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In group design simultaneous input from multiple individuals, communications between group members, and management of the group effort make the process difficult to study. This paper describes the preliminary results of a computer-based system which was developed to study group design in engineering. Three groups of engineering designers were studied using the computer based group design system (GDS). Observations were made regarding the impact of management style (methodology) on the design process, the impact of communications on the overall group activity, the sequence of transactions leading to the conceptual design decision, and the involvement of group members. The use of systematic procedures appears to encourage more equal participation, a decision less influenced by individual choice, and reduced authority hierarchy.

A web-based design system has been developed for capturing, sharing, and deliberating on design information. The system is based on a process-based design model and a traditional project management model.The process model is based on a matrix of activities and issues. The activities include Generate, Evaluate, and Select. Many issues are considered in design, e.g. problem definition, requirements, functions, alternatives and layout design. The web-based design system also includes a traditional project management model for defining and assigning tasks. The project management model has a hierarchical structure from a Milestone, to an Objective, to a Goal, to a Task. The task is linked to a matrix and issue. Support systems are included for asking questions, making comments, assigning tasks, entering status reports, and making team decisions.

N. Sisworahardjo received his B.S. and M.S. from Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia and his Ph.D. from the University of Alabama all in electrical engineering. His research interests are in distributed generation, renewable/alternative energy, power system risk assessment, and optimization techniques in restructured power market. As an educator, he has strong interest in technology utilization in classroom to improve students learning experience. During his graduate studies at Howard University, he developed and implemented real-time control algorithms for industrial applications using advance digital control, adaptive control techniques and intelligent control for alternative energy systems, drives, automation and power networks. To show the applicability of these controls to the industrial world, he focused on hardware implementation of most of these control techniques using industrial standard rapid prototyping tools like dSPACE systems utilizing Matlab/Simulink software from Mathworks. He was the recipient of the 2006 IEEE/IAS Transaction Second Prize Paper Award.Dr Ofoli is currently an Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga (UTC). Prior to joining the UTC in August 2010, Dr. Ofoli has been working with Cummins Inc at their headquarters in Columbus, IN as a senior controls engineer for four years. At Cummins, he developed and implemented real-time control algorithms and strategies for diesel automotive applications to meet specific control objectives with the major one being the 2010 EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) emission standard for diesel engines. His developed software for emission controls are currently being used on 2010 Cummins Diesel engines and three patents have been filled in regard to that. Dr. Ofoli's area of interest includes power electronics, power system, intelligent controls, renewable energy, and engine controls. A Comprehensive Approach to Power Sector Workforce Development AbstractThe University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, along with its partners, has developed a comprehensive approach to addressing the workforce development needs of the power sector. Funded through a Department of Energy grant the partners are recruiting high school students into power careers, providing two-year and four-year college training, and developing laboratories and graduate curricula tailored to new power and energy technologies. Existing workforce training takes the form of diverse workshop and seminar offerings. The paper describes these programs, their results, and lessons learned from expanding outreach and curricula for power sector constituents.