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Engineer in Society

Presented by Eng. Prabodha JinasenaAdditional General Manager

Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau

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Society…..Is it relevant to Engineers?

• We are Engineers• Engineers deal with Science and Technology• No training in Sociology…?• Sociological subjects relevant/not relevant…?

• Do these useful for Engineers ….?

Humanities Culture Nature

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What is lacking in Engineering..?

• Training in Humanities

• Training in Culture

• Is it a curriculum issue..?

• Lack of understanding of the Nature..?

• Engineer’s role in society not emphasized..?

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Why Society is so Important..?

• We are living with people• We interact with people• We live in the society• We are part of the society

That is why it is important

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How engineering fit in ..?

• Understanding the nature of engineering

• Relationship with other professions

• Engineers contributions

• Responsibility

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Nature of Engineering• Engineering is a dynamic profession

• It is not a static profession

• Not a profession of uniform practice

• Engineering should fit in to today’s world

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Life as An Engineer

Designs Planning

Supervision

Calculations

Management

Is this the life of Engineers..?

Execution

Evaluations

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How do you see these entities..?

Scientific Knowledge

SocietalNeeds

Is there any relationship..?

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Scientific Knowledge

SocietalNeeds

Engineering

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Scientific Knowledge

Societal Needs

Analysis CreativityEngineering

Creative analysis with scientific knowledge catering to societal

needs through engineering leads to – INNOVATIONS( Innovative products and Services )

Engineering Enterprise

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World without Engineers

Science (n)

The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment (organized body of knowledge)

Technology (n)

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes (knowledge concerned with applied science)

Dictionary meaning of following words

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Defining EngineeringScientist discovers that which existsAn engineer creates that which never was

-Theodore von Karman (1881-1963)

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Engineer• An engineer is a professional practitioner of

engineering, applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and develop solutions for technical problems

• Engineers design materials, structures and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality safety and cost

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The Nature of Engineering• Engineering is application of science to the

Common purpose of life

• Engineering is the art of directing the great sources of power in nature for the use and convenience of Man kind

• Engineering is the art of organizing and directing men and controlling the forces and materials for the benefit of the Human race

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Engineers Council for Professional Development (1961/1979)

Engineering is the profession in which the knowledge of mathematical and natural sciences gained by

Study – Experience – Practice is applied with judgment to develop ways to utilize the materials and forces of nature economically for the benefit of mankind

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31st President of the US says….Engineering is a great profession. There is a satisfaction of watching a figment of the imagination emerge, through the aid of science, to a plan on paper. Then it moves to realization in stone or metal or energy. Then it brings homes to men or women. Then it elevates the standards of living and adds to the comfort of life. That is the engineer's high privilege.

-Herbert Hoover(US mining engineer & 31st President of the US : 1874 - 1964)

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In mathematics 1+1 = ?

In management 1+1 = ?

Definition of engineering based on mathematics

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In Management 1+1 = ?

Where does the engineering stand?

2 < Eng < 11

Definition of engineering based on Management

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Manager

ScientistMathematician

Magician

Generalist

Who is an Engineer …?

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Chartered Engineer

Chartered engineers are characterized by

their ability to develop appropriate solutions

to engineering problems, using new or

existing technologies through innovation,

creativity and change

Innovation

Creativity

Chang

e

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• Investigation• Planning & Design• Construction/Manufacturing• Operation & Maintenance (O&M)• Continual Improvement• Research & Development (R&D)

Fundamental in Engineering for the betterment of Services

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Engineering is every where

• Engineering is all around us, so people often take it for granted, like air and water

• Ask yourself…What do I touch…………. That is not engineered……….?

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Engineering is..…..1/2

• Engineering is an art

• Engineering is an approximation

• Engineering is measurement, estimation, forecast

and projection

• Engineering is about modeling and Simulation

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Engineering is..…..2/2

• Engineering is a communication, technical report writing and presentation

• Engineering is finance

• Engineering is an invention

• Engineering is a creative process

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What Engineers do?• Solve the problems by Applying Knowledge• Optimize design to minimize cost and enhance

efficiency• Predict the problems and find solutions

before hand• Imagine and think new and creative way of

doing thingsAll t

his is fo

r whom….?

PeopleSociety

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Society• The community of people or varied collection

of individuals living in a particular country or region and having shared

• Law• Culture• Customs• Relationships• Mutual interests• Shared institutions

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In Society…?

• You are part of the Society ….?• You have extra knowledge• You are trained for a purpose

• You have a role to play

• You have a Big Role to play

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Different Roles of Engineer

Politician

Scientist

Expert

Salesman

Academic

Entrepreneur

Lawyer

Manager

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Role as an Engineer• Role of an Engineer is more than the

calculations, designs, drawings, Planning, supervision etc..

• Sometime he has to play roles which on first impression, not linked to their professional training

• The training received as an Engineer is part of the reasons which an Engineer can display his versatility

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Technology !

People enjoy what technology can do for them while often ignoring what it can do to them

-- Edward Wenk

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Responsibility• We live in a complex, global and intercultural

world coupled with lot of problems

• It is compulsory that engineers should amplify the horizon of their specialized technical knowledge in the field of development within the Norms, Principles and ideals of Ethics

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Social Responsibilities of Engineers1. Ensure the safety and interest ahead of all other

considerations for well-being of the public

2. Ensure that society’s funds and resources concerning technology are well used

3. Concern about the impact of engineering projects on environment and society

4. Refusing to work on a particular project or for a particular company violating above

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Social Responsibilities of Engineers5. Speaking out publicly against a improper projects

6. Blowing the whistle on illegality or wrong-doing

7. Professional Societies obligation to provide protection for whistleblowers

8. Contributing one’s services to worthy, non-profit groups and projects

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Social Responsibilities of Engineers

9. Commitment to educate future engineers about their social responsibilities

10. Voluntarily educating the public about important consequences of various technological and scientific developments

11. These will bring recognition to the profession

12. Recognition in Society as well

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Arguments that Engineers Don’t Have Social Responsibilities

1. Professions have social responsibilities but engineering is not a profession like medicine and law and so it does not have the same social responsibilities

2. Engineering is not given the same privileges like other professionals, so there is no social contract that promotes engineering social responsibility

3. Engineering is a value-free enterprise that deals only in objective facts

4. Engineering does not serve a crucial social need which is the basis of a full social interaction

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Engineering Codes of Ethics• ASCE Code of Ethics

–Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the performance of their professional duties

• Software Engineering Code of Ethics

–Principle1.03: Approve software only if they have a well-founded belief that it is safe, meets specifications, passes appropriate tests, and does not diminish quality of life, diminish privacy or harm the environment. The ultimate effect of the work should be to the public good

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IEEE Code of Ethics for EngineersARTICLE IV

Engineers shall, in fulfilling their responsibilities to the community-

• Protect the safety, health and welfare of the public and speak out against abuses in these areas affecting the public interest

• Contribute professional advice, as appropriate, to civic, charitable or other non-profit organizations

• Seek to extend public knowledge and appreciation of the engineering profession and its achievements

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Modern Definition of Engineering Proposed by

Institution of Professional Engineers in New Zealand (1993)

Engineers will translate into actionthe dreams of humanitytraditional knowledge and concepts of science to achieve sustainable management of the planet through the creative application of technology

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Why engineers have the responsibility of interaction of technology and society..?

• Because engineers are the ones who create and implement the technology

• Should be responsible for their own actions and creations because of the impact of their work on society and the people

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Social Contract Model

• Professionals are guardians of the public trust

• Professions are social institutions—they are organized by some act of society and are granted special powers in return for socially beneficial goods and services (Licensure)

• An implicit, unstated agreement exists between professional and society

• Society may subsidize training of professionals

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The Implicit Contract Between Society and the Engineering Profession

Professionals agree to-• Provide a service for the public well-being• Promote public welfare, even at own expense

Self-regulation• Enforce competence• Enforce ethical standards

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Engineering DevelopmentToday the consequences of human creativity in the areas of engineering, technology and science have reached measures that only a few decades ago were unimaginable

Genetic Engineering

Biotechnology

Information Technology

Nanotechnology

Artificial Intelligence

Human creativity

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Engineers are Accountable• Knowledge is Power• Capacity and development mean Power

• With Power comes Responsibility

• Knowledge implies Responsibility

• Obligations of the engineer must be of same degree with the level of his knowledge and Power

• With Responsibility comes Obligation and Accountability

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Greatest Engineering Achievement of 20th Century

Nuclear technology

Training

ElectrificationAeronautics

Electronics

Agricultural mechanization

Space explorations

Imaging technology

Health Technology

Petroleum and gas technology

Lasers and fiber optics

Research and Development

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Engineer’s Impact on Society through…• Infrastructure• Power & Energy• Environment• Poverty alleviation• Food Production• Natural Disasters• Research & Development• Education & Training• Health sector• Discovery• Recovery

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Infrastructure

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Power & Energy

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Preserve Environment

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Poverty

Pulitzer prize of winning feature photograph by South African photojournalist - Kevin Carter

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Food Production

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Natural Disasters

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Research & Development

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Education & Training

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Health

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Discovery

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Rotating Tower

• Rotating Tower.flv

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Recovery

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Different Demand of the Next Generation for Engineers

• Different Energy Scenario• Secure Cyberspace• Green Technology• Ecosystem balance• Water Availability• Energy efficiency• Global warming• Globalization

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Most important

Engineer’s contribution in the primary decision making process is very vital

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Creativeness• Creativeness is the basis of Engineering

• Positive thinking makes way for creativity

• Think in different dimensions

• Look for wider horizon

• And beyond Horizon

Think out of the Box

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Try to be Creative

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Great Creative Personality in Engineering in Sri Lanka

Vidyajothi Dr. A N.S. Kulasinghe is an engineering genius

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Creativity

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Bottle Wall

TECHNO 2012

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Tire Wall

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All whether stadium in Melbourne

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Movable roof concepts

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Spiral.avi

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Creativity

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Creativity

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brunel.mp4TBM.avi

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Do we think of these

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Communication Gap

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Basic Knowledge….?

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Demolition.WMV

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If you doWhat you have done,You will getWhat you have, Do things differentlyTo have different outcome

Young Engineers need to

Think differently

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What is the most non matching letter…?

d

a

q

b

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Is this equation correct..?

X I + I = X

Correct the equation with one movement

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5th Wheel.wmvAuto park

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Mahatma Gandhi says…

There are two types of People in this worldOne category works hardOther category get credit from others workMy father advised me to be in the first category because there is no fight among the working categoryFight is within the category who does not work but try to get the credit

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Points think about…

• Politicians are with the society• Engineers rarely deal with the society• Engineers are reluctant to work with Politicians• Need a change

You have to earn your position

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Be mindful of what you do

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Points think about…• How many in your neighborhood know that

you are an engineer..?

• How many in your organisation know that you are an engineer..?

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Points think about…• What is the social activity you got involved in

last 3 months

• Your may be providing indirect service

• Direct service to society brings you recognitionRecognition never comes automatically !

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Points think about…• Who is going to invite you for social work ..?

Get involved in social activities on your own

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Points to think about…What are the IESL activity you have involved in last 6 months

• Contribute your engineering knowledge• Share your knowledge with others• Make the society feel that you are wanted• Open up yourself

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Activities promoted by IESL

• Public Lectures• Memorial Lectures• Educational Programme• Technical and field visits• Technical committees Competitions• Engineering Excellence Award• Techno• Building Clinics

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Do Engineers Smile..?

• Smile is a very Powerful tool

• Keep smiling

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Engineers are good at Maths….?• Fold a paper once, what will be its height? • Fold a paper twice, what will be its height?• Fold a paper 25 times, what will be its height?• Fold a paper 40 times, what will be its height?

H = t x 2 N

25 Folds = 10 Km high 40 Folds = Up to Moon50 Folds = Beyond Sun

A water tank has two taps-

• First tap takes 12 hrs to fill the tank• Second tap takes 6 hrs

• How long will it take to fill the tank with both taps open ?

Engineers are good at Maths….?

HOW MANY LIVES YOU HAVE….?

Professional Life

Personal Life

Social Life

50%

25%

25%50%

0%

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How many of you are satisfied with the job you do..?

• If not ….Why..? • Is it because of..

Salary The work you do Recognition…..where..? Appreciation….by whom.? Self Satisfaction What else…?

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Success

• What is the Secret of SUCCESS... ? - RIGHT DECISIONS

• How do you make Right Decisions... ? - EXPERIENCE

• How do you get Experience.. . ? - WRONG DECISIONS

Falling down is not defeatDefeat is when you refuse to get up

• Be a CAN person and not a CAN‘T person

Choice is

Yours

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Develop Positive MindsetThink this way–

• If one can do it - I can do it• If no one can do it - I must do it

Never think this way-

• If one can do it – Let him do it• If no one can do it – How can I do it

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Think positive

Share Knowledge

Develop Team workKeep smiling

cmbepc@gmail.com