Category: Profession

Introduction

Social work is a social science that deals in ensuring social justice and preserving the sanctity of life. It is a profession that deals in restoring emotional balance in human beings that becomes impaired during moments of stress. The practice pursues the well-being of society at large. The body that governs the profession is known as the National Association of social workers. Under this body, the job description of social workers is to aid in the materializing of aims and goals.

This paper seeks to highlight the importance of the crisis theory in analysis of different types of stress and to further elaborate the codes of ethics governing the profession. It further gives the approach to problem solving. It outlines the steps in follow up procedure after treatment.

The Hope wellness centre is a counseling agency that focuses on the well being of major women and adolescents. They agency has a mission to restore social health of individuals so that they can have optimum functionality. The agency deals with issues like anger management, domestic violence, sexual offences, and substance and alcohol abuse.

One of the goals is to provide solutions to problems without sprouting new ones in the process by identifying root causes and capitalizing on them for restoration of well being to the client.

Another is to empower women and adolescents by solving the issues that cause them to deteriorate both mentally and emotionally, hereby creating hope for a better tomorrow.

Some of the values upheld in the organization include: confidentiality between the social worker and the client. No information is disclosed to anyone unless authorized by the legal framework. The company is committed to provide quality service. It has ensured this by having competent staff. Social workers who are knowledgeable in the profession and with credited experience. The company has a follow up policy to ensure full recovery of the clients it treats.

Crisis Theory

A crisis is as defined in the dictionary is a disaster, calamity, predicament, and an environmental occurrence that poses an external threat. Kaplan defines crisis as a threat to homeostasis (Kaplan, nod.).

During this state of mind, it is believed that an imbalance takes place so that a person lacks focus and has difficulty in maintaining order in their way of doing things. They are not their normal selves and seem to have switched off from reality. Usually one has no enthusiasm for life and even the things they used to enjoy most do not even make sense anymore. Usually a person is confronted by a situation they cannot handle by themselves and so it poses a threat to their whole being. A crisis is clinically noted to last a span of four to six weeks.

Stressors are factors that induce stress or active crisis for that matter. They comprise events and conditions. Events are happenings that are abrupt and dont last for long for example death of a loved one. Conditions on the other hand develop over time. Events cause situational crises while conditions cause maturational crises.

There are stages in the advancement of the six weeks period. First stage: a person experiences overwhelming pressure from stressors. If a person does cope well no crisis develops but if they succumb due to failed coping mechanisms, then a crisis materializes.

In the second phase, the victims concern continues to transcend. As time goes by they cannot take it anymore and they begin to seek assistance, they become emotionally distant. This translates to the third stage. The final stage is the active crisis stage. The patient is depleted of any resources that give them hope they develop fear and cannot think straight. They perceive they are going mad. The thought of going crazy scares them to their wits.

Daphne (not real name) is a twelve-year-old girl whose mother is a single parent. Due to the economic pressure the mother was crumbling under, she sent her to stay with the uncle in the city. The uncle was one of those rich influential people. The sad part is that he had a wife but he still molested Daphne. Daphne could not dare say a word because she knew the ramifications of such an action. Therefore, she stayed silent and slowly by slowly her esteem and dignity died in the hands of someone who was supposed to be helping her.

From the above situation, we see both maturational and situational crises inhere life. Maturational: her mother being single, her uncle molesting her. Situational: absence of her father. Both stressors are affecting her and her ability to deal with the situation depends on her experience on tackling complex situations prior to the present one, her perception of the problems at hand and the level of positive or negative support.

Crisis is not a pathological state; it may occur to anyone at any stage in his or her life span. (Golan, 1978). Meaning no one is exempted from stress. Few of us will ever experience psychopathology first hand. Less than 20% of the population will

Have a clinically severe depression and less than 2% a psychotic episode. But we will all experience active crisis in our lives he argues.

Social work ethics

Ethics in social work are guidelines and rules that are meant to keep the social workers in check, accountable. To avoid inappropriate behavior and for practitioners to be able to make informed decisions on the various cases they handle. They are, basically, to maintain law and order in the profession. They also help to set standards against which other practitioners can gauge their performance. They help to sustain the credibility of the profession per se.

Some of the codes and interpretations are as follows. Social workers are not supposed to have any relationships whether out of consent or coercion that in one way or the other takes advantage of the client generally, monetarily or sexually.

The client is not to be segregated or discriminated against at any point. This could mess with the healing process of a client or cause them to develop esteem issues they never had before in extreme cases.

Social workers are to make sure them only advice on what they are competent. They are not permitted to administer treatment on trial and error basis if they are not certified to do so no matter regardless of working experience.

It is the duty of a social worker to hold in awe the sovereignty of the client.They are sworn to secrecy to keep client information confidential. In harmony with the aforementioned, they are supposed to respect the opinions and beliefs of other practitioners in the profession.

In the profession some practitioners might get sloppy on their work, it is the duty of colleagues to keep them accountable to the profession.

Change is the only constant in life so social workers need to take refresher courses per time to stay at par with revisions in the discipline is it in the codes of ethics or the practice itself. This boosts efficiency since it saves the much treasured time, both the clients and the social workers.

When attending to clients, social workers are required to have assistants to avoid overworking themselves and giving wrong diagnoses. They are also free to seek advice where need be.

Finally yet importantly social practitioners are indebted to the law. They must obey all the laws and regulations concerning the proper handling of clients. (Braniff, n.d.)

Approaches to Problem solving

Compton and Galaway refer to the problem solving process as a series of interactions between the client system and the practitioner, involving integration of feeling, think­ing and doing, guided by a purpose and directed toward achieving an agreed-upon goal. Before anything else, the problem has to be defined to get bearing on what action to take. People have experiences that inform their decisions in problem solving, but it is important to note that no one person can have all the information they need to solve a problem. In that light, people use heurists. Heurists are devices that contain information that acts as a standard that has been acquired through trial and error.

The process of problem solving is in stages as follows. The first phase is the contact phase: the problem has to be plainly identified. It is defined as perceived by all people involved in the situation and a clear root problem penned down. Next follows stating of goals both short term and those that will stretch into the future. The focus here is the client, how they see themselves progress, their determinations. It is also important to measure feasibility by establishing resources that will be available for implementation. Then comes validation of the process, the contract. Here the agency determines its capacity to handle the case and does further exploration into the nature of the problem. A further examination into the clients drive, being and potential ability should be done.

The second phase is known as the Contract phase. It is broken down into four sections. The first section majors on reviewing and analysis of the circumstances surrounding the problem. One determines the relationship between the problem and the necessary requirements of the client. They also establish the issues that lubricate the existence of the problem. Questions have to be asked to bring out the strong points that the client possesses and the funds available to help in seeing the procedure through. The social worker can then determine the insights to be drawn from the profession to aid in solving the problem. They will also figure out how the information can be best incorporated into the process and what avenues to employ.

Section two of the phase is bent on deciding the best way forward and how to get there. The social worker is cautioned to avoid setting up the client for disappointment by suggesting or setting ridiculous and unrealistic goals. They are to outsource experiment and analyze different substitutes and their implications on the end result. After doing all the research the social worker can then, drawing from the options determined, decide on the principles of the practice to integrate. He or she can determine what to focus on depending on the magnitude of work that the problem demands. This way they can avoid creating more problems hen solving the root one. It also saves on time in that one is confined to the one procedure that will actually yield results instead of circumnavigating. The social worker should ensure that at this point they clearly define the responsibilities of the client and their own to avoid conflict of interests.

In the third section: prognosis, the social worker should have a projection of what they expect as outcome. They should have an opinion whether they anticipate success and how much.

The third and the final phase is the Action Phase. It has three sections: implementation of the plan, termination and Evaluation. The first section is basically delegation of duties for materialization of the agreed upon solution. Timing is essential in accomplishing this and a social worker has the challenge of determining exactly when to intervene. There has to be a clear plan on the funds and services that will be employed in realizing the plan. To achieve the aforementioned, it is essential that every team member knows exactly what he or she are assigned to do and when he or she are required to do it.

The termination section involves wrapping it up with the client. There is analysis of the outcomes. The client needs to be brought to speed on the occurrences during the process and their translations and relevance to them. In case there was a setback in the process, the client is made aware of it and further given an explanation on the causes of the failure. The social worker should be careful not to dwell on the negative so much so that it overshadows the positive elements of the process. The successes are the main objectives of the process and the client should be encouraged to focus more on these and how to sustain the impacts. At this point interaction between the client and the social worker is coming to an end and they should both be made aware of this so they can deal with it.

The worker, where he or she sits down and determines whether the set goals were achieved effectively, mostly does Evaluation. Though evaluation is progressive throughout the whole process, general evaluation has to be done. The worker reviews to establish whether the process served its purpose. In addition, whether the options that were taken were effective in bringing about the desired change in the client. He or she also investigates to determine what the client got out of the process that they could reuse in the same process or in future. The worker notes down all he or she can gather on how to help the next client with a similar situation.

When the problem solving process comes to an end it is important that the worker gets feedback on the progress of the client. The agency has avenues through which it does this. Primarily the agency maintains contact with the client to ensure full recovery. Occasional calls are made in effect to this. An extended relationship by the social worker helps the client feel cared for and so seeks to maintain the successes of the process. When they do this for as long as twenty-one days, it gets into their system and becomes a habit so they gain full recovery. The worker also goes an extra mile and visits the client at their place of residence only if they are comfortable. This helps in analyzing how well the client is restored to normalcy.

The agency also organizes sessions after the treatment sessions to get a one on one with the client. By so doing, they are able to assess first hand and from clients behavior whether they have reached full recovery or might still be struggling. It could also be an avenue to investigate whether other problems or situations cropped up because of the treatment. If any, that will be a decision that will be made by the client whether to start another episode of treatment or not, the worker will only give their advice where they deem necessary.

As a way of encouraging the recovery, the clients are called back to give talks to other clients undergoing the same cases. This way the clients still in the program get hope and the one giving the talks gains confidence. If a person can talk about what they have been through to a group of strangers then, the agency believes, there is no better gauge for an effective process.

In conclusion, any organization should have a scope that it targets to service. It is known as identifying the target audience. Hope wellness centre focuses on women and adolescents and their issues. It has values like confidentiality, competence and accountability that it upholds to the latter.

It is essential for social workers to understand the crisis theory and how it works for them to be effective in serving clients. They have to know the different types of ­­­­crises: situational and maturational and how to handle both. They have to know the phases of crisis through the 4-6 weeks that one goes through when under stress.

The workers should also understand the problem solving process and be one with it. They should internalize all the phases: Contact, Contract and Action phase. This will help them have a whole list of satisfied clients which goes a long way in creating good publicity for the agency.

Follow up and feedback is necessary and should not be neglected at any cost. They should take it as free advice on how to do it better next time. Clients should be called up to find out how they are fairing and called for sessions for analysis. They could also be visited at their homes to see how well adapted they have become. They can be called back for mentorship to others undergoing the same treatments they did.

The writer however thinks the important in the whole treatment and recovery process should involve the workers focusing all their energies in convincing the clients that the problems can be solved and that the crisis would be no sooner rather than later. Once the client believes in their ability to get well, the task becomes downhill, the client becomes motivated to get better. All that the social worker has to do is lead the way and keep the client disciplined in the process of recovery.

Reference

Braniff R., (n.d.). Ethical Decisions making: simplified strategies for complex cases. 2010. Web.

Code of Ethics. (2010.). Web.

Crisis theory & Intervention. (n.d.). 2010. Web.

Rapoport L., (1962). State of crisis: Some theoretical considerations. Web.

Social Work Treatment. (2010.). Web.

Professional activity is one of the critical components of human life, due to which one develops as an individual, obtaining material and psychological means for existence. For many centuries, gender indicators significantly influenced career choices. Women had to demonstrate their strength, endurance, and courage in order to prove that they had the right to work with men on an equal footing. Nowadays, almost everyone can choose any occupation, and the boundaries between traditionally male and female jobs are becoming increasingly transparent. A firefighter is a profession that has long been considered masculine, but numerous female fire brigades are emerging in recent years, and it is evident from their activities that the work has no gender.

Until the beginning of the twentieth century, firefighting was considered an exclusively male occupation that mandated stamina and strength. Most European countries began to accept women into fire divisions relatively recently. For example, in Austria, the first brigade was formed in 1912, and in advanced Norway, not a single case of a woman putting out fires was documented until the 1980s (Bishu & Headley, 2020). The first female firefighter was an African American slave girl, Molly Williams. She belonged to a New York City merchant named Benjamin Aymar, a family business owner who worked as a volunteer firefighter for the Oceanus Department.

Nowadays, it seems incredible that prosperous men want to go out to work for which they will not receive a paycheck. However, it was commonplace in the United States in the 19th century. When one had something to lose, and any warehouse one had, along with the goods, could burn to the ground in a matter of minutes, the motivation was obvious. It is unclear why Aymar took his slave with him to work. Still, the central point is that Molly quickly learned to handle the machinery, and she was considered a professional fireman as the rest of the boys.

Molly had a chance to prove her proficiency on one of the winter days when the whole brigade caught a horrible cold. There was a blizzard outside the window, but the fire did not pick its time. Molly was the only one in a position to answer the call, and she did her duty  in a chintz dress and apron, for she had no other clothes (Bishu & Headley, 2020). After her debut, Molly was inducted into the fire brigade and called Volunteer 11.

Numerous names of women who have tried to prove that firefighting is not a mans profession have been erased by history, but a few have survived. For example, Lillie Hitchcock Coyt, patroness, and mascot of the Knickerbocker Volunteer Fire Department, was fascinated with firefighting from a young age. According to one of the versions, in 1858, when she was fifteen years old, she heard a fire alarm and rushed to the aid of the brigade (Bishu & Headley, 2020). Since then, Lillie accompanied firefighters everywhere: on calls, on parades, and at banquets.

Her example demonstrated and inspired other women to choose the profession they desired without fear of danger or judgment. Later the first females fire brigades at educational institutions and factories began to appear  one of the first was the division of Girton College in Great Britain, founded in 1878 (Danbold & Bendersky, 2020). Still, it was not until World War II that women began to infiltrate the job. The first lady officially hired as a firefighter in the United States was Sandra Forcier in 1973 (Danbold & Bendersky, 2020). Nowadays, more and more women have begun their careers as firefighters, and they are rescuing people and objects from fire effectively.

As stated ahead, World War II was a phenomenon that primarily influenced women to become firefighters. In the first days of the Great Patriotic War, the government called upon females to replace their husbands and sons who had gone to the front. They joined the fire departments and made a significant contribution to protecting settlements from enemy shelling (Danbold & Bendersky, 2020). On duty to guard homes, working during air raids by German aircraft as firefighters, women prevented many fires, saved many peoples lives, and ensured the smooth operation of businesses.

Furthermore, the second wave of feminism and the equal employment opportunity movement led to official barriers for women having been removed since the 1970s. The persistent stereotypes about the prohibition of dangerous professions for women are an example that people have received a decreed idea of a female and a male since childhood. The list of restricted occupations reflects persistent stereotypes about the roles and responsibilities of women and men in the family and society, which perpetuate traditional views of females as wives and mothers. It undermines her social status and educational and career prospects. The equal rights movement aimed to comprehend that everyone should have the possibility to develop in a field that brings pleasure (Danbold & Bendersky, 2020). Moreover, the state should oblige employers to improve the workplace and make it safe for all workers; otherwise, men are also vulnerable and put their lives at risk.

Therefore, it can be concluded that in modern society, both women and men can work as firefighters and protect the population and their property on an equal footing. Even though this profession was considered masculine, many movements for equal rights and the second wave of feminism have contributed to significant transformations. Moreover, the first women firefighters made a considerable contribution, proving that there are no genuinely male careers. Everyone should have freedom of choice, and gender stereotypes should not exist.

References

Bishu, S. G., & Headley, A. M. (2020). Equal employment opportunity: Women bureaucrats in maledominated professions. Public Administration Review, 80(6), 1063-1074. Web.

Danbold, F., & Bendersky, C. (2020). Balancing professional prototypes increases the valuation of women in male-dominated professions. Organization Science, 31(1), 119-140. Web.

Growing up as a young child, I spend most of my childhood at my grandparents house. Both my parents had traveled to another city due to their job demands and they did not want to inconvenience me by forcing me to accompany them. Both my grandparents were relatively old. One day, my grandmother fell sick and upon arriving at the hospital, she was confirmed dead. This event shocked and saddened everyone; my grandfather could not come to terms since after being diagnosed with Osteoporosis, grandma had become her personal caregiver and friend.

But after the burial, my aunt who was working as a nurse in another town had to relocate and be near grandpa. She demonstrated exemplary skills in providing necessary care to grandpa, always carrying herself with a lot of empathy, warmth, and compassion, listening and paying attention to grandpas requests. She would stay with grandpa until late, only when he had surrendered to his bed would aunt would come to our room. I began to admire my aunts work; her skills both intrinsic and extrinsic aroused my curiosity and just wished that one day I would be able to help other people like my aunt by being a nurse.

Summarizing the work of Alfaro-Lefevre (2010), the following nurse caring behaviors are the ones that I have identified to be part of me. First, I have the ability to help others, a skill learned by being part of my school first aid club; another skill is the ability to work closely with people, an aspect I have long developed working with various groups of people and from my mother through observing her work with the people.

Being compassionate with people in distress is another skill I possess whereby always I strive to be supportive, comforting, and providing the necessary help (cited in Wold, 2004). With a desire to train as a registered nurse, I aim to acquire more skills in patient behavior assessment and diagnosis with the ability to make decisions on the appropriate intervention methods to adopt. I perceive these to be critical in understanding variation in patients behaviors in different circumstances.

Empathetic skills have to do greatly with interpersonal relationships and communication. About the empathetic skills I possess, I am confident that as a person, I am an attentive listener especially to those people in problems (cited in Wold, 2004). This listening skill is a skill I greatly acquired from my aunt when she was taking care of grandpa. Secondly, I am always patient with almost everyone and believe this is a critical skill in the nursing field.

Honesty forms another element of my listening skill where talking truth to individuals is my policy (Alfaro-LeFevre, 2010). Considering honesty, in any circumstance, I respect another persons views or way of thinking even when they are contrary to mine and this is a position that has characterized my life. Further, being sensitive to peoples needs is what I have cultivated within me where I believe as a nurse, holding a talk and receiving information from the patient should always be held with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.

Another empathetic skill that I possess is that of being non-judgmental (Alfaro-LeFevre, 2010) such that I always give room for free expression of views without making any judgment that might be subjective. Further, while listening to an individual, I always create a relaxed atmosphere with no criticisms or objection always remaining quietly and assuring the individual of the best.

However, with the ambition to train as a registered nurse, I am confident I will be able to acquire and develop more empathetic skills especially with regard to arrogant or mental disordered patients. Largely, the training I want to undertake will help in critical thinking with regard to empathetic communication and interaction (Alfaro-LeFevre, 2010).

In conclusion, nursing is a profession in which I believe I can use my intrinsic and extrinsic skills to contribute positively to the society. As a profession, there are a lot of demands, pressure, and setbacks, which I believe with adequate training, one is able to fully be equipped with the necessary critical thinking skills.

References

Alfaro-LeFevre, R. (2010). Critical Thinking Indicators (CTIs). Web.

Wold, G. (2004). Basic geriatric nursing. NY, Elsevier Health Sciences. Web.

Introduction

I developed an interest in the supply chain profession when I was still in high school. My motivation was the many job advertisements seeking graduates in supply chain management. The global economy is still recovering from the recession, and unemployment rates are high in most industries. Many college graduates are unemployed or underemployed. However, there has been a growing demand for supply chain management professionals (Mayfield, 2015). Therefore, the supply chain profession is one of the lucrative job options available to graduates. Supply chain jobs involve a broad range of activities. The activities include dealing with emergencies, day-to-day product flows to consumers, and flow of raw materials to industries (Dischinger, Closs, McCulloch, and Speier, 2007). I believe that supply chain management is a necessity for organizations. Additionally, supply chain professionals play a significant role in society.

Main text

I was inspired to pursue a profession in supply chain management because it is less competitive. The supply chain industry offers a lot of career options. Additionally, the industry is still developing in most countries. This means that there are many vacant supply chain positions around the world. Mayfield (2015) points out that in the next four years, the supply chain industry will create over one million jobs. However, only 75,000 individuals with supply chain-related qualifications will be graduating within the same period. Therefore, supply chain management students are in a better position to get employed than students in other competitive fields such as accounting and engineering. I am confident that I will get employed as a supply chain professional as soon as I graduate.

A degree in supply chain management can be applied in many industries. More firms have started to realize the importance of supply chain professionals in improving efficiency. The industries in which supply chain jobs are important include shipping and delivery, warehouse management, transportation, trucking, and even the manufacturing sector. Companies such as Deloitte recruit supply chain management graduates every year. Under such organizations, supply chain professionals can offer consultancy services to companies in different industries (Dischinger, Closs, McCulloch, and Speier, 2007). Therefore, one needs to develop a broad range of skills and competencies to be a successful supply chain professional. I have a firm understanding of my skills and through this course, I hope that I will be able to sharpen them and even develop more skills that will enable me to sell myself to any industry.

The increasing pace with which technology is developing has changed some aspects of the supply chain. As the supply chains get more complicated than before, supply chain management is becoming more relevant. Internet stores and globalization have also contributed to the changing nature of supply chain careers. Increased calls for sustainable production and increased competition require innovative management (Mayfield, 2015). Firms are looking for ways of minimizing costs while improving efficiency. This has led to increased demand for supply chain management professionals.

Conclusion

There are many career options in supply chain management. To make the right choice, one needs to understand what the supply chain entails and why it is important to society (Dischinger, Closs, McCulloch, and Speier, 2007). Through my past experiences, I have developed an understanding of how the supply chain profession affects our everyday life. What are the critical skills and competencies that supply chain professionals need to be successful?

References

Dischinger, J. Closs, D. McCulloch, E. & Speier, C. (2007).The Emerging Supply Chain Management Profession. Web.

Mayfield, S. (2015). 5 reasons to get a Degree in Supply Chain Management. Web.

Introduction

Car design is the sphere that every motorist or car enthusiast would willingly participate in, should he or she possess the required knowledge. Hollywood movies have recently put the automotive industry on an even higher pedestal than it used to occupy previously.

Eventually, studying this sphere is a matter of personal, professional, and financial growth for every future designer. Through gathering professionals and students of our department in a workshop, I aim to significantly expand my current knowledge in the matters of car construction. The work experience of these professionals, as well as their skills, turn out to be a valuable resource for sharing in one’s daily practice. I am eagerly looking forward to the upcoming practical studies since it is a chance for me to start building my career.

The relevance of the Car Design Industry

As Seward points out, car design is not limited to interior and body components; it involves designing the very functionality of a vehicle (43). Eventually, all the products that are sold from showrooms have been once invented by a specialist engaged in the process of engineering. For a car to match the safety standards, a large number of calculations need to be made, including the dimensions and weight of a vehicle, engine capacity, suspension load, etc. Seward stresses that it is the designer who “can influence the front/rear weight balance by moving certain components, such as the battery or hydraulic pumps” (10).

If a car is planned as a vehicle for mass use, it is equipped with the minimum of conveniences and is designed as a fuel-efficient product. Consumers, of course, do not bother with all the details that make their vehicles so attractive visually and economically. It is a task of a designer to have that issue resolved, who, in fact, is responsible for how reliable the vehicle will be and what reviews it will receive from owners.

Goals to Achieve

As a future car designer, I aim at acquiring practical skills in car assembling and repairing the occurring malfunctions. It is generally known that all vehicles are subject to regular technical audit and oil changes. I would prefer to conduct all the inspections on my own on the condition that all my actions are closely supervised. Also, I expect the professionals to explain to us how the engine crankshaft is being connected to the transmission and what principles are considered when designing an engine structure.

As to fixing body components, I have had enough practice in my own shed and do not plan to focus a lot on that part of a practical study. Again, my attention is more focused on functional components since I am still curious about how engineers balance between visual appearance and functionality.

Conclusion

In closing, I would like to admit that cars and car design, in particular, are the spheres I have been interested in since my childhood. A chance to work in conjunction with engineers that boast of a substantial store of knowledge is exactly the opportunity I have been looking for. My professional experience is not that rich, but I look forward to expanding it and sharing my knowledge with students one day. Until then I have a lot of work to do and plenty of material to study in order to succeed in my career. In order to reach that objective, I am ready to work hard, which proves my willingness to participate in an upcoming workshop.

Work Cited

Seward, Derek. Race Car Design. Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.

Chemical and biochemical process engineering involves the application of science, calculations and economics into the process of converting the raw materials into final goods and services. The well-known professional chemical engineers plan, make and administer all the relevant chemical operations globally.

For instance, some of the products that we enjoy as the final products of chemical processes from engineers include pharmaceuticals, food stuffs, and fibers. The UK chemical engineering is the center for chemical, biochemical, and other engineering processes for professionals from all over the world.

It has a continuous growing membership globally. The major themes of the UK chemical engineering are to promote the competence through its excellent commitment at its level best.

The various disciplines that are offered in this institute are advanced regularly for the benefits of the surrounding community. They manage to assist the society through encouraging young people to take part in science and engineering, as well as supporting the professionals to develop themselves.

The UK chemical engineering campaign is meant to attract the high school students to enroll for chemical engineer courses. Through the campaign, the number of the students interested in joining chemical engineering in the UK has gone up by 11.8% . The high figure of the students is a clear show of increased desire to study chemical engineering.

One of the strength that is in the ongoing campaign is about the return of the investment on chemical engineering degree. The chemical engineering degree looks very appealing to most of the students after realizing what they are likely to gain after completing their courses and employed.

According to the latest research done concerning the chemical engineering, it is evident that chemical engineering graduates receive one of the highest salaries in UK. More to that, this course is an important career choice, that is open to diverse opportunities in both public and private sectors. The launch of “whynotchemeng” campaign in early 2001, there is a big improvement of students joining chemical engineering in UK. The UK universities of chemical engineering has recorded almost double of the students applying for the course.

The strong financial base of “whynotchemeng” campaign has enabled them to pass the career information to as many schools as possible. Through this campaign, various schools have received free career literature, demonstration posters, and various resources to be used in science lessons. Most of the schools claim to lack some important resources to handle science lessons well, and that is one of the reasons of this campaign to influence both the teachers and the students to have an interest in chemical engineering .

Although the campaign has various strengths especially enough knowledge on how to convince teachers and students to take up chemical engineering, they also have some weaknesses. The campaign does not have direct contact to all schools apart from online communication. If they can have the capability to visit each and every school within certain specified period, it can be more effective in enlightening students as well as distributing the required resources.

The website for “whynotchemeng” is structured in an easy way that any interested person may obtain the required information. At the top, there is a search tool icon, through which one can quickly find a certain resource and more information especially specific issues. In the website, there is a teacher’s zone which a point for professional content likes educative publications, which are of much importance to science teachers.

The designer of this website went to an extent of listing all the relevant subjects according to the age range of the students. Another important section is the interactive section, whereby all the relevant resources that are important to school science for both teachers and students are listed.

For the science lessons to be effective, the necessary resources should be provided and used accordingly to help students score good marks at the end . Some schools do not know exactly of the most appropriate resources to be used in a science lesson, and that is why this campaign has provided these schools with the right information concerning the resources.

There is also a point for research focus whereby all the links to outside science research contents that are crucial to teachers and adult students who are above sixteen. Science teachers are also supposed to work hard on researching the new advancement of science field. In the website, there is also another important link referred to as science link which contains a quick reference directory very useful to science teachers .

Another very important content in this website is newsletter part, whereby the readers can sign up to be receiving a copy of a newsletter with more information.

The website has attracted students from all over the world. For the website to target the Australian students, some of its contents should include the available institutes in Australia that offers chemical engineering. The qualifications of the students who should apply for chemical engineering should be related to the education system of Australia.

Just like this website of “whynotchemeng”, the same strategies may be applied to attract Australian students to go for chemical engineering degrees. It the wish of every student to undertake a course, that would benefit him or her financially after graduating. The information that is provided in the website about how marketable chemical engineering is globally is enough convincing factor to make Australian and other students to pursue the career.

The websites just like any other is enlightening the students on how to prepare early enough for the course. Some students do not know what subjects to concentrate with most especially in high schools. When teachers and students get enough and relevant information on how to prepare for such important programs, it would be possible and easier for them to trend on the right path.

There are several chemical engineering programs in Australia for instance bachelor of engineering offered in university of Sidney, and its major areas of interests are bimolecular engineering and the general engineering . It is a full time course to be covered for four years. The students who apply for this programme should have a higher school certificate or a relevant higher level qualification.

There is another program for bachelor of engineering/ Bachelor of Science offered in university of New South Wales . It is a full time program for five years, and the applicants are enrolled depending on their performances on Australian and New Zealand final high secondary results or equivalent of the same. Bachelor of engineering/ Arts in chemical engineering is still another program offered in university of Queensland, a full time course for 5.5 years.

For one to qualify in getting enrolled in this program, he or she must have finished Queensland year12, and major subjects like physics and chemistry must be passed well. Bachelor of chemical engineering/ chemistry is a double degree program offered in Curtin University.

It is a full time program for five years and for one to apply must have enough knowledge in the major subjects like mathematics, specialist, physics, chemistry, and English . In most of the universities in Australia chemical engineering programs are offered in full time basis, although some local arrangements may be made for those who are willing to learn part time.

Bibliography

Institution of Chemical Engineers , 2011. All you need to know about careers in chemical engineering. Web.

Khajavi, S., 2011. All you need to know about careers in chemical engineering. Web.

Rey, R., 2008. Chemical engineering. Web.

Introduction

Michael Mahoney explores position of computer engineering between disciplinary and professional domains. He starts by giving a detailed history of persistent instability in computer engineering. Mahoney also utilizes historical approach to explore trajectory and origin of computer engineering.

However, he focuses his research on findings from the United States. He specifically tackles computer engineering as a domain of professional and disciplinary activity. In this regard, he tries to explore what counts as practice and knowledge in computer engineering. He also tries to define a computer engineer with respect to profession and discipline. Furthermore, he looks into timelines, locations, groups, and actors in computer engineering.

Mahoney explores sociotechnical boundaries that have continued to separate computer engineering from its adjacent fields. These fields include computer science and electrical engineering, among others. This paper will review Mahoney’s dissertation to explore position of computer engineering between discipline and profession (Mahoney, 2006).

Use of Historical Context in Computer Engineering

Mahoney looks at industrial sphere and professional societies from which computer engineering originate. He uses various academic sources ranging from primary to secondary sources with an aim of striking establishing position of computer engineering.

He includes variety of documents such as curriculum reports, conference proceedings, journal articles, and trade magazines, among others to achieve a credible outcome. He begins by describing pre-historic events on computer engineering and early historical events. Chapter two to chapter four covers years between 1940 and 1960.

Here, Mahoney finds that computer engineering gained its distinct identity as a partially distinct professional through professional societies and industries. Through this, it is observable that computer engineering was mostly professional given overwhelming support it received from professional societies and from industrial fields.

Throughout the second chapter, Mahoney accounts for emergence of computer engineering. He begins with emergence of electrical engineering to that of computer engineering. He also defines boundaries that emerged around computer engineering (Mahoney, 2006).

Similarly, Mahoney looks at historical context of computer engineering between 1960 and 1990. Here, Mahoney reveals extent of change as it occurred in the field of computer engineering. For instance, he documents that computer engineering took a distinct disciplinary identity and a partially distinctive sociotechnical settlement identity.

Apart from dominance of professional societies, academic context also emerged in this period. This showed that computer-engineering field was translating from a highly professional domain into a disciplinary domain. This period reveals debate on computer engineering’s position of persistent instability. These instabilities are discussed in depth with special attention given to domains of computer engineering (Mahoney, 2006).

Mahoney reviews extensively on recent developments associated with computer engineering in educational arena. These are aimed at highlighting continued instabilities within disciplinary domain of computing. Also, he provides basis for renewed call for establishment of a distinct professional and disciplinary identity of computer engineering as a field. In this regard, he calls for a review of historical context of software/hardware co-design movement.

He also agrees that historical development in field of computer engineering has involved both social and technical negotiation (sociotechnical context) to achieve development. Of great concern was on how to define responsibilities of a computer engineer and a computer scientist. It was quite challenging to establish a frontier between science and engineering, software and hardware and theory and design (Mahoney, 2006).

Defining such a frontier was significant in revealing important insights on past, present and future of computing. Mahoney tries to analysis these difficulties to define computer engineering. In essence, cause for concern is whether to categorize computer engineering as a branch of engineering (which makes it a professional domain) or categorize it as an independent discipline.

These conflicting questions have continually contributed to persistent instability. Besides, Mahoney considers Paul Edward’s work (The Closed World) inspirational in his analysis of professional and disciplinary development, which focuses beyond sociotechnical factors.

However, he departs from Edward’s theory when he considers that computer engineering is a significant facet of professional and disciplinary development. This diversion is caused by Edward’s belief that computer engineering is constructed from a discourse of sociotechnical elements. Mahoney claims that a profession must have capability of bringing heterogeneous elements into alignment in order to establish stability (Mahoney, 2006).

Methodology

Mahoney utilizes research papers and documents from texts and persons with close links to the field of computer engineering to conduct his research. This is important in ensuring relevancy on topic of discussion. It is also necessary in verifying credibility of sources used in developing this dissertation.

In essence, Mahoney’s goal of drawing information that emphasizes views of computer engineers is achieved. However, he avoids being monolithic by bringing views from various standpoints within the field of computer engineering. This is important in minimizing biased outcomes or lenient results.

In essence, Mahoney ensures that his dissertation is not infiltrated with biased views. That is, he integrates multiplicity of viewing platforms that have been contributed in this field over decades. However, given his objective of the unbiased outcome, Mahoney has also integrated information from adjacent areas. Nonetheless, he emphasizes on views of computer engineers on that information. This is important in bringing up credible results based on related stakeholders (Mahoney, 2006).

However, it should also be noted that Mahoney confines his research to development of computer engineering in the United States. In this sense, outcome is more related to factors in that country than in other parts of the world. In essence, his research is denied a global perspective it needs.

However, it is also necessary to note that this scope of research is increasingly easy to manage since it covers a small area of development as compared to a large scope. However, this restricts his research to be distinct to America. In alluding to this, Mahoney agrees that he would consider studying people’s perspectives on computer engineering in other parts of the world. Also, Mahoney defends his approach in research by establishing credibility of his resources (Mahoney, 2006).

Mahoney concurs that debate on sociotechnical boundaries has been in existence before. He agrees that it will continue to give rise to numerous discussions with far-reaching complications. He gives an in-depth account of transition from engineers, through computing, to computer engineering.

He gives a detailed account of historical negotiations that occurred in historical timelines of computer engineering. He also refers to various sociotechnical settlements that have so far been reached concerning computer engineering. In this regard, he includes various talks and mediation that took place in order to achieve present predicaments.

However, he still alludes to the fact that computer engineering has continued to experience persistent instability. He adds that there is amplified turbulence due to increasing calls for redefining discipline of computer engineering (Mahoney, 2006).

Mahoney also talks of overwhelming response from various scholars and agencies to bridge gap between computer science and computer engineering. In this regard, he talks of Computer Society’s move to influence computer education. It describes steps that have been taken to develop a curriculum in computer science and computer engineering.

Furthermore, it has tried to contribute to integration of computer science in engineering fields like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and civil engineering, among others. In this regard, it has worked to support reform of curricular in electrical engineering training. Still, agencies such as ACM, among others have been forefront in ensuring hybridization of software and hardware engineering. Engineers have also taken steps to refine CSE education.

Mahoney revisits all these developments in detail with a view to striking a balance between computer engineering as a domain of profession or discipline. Consequently, Mahoney discusses relationship between software and hardware engineering in an inclusive manner.

He argues that developments observed in computer field as a whole are constantly changing direction in which computer engineering as a domain takes. In essence, emergence of fields such as informatics, computer science, and computing, among others raise debate in categorization of computer engineering (Mahoney, 2006).

Persistent instability in Computer Engineering

Mahoney also looks into divergent pathways of computing curricula and co-design. He recounts how computer engineering was embraced as (CSE) computer science and engineering as a unified intellectual discipline. This culminated in drafting of curriculum for computer engineering.

However, this report dedicated computer engineering as a domain of disciplinary and professional distinct. Also, it was noted that scope of computing had expanded so much that it could not be contained as a single discipline. This led to five new curricula in computing namely information Systems (CCIS), Information technology (CCIT), Computer Science (CCCS), Software Engineering (CCSE), and Computer Engineering.

Still, as late as in 2004, computer engineering was considered a distinct professional and disciplinary domain. Proponents of computer engineering as a discipline argued that it evolved from discipline soft computer science and electrical engineering.

Also, since computer engineering was also divided into other programs such as Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Systems Engineering, they supported the fact that computer engineering was an independent discipline.

They also argue that since computer engineering was drawn from computer science, it evolved from body of knowledge, which was considered a discipline (Mahoney, 2006).

However, proponents of computer engineering as a professional domain argue that computer engineers have that ability to design computer systems (hardware and software), possess breadth of knowledge in both engineering sciences and mathematics, and are prepared for professional practice in engineering. In essence, they argue that these characteristics place computer engineers as both disciplinary and professional domains.

However, Mahoney notes that recent studies have seen both computer scientists and computer engineers working side by side despite arguments concerning their domains. Mahoney believes that one reason for this is a continued blurring of boundaries between software and hardware.

Mahoney explores the historical context of software-hardware boundary debate. He realizes that both are intertwined like social and technical cultures. However, he believes that further research on boundary between hardware and software would raise thorny questions that surround engineering and science (Mahoney, 2006).

Conclusion

Mahoney reveals major concerns in computer engineering. This includes its history of persistent instability, which has transpired between 1951 and 2006. From chapter two, he explains professional domain of computer engineering. From chapter six, he explores disciplinary domain of computer engineering.

He goes on to relate this debate to studies on software and hardware. Finally, he acknowledges that boundary between engineering and science is getting close because of blurring of frontier between software and hardware. In essence, computer engineering is a distinct disciplinary and professional domain.

Reference

Mahoney, M. (2006). Between Discipline and Profession: A History of Persistent Instability in the Field of Computer Engineering, circa 1951-2006. (Dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. (UMI Number: DP19901)

Introduction

Mechanical engineering is a complex discipline that requires the knowledge from various spheres and its efficient utilization with the purpose of design, development, and assessment of devices. Professionals who work in this area are to be ready to work in office settings and deal with the problems with the equipment (What does a mechanical engineer do, 2016). Their job is hard and time-consuming, which means that it required a decent education.

Taking into consideration the complicity of the work, it is critical to define if two years of technical studies (Diploma) is enough to prepare a mechanical engineering employee. The solution of this problem will allow to see whether the current educational programs are appropriate or they require improvement. It will also help professionals and students to make a right decision for their careers. It is critical, as people’s future and country’s development can be affected adversely.

This paper is aimed to prove that even though two years of technical studies (Diploma) is enough to work in the sphere of Mechanical engineering as a technician, it is not enough to prepare an efficient mechanical engineering employee and further education is required. This claim will be proved when answering such questions:

• Whether mechanical engineering is a complex discipline?
• What is the difference between mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering technician?
• What opportunities and duties do mechanical engineers and technicians have?
• Whether education obtained by technicians provides enough knowledge to become mechanical engineers?

Literature Review

Mechanical engineering is the oldest engineering discipline that includes various sub-disciplines. People who work in this sphere are efficient in many other areas such as physics or manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical systems. It deals with researchers, innovations, complex analyses and constant development. Engineering technology, in this perspective, is more limited. It deals with routine operations, manufacturing, evaluation, distribution and sales (Mechanical engineering & mechanical engineering technology, 2008). In order to become professionals in this spheres individuals mainly take college-level programs.

Many people believe that there is no difference between them and tend to choose the program that seems to be easier and less time-consuming. Still, it is critical to realize that mechanical engineers interface with other disciplines and often need to continue their education, receiving new degrees while mechanical engineering technicians have different entry points. Both professions require studying during two or four years but with various focuses (Sharma, 2011). It is impossible to substitute them because mechanical engineering needs more theoretical and scientific knowledge that is not provided in the framework of the programs for technicians.

Even though the majority of the scientists are sure that technicians’ education is not good enough to prepare an efficient mechanical engineer, the American Society for Mechanical Engineers state that “jobs obtained by graduates of both engineering and engineering technology programs are often similar” (RIT, 2016). In this way, it does not really matter what kind of program one chooses; the outcomes will be the same.

It turns out that mechanical engineers and technicians require a different scope of knowledge and different educational programs. Still, at the same time, it does not matter what kind of education they receive, as the jobs do not differ greatly (Handy, French, Corum, & Rodriguez, 2007). Such contradiction cannot be neglected and requires more thorough investigation. The problem can be solved with the enhancement of engineering technology degree completion (Mulski, 2016). Danielson and Kirkpatrick (2012) support such decision and believe that improvement of the education will place technical studies (Diploma) almost on the same level with mechanical engineering courses. Thus, it would be advantageous to find out how the issue is seen by the scientists and professionals who work in this sphere. Comparing their views and personal experiences, a conclusion can be made.

Methodology

In order to find out whether technical studies (Diploma) that last for two years are enough to prepare an efficient professional who can work in the sphere of mechanical engineering, a quantitative research was conducted. It consisted of two parts. First of all, the information related to the topic was received with the help of the literature review. It allowed to see how scientists treat the issue in the theoretical perspective. Then, the survey was conducted to find out the views of people who work and study in this sphere to receive information based on personal experiences and practice.

The survey was used to gain the information needed for the research. It was assessed with the help of statistical analysis. The questions were designed so that people’s attitudes towards mechanical engineering and technical education were revealed. The survey consisted of four sections with various options of the answer, which ensured validity. Participants defined their names, ages, and majors to make the findings more reliable.

The research population included 30 people (engineers, students, instructors, and individuals with experience in the sphere). A convenience sample allowed to select appropriate participants from the volunteers.

Findings & Implications

According to the survey, the sample mainly believes that technical studies are part of the mechanical engineering department. The sample does not agree that technical diploma equals a mechanical engineering bachelor and considers that technician and mechanical engineer are different. 60% emphasized that mechanical engineering students do not have better knowledge than technical diploma students.

Experienced individuals tend to believe that a technical diploma has the same career path as mechanical engineering while students mainly disagree with this statement. 23% claimed that studying technical diploma is not easier even though industrial companies prefer to hire mechanical engineering students, who have more opportunities. A mechanical engineering course is considered to be more advantageous as it allows to get a higher salary, better career future and receive office job. Still, studying technical Diploma course requires fewer fees and years of education, and a chance to have overtime payment.

Thus, a mechanical engineering course is mainly preferred because it provides more chances to get a well-paid job in the office. Still, some experienced professionals believe that there are not so many differences in practice. People do not really focus on the education when they select a course. They are more concerned about the way chosen profession will influence their lives (whether they will be able to get a good job and have a wide range of opportunities). The fact that the sample does not consider that mechanical engineering students have better knowledge proves that technicians and engineers should not be compared as they have various focuses and need to know different information, which requires appropriate learning programs.

Conclusion

Thus, professionals believe that two years of technical studies (Diploma) in mechanical engineering is not enough to prepare a mechanical engineering employee as mechanical engineers require more knowledge, which allows them to have more opportunities in future. They separate mechanical engineering and technical education, pointing that they are not equal.

People who want to become efficient mechanical engineering employees should study mechanical engineering course even though they have already had technical Diploma course. It is critical to define what profession they want to get and choose a program that fits it perfectly.

References

Danielson, S., & Kirkpatrick, A. (2012). Mechanical engineering technology: ASME vision 2030’s call for the future. Journal of Engineering Technology, 29(2), 42-48.

Handy, R., French, M., Corum, C., & Rodriguez, M. (2007). The near-term outsourcing of traditional BS mechanical engineering technology (MET) graduate employment in the United States. Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research, 8(1/2), 5-10.

Mechanical engineering & mechanical engineering technology. (2008). Web.

Mulski, R. (2016). Improving mechanical engineering technology degree completion at Delaware Technical Community College (Order No. 10055788). Web.

RIT. (2016). Engineering technology or engineering? Web.

Sharma, A. (2011). Which path will you take? Web.

Software Testing Skills and Mindset

Software testing is an integral part of the software development process. Without testing software prior to its application and promotion to the market, it is very likely to be filled with various bugs and malfunctions. Receiving an incomplete product would upset the customers and damage the company’s name. There are many examples of poorly tested software causing massive negative feedback and loss of profit. Some of the recent examples involve the release of Rome 2 – Total War and Star Wars Battlefront 2 computer games, which came under fire for numerous bugs and crashes that were missed by the software testing team due to various internal issues and project constraints (Gault & Maiberg, 2017). The profession of a software tester is paramount to the programming industry, as it allows for spotting and fixing issues that were missed during the product creation stage.

Prior to watching the video about software testing, I assumed that the most valued skill in software testing was the ability to methodically check and perform many basic and redundant testing sequences in order to spot any potential flaws that might occur when performing basic functions. My reasoning behind this assumption was that the majority of programming errors could be spotted this way, whereas more complicated and hidden errors would not be visible to the naked eye and would only be revealed after a series of reported user complaints. However, this assumption was incorrect. The video made me realize that spotting basic functionality errors is not that difficult and does not require any exceptional skills and dedication. The most important skills in a software testing are the ability to critically think and analyze the situation in order to spot hidden and complex programming errors, and communication skills in order to properly relay and explain these findings to the developers and customers (EuroSTAR, 2012).

Top Five Assumptions in Systems Test Plans

Although every system test plan is individually fitted to a specific product or software, there are always assumptions that must be made in order for the system to operate efficiently. The majority of the assumptions regarding a particular project are outlined during the project planning phase (Merkow & Raghavan, 2010). However, there are several assumptions that are considered universal and can be largely applied to any systems test plans. These assumptions are as follows (Jorgensen, 2016):

• Testing will be conducted within the implementation timeframes outlined by the testers and approved by the customers.
• The test team will be provided with all the tools necessary for conducting quality systems tests specific to the software in question.
• The configurations of testing hardware and the software will be similar to those present in the production environment.
• The test team will be provided with an acceptable environment in which the testing will be conducted.
• The test team will be provided with all the requirements necessary for the completion of the project, which includes business requirements, system requirements, and data requirements.

These basic assumptions are used as a foundation, upon which the majority of the testing projects are being based.

Challenging the Assumptions

Although the five basic assumptions are theoretically applicable to any project, the realities of the market indicate that some assumptions cannot be met due to a series of events prior to or during the project that lies outside of the customers’ or test team’s control. Depending on the situation, some of the assumptions will not be met. This tends to have a negative effect on the quality of the software testing process.

In order to demonstrate this, we can once more re-assess the blunder that Rome 2: Total War was on release due to a series of errors and poor test runs on the part of the Creative Assembly. The first assumption on the list was that tests are to be conducted within the implementation timeframes outlined by the testers and approved by the customers. However, the core reason behind the number of bugs and glitches in the game was tied to the pressure by Sega on the Creative Assembly to release the game earlier (Grayson, 2013). Thus, the implementation timeframes were based solely on the needs of the customers and not on the realistic expectations of the development and testing teams. As a result, the product was unfinished upon release. This situation happens in projects that are urgent and have severe time constraints. It affects product testing in a negative way.

Another example of basic assumptions not being met can be found in the day-to-day work of testing and programming industries. The last assumption on the list states that the test team is to be provided with all the requirements necessary for the completion of the project, which includes business requirements, system requirements, and data requirements. However, as it often happens, the customers do not have a clear vision of what their software is expected to do. Therefore, a situation occurs where the requirements are not clear, which makes formulating software-specific assumptions harder. Without clear requirements, it is impossible to assess the presence or absence of certain functions that may later be needed by the end-users of the product, making it impossible for the test team to locate these errors (Stafford, 2014). In order to ensure quality, the test team must have a clear vision of what the end product is supposed to do as well as the requirements for the system and the quality of the provided data.

References

EuroSTAR. (2012). What is the most important skill a software tester should have? [Video file]. Web.

Gault, M., & Maiberg, E. (2017).‘Star Wars Battlefront II’ is everything that’s wrong with big budget games. Web.

Grayson, N. (2013).Et tu, CA? – Rome II devs apologize for issues.Web.

Jorgensen, P. C. (2016). Software testing: A craftsman’s approach. New York, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Merkow, M. S., & Raghavan, L. (2010). Secure and resilient software development. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.

Stafford, W. (2014). The importance of requirements gathering for software projects. Web.

Text for the general public

Keeping in consideration the fact that not all the people are well educated to understand the nuances of mechanical engineering, the text of this paragraph has been kept as moderate as possible. Simple language has been used, and the sentences have been kept short. The examples mentioned in the text have been taken from everyday life that people are aware of. The text is as follows:

Each one of us is probably familiar with the word ‘mechanic.’ We all know that he is the one who repairs our faulty implements, vehicles, electronic items, etc. So we know that a mechanic is a person who repairs machines. Similarly, mechanical engineering also deals with machines. But it is not only for repairing purposes. Machines are created with the help of mechanical engineering. From the smallest things (such as toys, door latches, etc.) to the biggest things (such as space ships, airplanes, trains, etc.) are all wonders of mechanical engineering.

So basically, mechanical engineering can be defined as a stream of engineering that deals with anything and everything that moves and is made by humankind. Mechanical engineering can be found in all walks of life like refrigeration, manufacturing, energy production and conversion, vehicles, aerospace, medical equipment, etc.

The history of mechanical engineering can be traced back to early Greece and Chinese civilizations. During that era, mechanical engineering was involved in numerous things such as pumps, engines, clocks, etc. But mechanical engineering became a separate field with the advent of the industrial revolution in the world.

To become a mechanical engineer, a student has to obtain a degree BSc in mechanical engineering. The usual duration of the course is four years, after which the student becomes a mechanical engineer. If it is feasible for the student, he/she can do further specialized studies in a field of his/her choice. Else, jobs are available for graduate mechanical engineers as well. Most of the companies engaged in manufacturing require mechanical engineers. So mechanical engineering is a great field to pursue.

Text for elementary-aged children

It is commonly understood that the participation of children in commercial fairs is not much, but even though the number is less, this group of visitors is the most enthusiastic and eager to learn. After all, they are our future engineers, astronauts, doctors, etc. So keeping this into consideration, the following paragraphs have been written in a manner to enable the children to understand the concept of mechanical engineering in a playful manner.

The language has been kept very simple and the examples included in the text relate to their childhood and their fantasies. It is quite possible that they get impressed and inspired by what they see, and their future is nurtured here. Following is the text:

While at leisure, there might be several questions popping up in your minds. Why is it that only children have to go to school? Why do our parents work? If elders don’t go to school, then why do teachers come to school? Why is my father an engineer, and my friend’s father is a doctor? Well, children, the answer is very simple. There is a time for everything. Now is the time for you to study well so that when you grow up, you also become an engineer or a doctor. And as far as grownups doing different professions are concerned, it is a person’s choice of what he/she wants to become in life. He/she has to study hard to achieve that aim. Today, when you see the wonders of mechanical engineering, it is quite possible that one day you too will be successful mechanical engineers.

Mechanical engineering is a science that makes things move. Your toys, such as cars, trucks, catapults, building bots, ballistics, etc. are all wonders of mechanical engineering. Have you ever thought about how does a doll dance when you wind the key? Well, there’s a spring coil inside the doll that gets tightened when you wind the key. When you release the key, the spring starts rewinding, and since the spring is attached to the doll, it also moves in a dancing manner.

It was a small example. There are many more complicated machines (such as heavy machinery, airplanes, ships, power projects, etc.) that you can learn if you choose to become a mechanical engineer. Even the kitchen equipment, the air conditioners, the washing machines at your homes work on the principles of mechanical engineering.

Text for graduates/professionals

Graduates and professionals who want to change their profession and want to pursue careers in mechanical engineering are encouraged to do so. Considering the level of their education, the language of the following paragraphs has been kept scientific and the examples quoted are from complicated fields. But care has been taken that it is understood by the audience of this group. The text is as follows:

Mechanical engineering is a field of engineering that deals with various principles of science to examine, plan, create, and maintain different mechanical systems. A successful mechanical engineer has to be thorough with a wide range of concepts such as technicalities, kinematics, thermodynamics, power, etc. All these principles and concepts are put to use by mechanical engineers while designing heavy equipment such as aircraft, ships, vehicles, power plants, medical equipment, etc. another important requirement for being successful in mechanical engineering is teamwork. A single mechanical engineer cannot do wonders single-handedly. He/she has to work as a team.

Since mechanical engineering principles are crucial for practically everything that is made by humankind, it is the vastest and diverse field of engineering. Moreover, with the incessant inventions around the world, the proper update is a must.

Mechanical engineering needs certain abilities and skills that cannot be nurtured at once. Such skills can be attained through proper education and guidance. Students should enroll in specific programs in their schools. They should be proficient in mathematics and science. The art of conversation and communication is also an important factor because only then he/she will be able to perform as a team. Students can augment their knowledge by attending science fairs.

The content of the mechanical engineering course might differ from university to university, but the principles are the same. Some mechanical engineers prefer specializing in some particular fields such as aeronautical engineering, automotive engineering, etc. It is a good thing because recruiters of such fields will prefer the specialists. Doing a management course in addition to mechanical engineering can prove to be a shot in the arm. Knowing design software such as CAD, CAM, FMEA proves to be an added advantage.