Identify and define areas of engineering research
Overview
This standard identifies the competences you need to identify and define areas of engineering research, in accordance with company procedures. You will be required to identify and examine information from a wide range of internal and/or external sources, as appropriate, and to define the research problem with a clear rationale.
Your responsibilities will require you to comply with organisational policy and procedures for ensuring the successful identification and specification of engineering research activities, and to report any problems that you cannot personally resolve to the relevant authority. You will be expected to work unsupervised, either on your own or as part of a team, which you may lead or direct, taking full responsibility for your actions and, possibly, for the work of colleagues or subordinates.
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of general and discipline-specific engineering principles and processes. You will be fully conversant with organisational procedures and systems, and will understand engineering research principles, processes and methodology, as well as patents, copyright and intellectual property issues. You will also be aware of research issues specific to your engineering sector or discipline, and will understand risk analysis and assessment principles.
You will be fully aware of any health, safety and environmental requirements, and the appropriate legislative and regulatory frameworks applicable to your area of responsibility. You will be required to ensure that safe working practices are maintained throughout, and will understand the responsibility you owe to yourself and others in the workplace.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- work safely at all times, complying with health and safety and other relevant regulations, directives and guidelines
- identify engineering problems and issues, together with their implications for the organisation
- obtain accurate information on any relevant completed or current research
- assess the contribution of the research that has been undertaken
- identify any gaps in the research that might require further action
- define clearly the research problem and provide a rationale for undertaking the research
- identify clearly any risks, benefits, and constraints associated with undertaking the research
- consult with colleagues on the feasibility and desirability of the research
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- where to obtain information on problems and issues which could impact on engineering
- the potential engineering problems and issues that could require research
- how to access relevant information for the research
- how to obtain technical data through information technology
- how to interpret and evaluate the results of research that has been carried out
- the importance of clearly defining the research problem
- who needs to be informed about the research problem and its progress
- other people who could benefit from the research
- how to communicate research information to the appropriate audience
- whom to consult on the feasibility and desirability of the research
- how to gain approval for the research activity
- the typical risks, benefits and constraints associated with undertaking the research, and how to evaluate their impact on the organisation
- the extent of your own authority, and to whom you should report if you have problems that you cannot resolve
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Carry out all of the following activities in identifying and defining areas of research:
- choose area/s to be researched, based on a current problem or need
- take account of any previous research or relevant existing materials
- review the availability of expertise for the research being considered
- evaluate the potential for practical exploitation of the research
- evaluate the potential for payback on predicted costs of the research
Identify the rationale for research to be undertaken, using two of the following potential problem areas:
- design requirement/limitation
- product function
- material problem
- customer concerns
- manufacturing methods and procedures
- technological advance
- organisational procedures
- new design methods and/or techniques
- product aesthetics
- other specific area
Consider the benefits and constraints of four of the following when developing areas of research:
- spin-off products
- organisational capability
- availability of time
- commercial implications
- cost of resources
- changes in technology
- prestige
- personnel capabilities
Review and consider information obtained from four of the following sources:
- company data
- the internet
- engineering associations or institutions
- company procedures
- other organisations
- technical data (such as journals, research, papers)
- statistical data
- regulatory/legal requirements
- libraries
- other specific sources
Identify and define areas of research, taking into account three of the following:
- British, European or International standards, directives or codes of practice
- health, safety and environmental requirements
- equipment manufactures operating specification/range
- organisational guidelines and procedures
- recognised compliance agency/body standards, directives or codes of practice
- other specific standard
Review the outcomes of the identification process, to include all of the following:
- assessment of the potential contribution of the research to the organisation, client and research team
- identification of any potential spin-offs
- identification of any related areas requiring research
Record and communicate areas of research to the appropriate people, using:
- a verbal report
plus one from the following:
2. electronic mail
3. computer generated report
4. specific company document
5. other appropriate media
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Additional Information
You will be able to apply the appropriate behaviours required in the workplace to meet the job profile and overall company objectives, such as:
- strong work ethic
- positive attitude
- team player
- dependability
- responsibility
- honesty
- integrity
- motivation
- commitment