representative product (RP) from which, key specialist manufacturing (KSM) processes are analysed and interrelated to assess the capability of integrated manufacturing routes. In this approach, RP should: comprise KSM processes; involve…

All stakeholders are aware of the importance of measuring performance in higher education at the university/college level. Generally the performance indicators used for this purpose have focused on graduation rates and/or final examination scores, rather than the performance-enabling processes. Further, the most commonly used method for knowledge…

Decisions assume some level of interdependency between knowledge and know-how, these being distinct realities. Knowledge refers to the understanding one has of a phenomenon while know-how refers to one's capability of actions on a phenomenon. Information can be related to decision only by transforming data which is held in a semiotic memory into…

Presented two models for educating engineers in information counseling and information management. Described the main aspects of the professional roles in these fields and which qualifications are required. A postgraduate program (Germany) which qualifies for these functions is illustrated. Alternative form of education in information science,…

Traditionally engineers are not heaviest users of information resources. This can be traced to lack of emphasis on information sources in engineering education. Failure to use available knowledge leads to reinventing the wheel and losing the race for technological superiority. Few U.S. universities offer formal courses in information resources in…

Specific conditions and information needs of the engineer in Indonesia are described. Much foreign input is applied in development projects resulting in a continuous need for transfer of technology. Most libraries and information services are not adequately equipped to provide for the engineer's information needs. Steps are being taken to help…

Reviewed are some current trends in engineering education in the UK, particularly those toward open and distance learning. A case study is provided that shows a recent move to develop relevant and up-to-date course materials in the area of Advanced Manufacturing Technology for undergraduates through collaboration between academic and library…

Described are the developments of a computing environment, the general training in the use of information technology, the training of specialists in computer science and engineering, and the use of information technology as an aid in the education process at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm. (RH)

Examines some of the mathematical topics which are important in computer science by discussing in some detail the process of sorting by comparisons. (JN)

Describes the background of the study and fellowship programs for graduates from the developing countries at the Norwegian Institute of Technology. Discusses some experiences with the programs. Includes a brief description of five courses: (1) "Pulp and Paper Technology"; (2) "Marine Civil Engineering"; (3) "Hydropower Development"; (4) "Electric…

Suggests that engineering curricula should be designed on the basis that engineering is a vocation. Outlines how curricula might be developed by identifying engineering jobs and proceeding from job specification through engineering capability profiles to subjects of instruction. (YP)