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Technical and Non-technical T hinking in Engineering for Development Andrea Mazzurco a , James L. Huff a,b,c , Prof. Brent Jesiek a School of Engineering Education a ; EPICS b Purdue University Dept. of Engineering and Physics, Harding University c October 23 rd , 2013.
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Technical and Non-technical Thinking in Engineering for Development Andrea Mazzurcoa, James L. Huffa,b,c, Prof. Brent Jesieka School of Engineering Educationa;EPICSb Purdue University Dept. of Engineering and Physics, Harding Universityc October 23rd, 2013
What does the guillotine joke tells us? • Problem solvers…. at any cost • Technical problems and knowledge • Do not question their work
Imagine that you and your team are assigned to a design project in partnership with a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) of a developing country. The NGO needs a low-cost power system that can generate enough energy for the lights of a primary school. One of the members of your team suggests using merry-go-round, seesaw, and swing to produce energy that can be converted to electricity for the lights. What are the most important things that you need to consider in order to successfully accomplish this design task? Created by Huff, J.L.
Technical “Will it produce enough energy?” “How often and how long does it need to be operated to produce enough energy?” Created by Huff, J.L.
Constraints to system “What are the best materials?” “Cost?” “How many children use this playground?” “Deadline of the project?” “Possible modes of structural failure (FMEA)” Created by Huff, J.L.
Stakeholders “Who are the stakeholders in this project?” “Communication with stakeholders” “children should be unable to be harmed” “What skills do people already have?” “How can we involve the community?” Created by Huff, J.L.
Contextual & Broader Considerations “Are there cultural aspects about the children's playground that need to be included?” “What are the local regulations and procedures?” “What materials and resources are available there?” “environmental effects introducing this system could cause” “Build relationships with the community.” Created by Huff, J.L.
Brainstorm activity Now think about your Uganda project and divide in the following 4 groups: Group 1: technical considerations Group 2: constraints to system Group 3: stakeholders Group 4: broader and contextual considerations Report out in 10/15 minutes