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Revision as of 11:55, 5 March 2022

Welcome to Engineer-it

The Engineer-it resource, for learners of all ages, provides information about how to manage complex uncertainty.

The resource was established in 2021 by the Institution of Engineers in Scotland (IES).

Engineer-it is uses the MediaWiki software platform but it is not 'wiki' i.e. there are limited editing rights. However, it is a 'live' resource that is expected to be continually extended and modified.

For more information about Engineer-it see About

System planning

The term system planning is used here to represent skilled management of complex uncertainty.

Planning can be defined as the formulation and implementation of processes. The simple model of:

Input -----> process -----> outcomes

prompts the observation that deep focus on the suitability of the inputs to processes and on the quality of the processes themselves is critical for achieving successful outcomes. When working with complex uncertainty, it is necessary to ensure that the processes used are the most appropriate in the context. In system planning, such focus is applied to the overall process and to the sub-processes.

A main feature of system planning is that the processes are adapted to the context and kept under constant review.

System planning also implies that outcomes are kept under constant review and changes are made in the light of such experience

System planning for structural design is discussed here. The need for system planning for the electricity system is discussed here.

System planning is needed for:

developing government policy, for energy, reducing inequality, waste disposal, etc.
engineering projects of all kinds: infrastructure, aircraft, microchips, etc.
business enterprises
health services
scientific projects
educational programmes
etc.

Structure of the resource

The resource is divided into 'modules'.

The Strategies Module outlines a conceptual framework that can be used in a wide range of situations, not only in engineering. The other chapters give instances of the use of the framework in specific contexts.

Those who seek to address the complex problems of the modern world - sustainability, inequality, energy, climate change, waste, etc. - should use these strategies where they are appropriate. All who have, or aspire to have, a responsible role in society should discipline their minds to use them.

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-[[File:Satellite.png|center|thumb|900x900px]]
+[[File:Satellite.png|center|thumb|850x850px]]
 ==Welcome to Engineer-it==
-The ''Engineer-it'' resource, for learners of all ages, provides information about how to 'engineer' successful outcomes particularly in situations of complex uncertanty.   'Engineering' is viewed as an overarching strategy widely used beyond engineering.
+<div style = "width:800px">
+The ''Engineer-it'' resource, for learners of all ages, provides information about how to manage complex uncertainty.
 The resource was established in 2021 by the Institution of Engineers in Scotland ([http://www.engineers.scot/ IES]).
-While Engineer-it relates closely to STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) it is not confined to these subject areas.
+Engineer-it is uses the MediaWiki software platform but it is not 'wiki' i.e. there are limited editing rights. However, it is a 'live' resource that is expected to be continually extended and modified.
+For more information about Engineer-it see [[Engineer-it:About|About]]
+=== System planning ===
+The term ''system planning'' is used here to represent skilled management of complex uncertainty.
+Planning can be defined as the formulation and implementation of processes.  The simple model of:
+      Input ----->  process  -----> outcomes
+prompts the observation that deep focus on the suitability of the inputs to processes and on the quality of the processes themselves is critical for achieving successful outcomes.  When working with complex uncertainty, it is necessary to ensure that the processes used are the most appropriate in the context. In ''system planning'', such focus is applied to the overall process and to the sub-processes.
+A main feature of system planning is that the processes are adapted to the context and kept under constant review.
+System planning also implies that  outcomes are kept under constant review and changes are made in the light of such experience
+System planning for structural design is discussed [[Structural design processes|here]]. The need for system planning for the electricity system is discussed [[Energy planning#System planning|here]].
-Engineer-it is uses the MediaWiki software platform but it is not 'wiki' i.e. there are limited editing rights. However, it is a 'live' resource that is expected to be continually extended and modified.
+System planning is needed for:
-For more information about Engineer-it see [[Engineer-it:About|About]]
+* developing government policy, for [[Energy planning|energy,]]  reducing inequality, waste disposal, etc.
+* engineering projects of all kinds: infrastructure, aircraft, microchips, etc.
+* business enterprises
+* health services
+* scientific projects
+* educational programmes
+* etc.
 ===Structure of the resource===
@@ Line 17: / Line 41: @@
 The [[Strategies for engineered outcomes|Strategies Module]] outlines a conceptual framework that can be used in a wide range of situations, not only in engineering. The other chapters give instances of the use of the framework in specific contexts.
-Those who seek to address the complex problems of the modern world - sustainability, inequality, energy, climate change, waste, etc. - must use these strategies where they are appropriate.  All who have, or aspire to have, a responsible role in society should discipline their minds to use them.
+Those who seek to address the complex problems of the modern world - sustainability, inequality, energy, climate change, waste, etc. - should use these strategies where they are appropriate.  All who have, or aspire to have, a responsible role in society should discipline their minds to use them.
-=== 21<sup>st</sup> century skills ===
-In an [https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/want-the-best-schools-in-europe-try-estonia-zv87fvn7h article in The Times] on the success of the Estonian educational system, it is stated that:
-<div style=" padding-left: 20px">
-"Estonia has the best education system in Europe, according to the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa), run by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)."
 </div>
-Here is another quote from the article:
-<div style=" padding-left: 20px">
-"The education minister says the curriculum is moving away from “knowledge and understanding” towards implementation, analysis, synthesis and assessment”, with more collaboration across subjects."
-</div>
-A secondary school principal  is quoted as saying:
-<div style=" padding-left: 20px">
-“Knowledge is important but, in the end, you need those 21st-century skills: critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration. Learning is about learning from each other and with each other. We say that it’s OK to fail and you can learn from that.”
-</div>
-While these are skills for all centuries, the phrase '21<sup>st</sup> century skills' can be used to imply that they are now more important than ever as, for example, we become increasingly aware of the effects on the planet of human activities.
-Eit is a resource to support the development of 21<sup>st</sup> century skills.