Newswise — Virtual design environments and collaborative work structures are exerting a strong positive influence on the engineering profession, according to the 2007-2008 annual report of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
The recently issued report also says the urgency to preserve the global environment, improve health conditions worldwide and develop sustainable energy sources will create opportunities for engineers to serve humanity and make a lasting impact on future generations.
In summarizing the social and business issues and trends that are bringing change as well as opportunity to the engineering profession, the 2007-2008 ASME annual report cited the contribution of virtual design to speed and efficiency throughout the product development process.
Collaborative work environments and partnerships, says the report, also are playing a strong role in the profession, enabling efficiencies in such areas as sales forecasting and just-in-time manufacturing. Says ASME: "In industries from healthcare and telecommunications to automotive and aerospace, success today is based on the ability of business partners to collaborate successfully by sharing resources and jointly developing new products and services."
For engineers, continues the report, the collaborative enterprise will create exciting opportunities to innovate and contribute value to organizational goals.
Engineers also must embrace the environmental mandate, according to the annual report, and "develop solutions that foster a cleaner, healthier, safer and sustainable world." Opportunities exist in water management, environmental remediation, food production, and other areas focused on meeting the needs of people and improving the quality of life around the world. "Engineers must become the facilitators of sustainable development," says the report, borrowing a quote from Bernard Amadei, Ph.D., the founding president of the humanitarian group Engineers Without Borders-USA.
The report also discussed methodologies to secure the world's energy future and the role of engineers in energy production, particularly alternative fuels. Energy technologies requiring ongoing research and development activity for engineers, according to the report, include photovoltaic fuel cells, bio-fuels, and new alloys that enable jet engines to deliver improved fuel efficiencies.
The complete 2007-2008 annual report of ASME is available online: http://www.asme.org/about/Annual_Reports_from.cfm
Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences. ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the global engineering and technology community.
RSS