Role of Decision Making, Scales and Stakeholders in Engineering Projects

These flashcards cover key concepts about decision making, stakeholder analysis, and feedback in engineering projects as presented in the lecture.

What do engineers prioritize that distinguishes them from scientists?

Engineers prioritize practical solutions and design considerations, whereas scientists generally focus on theoretical knowledge and discovery.

How does scale affect engineering decision-making?

Scale determines the context of the problems being addressed and influences the complexity of decisions.

What is the role of stakeholders in engineering projects?

Stakeholders have varying levels of influence and interest, which must be prioritized to ensure project success.

Define the Salience model in stakeholder analysis.

The Salience model categorizes stakeholders based on their power, legitimacy, and urgency.

What is a primary stakeholder according to the Salience model?

A primary stakeholder possesses all three attributes: power, urgency, and legitimacy.

What decision-making process steps are identified in the lecture?

1. Study and clarify the decision context, 2. Generate decision options, 3. Identify the best option, 4. Refine the best option, 5. Commit to and implement it, 6. Revise if necessary.

What was the conventional quick fix suggested for Stockholm’s traffic congestion?

Building another bridge was suggested as an immediate solution.

What is meant by 'induced demand' in traffic and transportation?

Induced demand refers to the phenomenon where increasing the supply of roadway capacity leads to more traffic.

List key impacts of the IBM solution for traffic congestion in Stockholm.

1. Traffic reduction of nearly 25%, 2. 40,000 more transit passengers, 3. Increased efficiency in public transport, 4. Taxi revenues increased 10-20%, 5. Emissions reduced by 40%.

What are the characteristics of professional feedback mentioned in the lecture?

Professional feedback should be truthful, consider the receiver's feelings, acknowledge positive work, and provide actionable recommendations.

How should one conduct oneself when giving professional feedback?

Focus on the work, be considerate, acknowledge good work, and include suggestions for improvement.

What should be considered when receiving feedback?

Be open to feedback, reflect on it, and use it to improve work quality.

What is the importance of using a decision-making framework in engineering?

It guides the problem-solving process and leads to more effective and evidence-based solutions.

Why is stakeholder prioritization essential in project management?

To ensure that all relevant interests are considered and that resources are allocated effectively.

What is the benefit of thinking at different scales in engineering projects?

It allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the impact and implications of decisions.

What is the impact of giving professional feedback to team members?

It enhances collaboration, strengthens team dynamics, and helps individuals grow professionally.

What are the three main dimensions of sustainability discussed?

Environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

Define the concept of a Weighted Decision Matrix (WDM).

A WDM helps in comparing multiple options by evaluating them against a set of criteria and assigning weights based on importance.

What are indicators in the context of sustainability?

Indicators are specific metrics used to measure or quantify progress towards achieving sustainability targets.

What is a typical challenge faced when constructing a WDM?

Ensuring that the evaluation criteria are independent and accurately reflect stakeholder interests.

What is the aim of stakeholder consultation in engineering projects?

To gather input from diverse perspectives, addressing concerns and expectations relating to the project.