Methods for Engineers - Lecture Flashcards

Question and answer style flashcards created from the lecture notes on Methods for Engineers.

What is the distinction between research methodology and research methods?

Research methodology is the grand plan defining the 'why' and 'how' of the study, while research methods are specific tools and steps used to collect data such as observation, surveys, IR, and statistics.

What are the key responsibilities of an engineer as stated in the lecture?

Engineers are responsible for innovating, inventing, designing, and maintaining machines, structures, and systems while adhering to employer specifications for budget and timeline.

What five skills are highlighted as essential for typical engineers?

The essential skills are creativity, communication, attention to details, self-discipline, and technical skills.

What are the three components of the Golden Circle concept, and in what order should leaders communicate them?

The three components are Why (purpose/cause/belief), How (process), and What (results/products), and leaders should communicate from the inside out: Why -> How -> What.

How does the Golden Circle align with human brain structure according to Simon Sinek?

The limbic brain handles feelings and decision-making without language (Why), whereas the neocortex handles rational and analytical thought (What).

Why did the Wright Brothers succeed in achieving powered flight where Samuel Pierpont Langley failed?

The Wright Brothers were driven by a clear sense of purpose and belief in human flight, whereas Samuel Pierpont Langley was motivated by wealth and fame.

Which groups in the Law of Diffusion of Innovation buy into the 'Why'?

Innovators and early adopters buy into the 'Why'.

What core approach defines the 'How' in engineering practice?

The 'How' in engineering is defined by an exploratory and iterative approach.

What scientific paper databases and search tools are listed for exploratory research?

Databases include IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), Science Direct, and Scopus, with googlescholar.com as a meta search engine.

How does the goal of a scientist differ from that of an engineer when evaluating a solution?

An engineer develops or improves a technical solution for a specific problem, whereas a scientist seeks to verify that the solution is robust and generalizes.

What is the key concept behind the iterative approach and how is it tested?

The key concept is 'Fail fast' to detect problems early, utilizing experimentation with Minimal Viable Products (MVPs) to gather feedback.

What are the six steps of the iterative development process?

The six steps are 1. Plan, 2. Design, 3. Develop, 4. Test, 5. Refine, and 6. Repeat.

What are the nine steps of the linear V-Model development process?

The nine steps are 1. Requirements Analysis, 2. System Design, 3. Architectural Design, 4. Module Design, 5. Implementation, 6. Unit Testing, 7. Integration Testing, 8. System Testing, and 9. Acceptance Testing.

How do the iterative approach and V-Model differ in structure and flexibility?

The iterative approach is flexible and incremental, involving user feedback, while the V-Model is a rigid linear structure with sequential phases and documentation requirements at each phase.