Professional Engineering Practice: Reflections on the Role of the Professional Engineer

by Harvey T. Dearden

This collection of essays provides key insights into the role of the professional engineer and in particular the nature of professional engineering judgement; what it is, how to get it, how and when to use it. Topics include risk assessment, professional obligations, integrity, competence and professional development. • Why Galileo's trial in 1633 is still relevant to engineers today.
• Why risk assessment tools make good servants, but poor masters.
• What to do when the inspector calls.
• The importance of the 'first derivative' of your judgement.
• Why stupid questions are smart!
• Why your professional integrity is your gift to yourself.
• The value of a bar stool to a professional engineer. Examples are drawn from the author’s experience in the process industries, but the principles exemplified will find application in all the engineering disciplines.

78 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2013

Reviews

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short and well-written book. The author, though engaged in a different sector to myself has come to many of the same conclusions about robustness,safety and cost-effectiveness.