Work frustration in engineering departments

Abstract

A large number of engineers work in organizations with specialized jobs of a routine nature. In many ways they can be compared with workers on a production line; it is the same work that is done over and over again. Empirical studies demonstrate that this leads to frustration.There is no standard solution available, but there are a number of approaches that can lead to greater satisfaction if one is willing to experiment with them. A more organic, less structured management system and more use of problem oriented project groups may bring benefits. Job enrichment, where engineers are given more responsibility by transfer of tasks previously done by managers and seniors, and special training where engineers are given an opportunity to systematically develop their capabilities should be considered. Further, organizational development must be mentioned where an external change agent together with the people involved develops a solution aiming at the satisfaction of the needs of both the individual and the organization. Finally come flexible working hours which have an indirect effect on the job situation by allowing for a richer life off the job.

Ecological Experiments with Model Systems

“…3). Lacking are theoretical predictions about which species would and would not be able to coexist in the system; indeed, sufficiently detailed models may still be some way off, although an appropriate framework now exists (39). But Neill's work clearly demonstrates the existence of stable combinations of species and the exclusion of others [although convergence on the same species combinations is not an inevitable outcome (40)l.…”

Epitaxial Growth and Structure of CdSe Evaporated in Vacuum onto Ge

“…A domain-form {111} faulted structure was found in the CdTe films grown on (110) surfaces (2,4). The significance of these facts in relation to nucleation theory and misfit dislocation theories of the heterojunction interface between II-VI films and semiconductor substrates was discussed in a recent review (6). In this work and in all the other published work in the literature only two epitaxial orientation relationships were reported.…”

“…It was found that on the (100) and (110) faces of Ge these compounds all grew with the sphalerite structure (5). These were the parallel orientation relation for sphalerite structure films grown on any face of diamond or sphalerite or NaC1 structure substrates and the relationship (0001) film parallel to (111) substrate with [112-0] film parallel to [110] substrate for wurtzite structure films grown on diamond or sphalerite-structure substrates (6). The films were grown with relatively high levels of structural perfection.…”

From the nucleus to the quarks

“…The proton structure function is well known in the valence region, e.g., see Holt and Roberts [28]. The proton structure function is well known in the valence region, e.g., see Holt and Roberts [28].…”