Project engineering

About: Project engineering is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 609 publications have been published within this topic receiving 8869 citations.

Project management and innovation in the scientific instrument industry

Abstract: A comparative analysis was undertaken of the performance of firms in the scientific instrument industry in the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Germany. Forty on-site interviews were done, representing thirty-three companies in the two countries. A scored structured interview technique was used to collect data which were then analyzed for factors affecting performance in new product development. Particular attention was paid to the characteristics and role of the project leader. The findings indicate that there are not only differences between countries but also between projects led by people with different qualifications and, in particular, different backgrounds and experience. The influence of variables associated with communication abilities is identified and implications of this for project management are noted.

PVUSA-performance, experience, and cost (PV power systems)

Abstract: PVUSA is a cooperative demonstration project between the public and private sectors offering design, procurement, installation, and operating experience in a utility environment for a variety of state-of-the-art photovoltaic (PV) systems. PVUSA provides side-by-side comparison and evaluation of PV technologies, and provides a knowledge base required for effective utility implementation of the technology. The authors update the progress of the PVUSA project, discuss the cost information developed by the project, review the status and performance of the various installations at the main test site in Davis, California, and summarize the progress at host utility sites. >

An innovative project-driven senior-level antennas course

Abstract: This paper discusses experience gained during a senior-level antennas course in which a project for the design, fabrication and performance validation of an antenna was an integral part of the course. Crucial differences between typical engineering curricula in South Africa and North America are described initially. This is followed by a description of the course outline and grading procedure. The format followed for the construction project is described and specific examples of antennas used for the project are given. The essence of the project was to place students in a disciplined self-study learning environment where they would be confronted with situations similar to those they would experience once they entered engineering practice after graduation. Successive groups of students gained experience with a variety of antennas, which are discussed in context. The course has proven to be both stimulating and rewarding for the students because of the essential mix of theory and practice. Viewed in educational terms, the course integrated various elements of design essential for engineering practice, namely: establishment of objectives; design criteria and compromises; synthesis; analysis; construction; testing; and critical evaluation of the final product.

Project management-today's solution for complex project engineering

Abstract: After a discussion of the competitive forces challenging the ability to convert technological innovation into marketable products, the author suggests that project management strategies such as multiproject integration become the key to a company's productivity. A case study is presented to illustrate the ideas considered. Topics covered include: achieving macrolevel and microlevel product control, implementation reviews, and computer-integrated coordination. >