Community
Studies: Publications
Bringing Society and Engineering
to a Closer Mutual Understanding
D. Bruce McCowan, P. Eng., OCT
19 Monarchwood Crescent
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M3A 1H3
Tel 416-447-4895
Information Processing Program
Some Clients
- The Coleman Company
- Nortel Manufacturing
- Danby Products
- Ogilvie and Company
- Great Dane Consultants
Decision-Making for Engineers
Communication is certainly a core value for everyone in society, including
engineers. In many cases the mere analysis and summary of a situation can make the
difference between "good judgement" and "poor judgement".
How can engineers improve their decision-making in a situation? In fundamental terms, it
comes down to:
valid interpretation of many unordered inputs
processing the acceptable inputs according to reasonable protocol
outputting -- writing -- argument, conclusions and recommendations in a more useful presentation
Of course, for the purposes of engineering decision-making, the "more
useful presentation" must clearly go to the heart of the technical matter. In
other words, the "writing" is key. A poorly written argument will convince no one
of the dangers of a particular path of action.
Lesson Plan
Information Processing
Engineers and the Social Sciences
This Lesson Plan for information processing uses local history as a catalyst -- in particular, how writing can be used as a very critical element in the learning and decision-making processes. Although intended primarily for senior high school students, I can adapt the lesson plan for an "Engineers and the Social Sciences" evening course.
My Information Processing program begins at this Educational Resource.