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impact over the coming decades e.g. biological, environmental, and computer engineering
have as their scientific foundation disciplines that were not defined in their modern form 30
years ago.
Although different people have used different words in contemporary definitions of
engineering and its practitioners, most definitions are reasonably consistent. Thus we have for
example Holtzapple and Reece definition of an engineer as someone who:
combines knowledge of science, mathematics, and economics to solve technical problems
that confront society.
and Prausnitz definition:
Engineering is the application of science for human benefit.
Commenting on the definition of engineering, Prausnitz has said: If engineering is the
application of science for human benefit then the engineer must be a student not only of the
application of science, but of human benefit as well. The individual engineer, and
engineering-based organizations and institutions, have an opportunity to be of service to
society when their energies and talents are applied in a manner consistent with a coherent and
morally defensible framework for evaluating benefit. Economics is a sufficient evaluative
framework for benefits that are readily monetized, such as a lower-cost manufacturing
process or product. In cases where benefits are difficult to monetize such as health,
sustainability and environmental quality, equity, security, and well-being other evaluative
frameworks need to be considered. Most of the difficult technology-related dilemmas facing
society involve a combination of monetized and non-monetized benefits and costs.
Speaking personally, I believe that the engineering profession represents a viable path to a
life of service and positive world impact. Walking this path involves devoting energy to
carrying out and acting upon evaluation of technology in relation to human benefit.
Engineering Sciences 22 A Perspective on Engineering p. 2
Analysis is central to the application of science as practiced by engineers. We use analysis to
ask questions such as How should a system be configured in order to achieve some specified
objective?, or alternatively How will a system respond given some specified set of inputs?
Most engineering analysis begins with a disaggregated representation of a system of interest
and results in an aggregated representation. In some cases, the disaggregated representation is
obtained by application of a physical principle (e.g. conservation of energy or matter) to an
infinitesimally small (differential) element within the system. Examples from among many
include analysis of the stress on an airplane wing, image analysis for breast cancer detection,
the effect of fossil fuel utilization on global climate, and the effect of solar storms on satellite
communications. In other cases, the disaggregated representation is a set of descriptions of
the behavior of system components. Examples, again from among many, include any
electronic device, a machine or robot, a cell, the human body, communication networks, and
the environment. Mathematics is used to convert the dissaggregated representation, whether
based on a differential element or a set of component descriptions, into an aggregated
of-the-art manufacturing equipment for conventional and non-traditional machining, threedimensional measurement, and plastic injection molding. Computer-oriented manufacturing
is also an emphasis of the program. A manufacturing engineer will have a solid background in
manufacturing processes and systems as well as in statistics, design, controls, and
applications of microprocessors.
Mechanical Design
The creation and improvement of products, processes, or systems that are mechanical in
nature are the primary activities of a professional mechanical engineer. The development of a
product, from concept generation to detailed design, manufacturing process selection and
planning, quality control and assurance, and life-cycle considerations are areas of study and
specialization in the area of mechanical design. Solutions to such major social problems as
environmental pollution, lack of mass transportation and of raw materials, and energy
shortages will depend heavily on the engineer's ability to create new types of machinery and
mechanical systems. The engineer-designer must have a solid and relatively broad
background in the basic physical and engineering sciences and have the ability to solve a
variety of problems. In addition to having technical competence, the designer must be able to
consider the socio-economic consequences of a design and its possible impact on the
environment. Product safety, reliability and economics are other considerations.
System Dynamics and Control
Engineers are increasingly concerned with the performance of integrated dynamics systems
in which it is not possible to optimize component parts without considering the overall
system. System dynamics and control specialists are concerned with the modeling, analysis,
and simulation of all types of dynamic systems and with the use of automatic control
techniques to change the dynamic characteristics of systems in useful ways. The emphasis in
this program is on the physical systems that are closely related to mechanical engineering, but
the techniques for studying these systems apply to social, economic, and other dynamic
systems.
Transportation Systems
An important aspect of mechanical engineering is the planning, design, and operation of
transportation systems. As society recognizes the increasing importance of optimizing
transportation systems to minimize environmental degradation and energy expenditure,
engineers will need to consider major innovations in the way people and goods are moved.
Such innovations will require competence in vehicle dynamics, propulsion and control, and
an understanding of the problems caused by present-day modes of transportation.
You are here: Home / Overview of the Mechanical Engineering Job Description
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FUNCTIONS
Four functions of the mechanical engineer can be cited.
1. understanding and dealing with the bases of mechanical science. These include dynamics,
concerning the relation between forces and motion, such as in vibration; automatic control;
thermodynamics, dealing with the relations among the various forms of heat, energy, and
power; fluid flow; heat transfer; lubrication; and properties of materials.
2. the sequence of research, design, and development. This function attempts to bring about
the changes necessary to meet present and future needs. Such work requires a clear
understanding of mechanical science, an ability to analyze a complex system into its basic
factors, and the originality to synthesize and invent.
3. the production of products and power, which embraces planning operations, and
maintenance. To produce the maximum value with the minimum investment and cost while
maintaining or enhancing long term viability and reputation of the enterprise.
4. the co-ordinating function of the mechanical engineer, including management, consulting,
and in some cases, marketing.
In these functions there is a long continuing trend towards the use of scientific methods.
Operations research, value engineering, and PABLA (problem analysis by logical approach)
are typical titles of such rationalized approaches. Creativity, the ability to take the important
and unexpected step that opens up new solutions remains in mechanical engineering, as
elsewhere, largely a personal and spontaneous characteristic.
Overview of the Mechanical Engineering Job Description
Understanding the mechanical engineering job description is important for anyone thinking
about a career in mechanical engineering. Although there are many different types of
engineers, this is one that many people gravitate to and also a career in high demand. Of all
engineering disciplines, mechanical is one of the oldest and most respected, and a discipline
that concentrates on science and math applications.
One of the things that make mechanical engineering unique is the broad array of disciplines.
With a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, an individual could focus on standard
duties whereas with this degree and additional specialized education, the same person would
have the opportunity to move into advanced disciplines or work a combination of the two. In
either case, mechanical engineering is a complex, challenging, and reward career opportunity
worth the time it takes to earn the appropriate degree.
Basic Responsibilities
At minimum, the mechanical engineering job description includes using math and physics
principles to help with the design of a product with a particular function. These skills are used
by multiple industries, adding to the excitement of mechanical engineering. With this,
literally any system with moving parts would be handled by the engineer. To accomplish this,
expertise in friction, inertia, center of balance, force, and work would be imperative, which
comes from earning a degree.
a Bachelors Degree or higher. At any level, one of the most important decisions a person can
make is choosing an accredited college or university since hiring companies look at this
information on resumes of potential employees.
As part of mechanical engineering programs, an individual would be provided with all
necessary curriculums to include actively participating in various design projects and
research. It would also be highly recommended for the person interested in a career such as
this to consider a school that offers internship programs, which would also boost the chance
of being hired. As far as potential salary, a person would earn on average $80,000 a year
although with advanced education for multiple disciplines, earning potential could be as high
as $115,000.
Nigerian Society of Engineers/COREN
THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGINEERS REGISTRATION & ENGINEERING
REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COREN AND NIGERIAN SOCIETY OF ENGNEERS
The two are separate and different bodies so that they cannot be referred to interchangeably.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) is a voluntary association established by the
practitioners of the profession while the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria
(COREN) is a statutory organ of Federal Government, established by decree and concerned
with certificate of persons for the purpose of practicing the engineering profession in Nigeria.
COREN being the regulatory body for the engineering family in Nigeria, it is therefore
necessary to have relevant portions of relevant COREN publications reproduced to serve for
both emphasis and as information to all.
WHAT COREN IS
COREN is a statutory organ of the Federal Government established by Decree No.55 of
1970, as amended by Decree 27 of 1992, which empowers it to control and regulate the
practice of the engineering profession in all aspects and ramifications in Nigeria. In this
respect, amongst other duties,
COREN
i) Caters for about 65 engineering disciplines, many of which have their practitioners greater
in number than those of most professional regulatory
ii)Registers FIVE cadres of engineering personnel, Engineers, Engineering Technologists,
Engineering Technicians, Engineering Craftsmen, and Engineering Consulting Firms with
each having its own Association, i.e.:
a) Nigerian Society of Engineers
b) Nigerian Association of Engineering Technologists
kick-start the programme by latest 1997. This was followed by the nomination and training of
inspectors in 1996. Two COREN /NSE Workshops were also held in the current year at which
the objectives, modalities and procedures for the ERM were fine-tuned and approved. The
kick-off date for the ERM nationwide was thus set for 23rd June 1997. The final stages in
setting the scene included the production and testing of Inspection Questionnaires at special
training workshops held for Branch Chairman / resource persons and inspectors nationwide
on 17th June 1997 and 19th June 1997 respectively.
At this juncture, it is necessary to state that the engineer cannot be opposed to non-engineer
businessmen doing engineering business: in fact this is encouraged internationally, However,
given the ugly consequences of engineering failures, there is very justification to insist that
the entire technical functions from the topmost technical management (technical director) to
the artisan should be headed and run by registered engineering personnel who are responsible
and liable for the maintenance of standards, code and ethics of the engineering profession. In
addition, it is necessary that at least one member of the Board of Directors is a registered
engineer in other to ensure a competent technical direction of the board.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF ERM
The aims and objectives of ERM cuts through the objects of the Nigerian Society of
Engineers and COREN Decree and can be summarized as follows:To ensure that engineering is practiced in Nigeria in accordance with the codes of
Engineering practice, in the interest of public safety, and for the protection of her
development and economic investments.
To enforce the maintenance of discipline and strict standards of ethics in the practice of the
engineering profession in Nigeria.
To foster the speedy acquisition of all relevant engineering and technological skills by
Nigerians required accelerating development efforts and effecting a speedy modernization of
Nigeria.
To minimize and, with time, eliminate engineering and technological dependence of Nigeria
on other countries.
To minimize the enormous foreign exchange leakage from Nigeria, resulting from existing
domination of engineering activities, particularly in the petroleum and construction sectors of
the economy, by foreigners.
To facilitate and expedite the positioning of the Nigerian Engineering family to join in the
global competition for incomes accruable from international Engineering Consultancy and
Construction practice.
To monitor and enforce compliance with Decree 55 of 1970 as amended by Decree 27 of
1992, by all practitioners of Engineering in Nigeria.
REGULATIONS REQUIRING MONITORING
Monitoring of the Public sector in the Federation of Nigeria to ensure adherence to the
regulations and ensuring that all members of the engineering family deployed therein are
registered by COREN to practice in Nigeria.
Verify that organizations working in the area of Engineering Contracting have at least, an
active Registered Engineer on their Board of Directors.
The COREN Inspectors shall visit engineering establishments and those allied to engineering
in both private and public sectors to collect relevant data with the aid of the questionnaire
booklets designed for this purpose and other means that may be considered appropriate in
order to:
i)
ii)
To ascertain their compliance with Nigerian Laws pertaining to Engineering practice
in the country
iii)
To establish adherence to Codes of Ethics and Practice of Engineering in Nigeria, in
the public and national interest
iv)
To obtain manpower and technological data for economic and Social Engineering
Planning
v)
To establish the basis for imposition of sanctions against defaulters in compliance
with Engineering Laws and Regulations in Nigeria.
The questionnaire test concluded recently reveals that the following disturbing trend:
That many unregistrable and unregistered engineers have been appointed or promoted beyond
the rank of senior in their appropriate cadres in contravention to COREN Decree 55 (1970) as
amended 27 (1992)
That many Engineering Departments in Universities, Polytechnics and Technical colleges are
operating below the minimum requirements for training engineering personnel in Nigeria.
That the approval of construction design in the City and Local Government Councils and
firms are being carried out by unregistrable or unregistered persons
That most engineering firms are not embarking on Continuing Professional Development of
their engineering personnel
That most engineering firms do not show active participation and support for professional
development, promotion of engineering and technology as well as commitment to
engineering codes and ethics
That several consulting firms are not registered or are not current on the Register
That many practicing engineers have not paid their practicing fees and therefore their names
are withdrawn from the Register.
The conclusion from the above questionnaire test shows that a great number of firms may not
meet the threshold score to be clear standing against sanctions. In order to reduce the risks of
sanctions due to one or several deficiencies, the Port Harcourt Branch of the Nigerian Society
of Engineers its putting forward a line-up of actions for the general good of interested firms.
Provide materials and officers in the Secretariat for reference and counseling on issues of
ERM
Provide opportunities for firms and personnel to meet the demands of Safety through
workshops.
Provide seminars, courses and workshops to avail members and firms of avenues for
improving their CPUs and corporate standing in relation to item D of the above table
Finally, it is necessary to stress that the Engineering Regulations Compliance Monitoring
Exercise is mandatory for all engineering practitioners. Thus any attempts to avoid it may be
constructed as a deliberate action against the success of the programme.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers is therefore of the opinion that it is better for a practitioner
to be in the process of ensuring compliance than never.
To The Public
i.
Registration protects the public from quacks, charlatans and unworthy persons;
ii.
It provides a strict yardstick against which the engineering professional may be
judged on her ability to undertake specific responsibilities;
iii.
It assures that an independent body has examined the registered person and found
him/her competent to be registered.
To The Employer
Registration assures a skill base to cope with new technologies and market changes;
i)
ii)
iii)
To The Individual
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
vi)
References
[1]. Holtzapple, M.T., W.D. Reece. Foundations of Engineering. McGraw Hill, New York
(1997).
[2]. Prausnitz, J.M. From Appolo to Prometheus and Hercules: Goals and methods of
chemical engineering. Chem.[3]http://mechanicalengineering-jobs.net/overview-of-the-mechanical-engineering-jobdescription/
[4] http://www.doe.mass.edu/frameworks/scitech/1006.pdf
[5]http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sullivan/22files/Engineering_vs._science.pdf
[6]http://www.dit.ie/mechanicalandtransportengineering/departmentofmechanicalengineering
/theroleofthemechanicalengineer/\
[7] http://www.nseph.com/Nse_Coren.Htm