NDLI: Breaking Down Classroom Walls: Fostering Improved Communication and Relations Between Engineers and Tradesmen Through a Joint Semester Project

Content Provider	The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Digital Collection
Author	Michael, W. Martin Cale, T. Polkinghorne
Copyright Year	2011
Abstract	Recent engineering education research has suggested that most engineering curricula does not promote attainment of many characteristics desired in practicing engineers [1][2]. One such characteristic is effective communication with workers in other disciplines. A method to attain improved communication is simulation of workplace situations in the educational environment [3][4]. In an effort to improve communication between trades and to foster a higher appreciation for the other field, a project simulating the working relationship between engineers and machinists was implemented via a joint semester project coupling a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining course and an engineering design course. A significant body of knowledge exists regarding multidisciplinary education for engineering students. Nearly all of the multidisciplinary projects involve one discipline of engineering working with another engineering discipline (i.e. mechanical engineering students working with electrical engineering students). The multidisciplinary work between different disciplines of engineering students has documented benefits; however, the two groups of students are on a similar communication level. By coupling junior and senior level bachelor degree-seeking engineering students with students primarily pursuing a 1 year CNC machining certificate, many communication barriers are encountered that are not seen in typical university multidisciplinary projects. The students from the engineering class were tasked with designing a simple assembly that performs a specified function. The engineering student was responsible for generating a complete set of manufacturing prints. Each engineering student was matched with a group of two or three CNC machining students, who were responsible for manufacturing the parts designed by the engineering student. This type of collaboration closely simulates the design engineer working with the manufacturing shop floor employee in determining how a part is best produced and taking the project to completion by manufacturing and assembly of that part. Data collection methods included student surveys and instructor observations. Primary student outcomes appeared to be; 1) an appreciation for the importance of communication and, 2) greater understanding of the complete process needed to produce a product. The primary difficulties the students encountered were due to communication issues and project management breakdowns. Efforts to address these issues and other lessons learned will be discussed.
Starting Page	7
Ending Page	14
Page Count	8
File Format	PDF
ISBN	9780791854914
DOI	10.1115/IMECE2011-62229
Volume Number	Volume 5: Engineering Education and Professional Development
Conference Proceedings	ASME 2011 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition
Language	English
Publisher Date	2011-11-11
Publisher Place	Denver, Colorado, USA
Access Restriction	Subscribed
Subject Keyword	Design Trades Collaboration Manufacturing Engineering technology Multidisciplinary Communication Computers Electrical engineering Computer numerical control machine tools Project management Machining Breakdown (electricity) Engineering education Mechanical engineering Engineering design Design engineering Students Simulation Education Data collection Engineers Engineering disciplines Performance Engineering students
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article

Sl.	Authority	Responsibilities	Communication Details
1	Ministry of Education (GoI), Department of Higher Education	Sanctioning Authority	https://www.education.gov.in/ict-initiatives
2	Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	Host Institute of the Project: The host institute of the project is responsible for providing infrastructure support and hosting the project	https://www.iitkgp.ac.in
3	National Digital Library of India Office, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur	The administrative and infrastructural headquarters of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in
4	Project PI / Joint PI	Principal Investigator and Joint Principal Investigators of the project	Dr. B. Sutradhar bsutra@ndl.gov.in Prof. Saswat Chakrabarti will be added soon
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