Engineering Design: Structure, Value and Assessment

Abstract

Engineering design is the central process in the transformation of new ideas and conventional technology or practice into high value products and systems. Unfortunately the process is not highly valued within the research oriented University environment. At the same time government innovation policy is rooted in models better suited to the review of projects as opposed to systems or products; the value structure being biased towards discovery, (and perhaps use). The author attempts to describe the structure of typical design activities and using this model proposes simple metrics to allow the assessment of design content within research and development proposals.

Formation of a cumulative model for managing the value of construction projects

“…Research [12] provides a model of the project process, which aims to enhance the project value through a properly organized procedure. This model may somewhat strengthen and enhance the potential of engineering activity; however, it is over-simplified.…”