Re: New Current Interesting Link: What Makes an Engineer Good?

Yeah, I thought that "make it cheaper" bit at the end of the article stood out like a spontaneous boner at a grandfather party also.

As you say, good communication is one of the most important elements; what's the old maxim about being able to explain a complicated concept effectively to someone who knows nothing about the subject matter?

We should all eschew obfuscation.

Paul

Christopher Wright wrote:

> For my 2¢ worth, the things that make a good engineer good are
> communication skills and the ability to think critically. Doing the
> science and math is important, but while clear thinking and good
> communication can remedy bad science, I've never seen projects where
> good science overcame bad communication or disorganized management.
>
> The ability to make something cheaper is nonsense. Anyone can make a
> thing cheaper if you don't mind making it a little crappier. Purchasing
> agents do it all the time--it's the reason the US was having so much
> trouble with counterfeit bolts. Lots of companies thrive on making
> better stuff--Apple Computer and Honda are two which come to mind. When
> you concentrate on cheaper, you get fake pipe flanges made from cast
> parts and slugged welds and the Oldsmobile diesel.
Received on Wed Sep 29 11:15:00 2004