Witmer, A P (2018) Contextual engineering assessment using an influence-identification tool. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(6), pp. 889-909. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to introduce a new thought process and associated predictive tool to assist designers of infrastructure for unfamiliar rural societies in understanding the specific non-engineering influences that can lead to greater effectiveness of engineered infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach: Using sociological principles, a simple checklist tool has been designed to assess specific societal conditions that may influence intervention outcomes. The tool, when weighted by regional predispositions, allows the designer to incorporate five non-engineering influences into technical design of engineered infrastructure. Findings: Early deployment of the tool indicates that the predictive process helps to adapt technical designs to societal contexts. It also enhances consultant understanding of the client’s values and needs to achieve a collaborative technical solution. Research limitations/implications: Long-term outcomes have not been assessed, so additional time is needed to confirm the value of context in design performance. Further evaluations will refine the technical guideline process as well. Practical implications: Merging sociological understanding with technical design allows engineers to assimilate client values and indigenous beliefs into an infrastructure, preventing rejection due to incompatibility with local context. Originality/value: The concept of contextual engineering, which melds technical approach with societal influences, is the original contribution of the author, as is the predictive tool.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | contextual engineering; culture; design; international construction; rural development |
| Index terms: | society, rural development, methodology, engineer, designer, client value, international construction, effectiveness |
| Subjects: | profession, strategic management, client relations, land use and regional development, communities and social development, research methods, performance management |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Stakeholder Management, Urban Studies, Quality Management, International Construction |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 PCT |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here