Proposal of a Self-Assessment Competency Framework for Transdisciplinary Engineering

Transdisciplinary (TD) working is claimed to be critical to meet future societal needs, with engineers being at the core to provide solutions to these challenges. However, there is little available that enables one to assess whether they or their team have the competencies required. Within this paper, we propose a self-assessment framework to ascertain whether design engineers have the competencies which enable TD working. We describe how the competencies were identified using a systematic literature review (SLR), we then describe how we utilized coded decision trees to classify which disciplinary level a particular competency can enable. In total, 76 competencies were classified; the results of the analysis show 20 of these displaying TD attributes as defined by Jantsch. The novelty of the approach is as follows: (1) In this paper, we propose a novel way to map the identified competencies against the levels of Jantsch's hierarchical framework. (2) The proposed framework enables self-assessment of individual or team competencies to assess whether they have the competencies which enable TD working. (3) It enables a move towards incorporating TD practices in engineering projects.</p

An Enhanced CATIA – Matlab Interfacing Solution

Design in the 21st century is a collaborative process that requires contributions from several specialty engineering disciplines across several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Due to the competitive nature of design, it is in the best interest of the OEM to cast a wide net and harness expertise from across the world. The immediate trade-off seen by recruiting from such diverse elements is the decentralization of the workforce and resultant challenges for data sharing and platform interoperability. To capitalize on the advantages offered by the development of industry 4.0 and the enhanced ability to draw from a worldwide workforce it is essential that the interfacing of all design technologies is as seamless as possible. A single, but important aspect of such an interface is the ability to validate designs from a generic and globally updated model, at any time. Multidirectional translation between CAD packages and behavioural modelling software with the capability for integration of designs with optimisation packages allows for partial and complete designs to be validated, tested, and improved. Typical CAD to behavioural import methods utilise STEP / STL representations of the original CAD model. Whilst these provide accurate graphical representations of the original model, they can only be interpreted as rigid bodies and the ability to make modifications to the geometry outside of the native CAD domain is limited. In this work, a demonstration of a generic method for the integration of CAD and behavioural modelling software through the import of CATIA V5 models into Simulink is highlighted. The models are imported using a method that enables modification of component geometry within the simulation environment, enabling quick and meaningful decision support and opening a gateway to design engineering across unlinked CAD and Simulation software. The process presented enables standalone design evaluation and modification that can be used as an integral part of design development, supporting each decision with available and accurate feedback

CE Challenges: Work to Do

CE has been used for more than two decades now. Despite many successes and advantages, there are still many challenges to be addressed. These challenges are both technical and organisational. In the paper we will address the current challenges of CE. Many challenges are related to the exchange of data and knowledge and to the systems that make data and knowledge exchange possible. Although much progress has been made in enabling extensive data and knowledge exchange and use, much remains to be wished. For example, there are still barriers to data exchange. Technically, these barriers may consist of different formats, differences in infrastructures and systems, and different semantics. There are also organisational and political barriers. For example, investment in information system may heavily impact upstream suppliers, while revenues of better information exchange may predominantly be gained by downstream actors. Without sharing costs and revenues, chain-wide information exchange will not be easily realised. Another barrier is the possible lack of willingness to share information, because of potential misuse of knowledge and loss of power. The paper is organised as follows. First we will describe the current manifestation of CE as described in a recent book. Second, we will list current trends in CE. Third, we will present some Critical Success Factors (CSFs) that are considered relevant for implementing and adapting CE practices. Last, we indicate some research and practical questions to be addressed, especially for areas that have a high potential and actual impact. Aerospace Transport & Operation

CE Challenges Work to Do

CE has been used for more than two decades now. Despite many successes and advantages, there are still many challenges to be addressed. These challenges are both technical and organisational. In the paper we will address the current challenges of CE. Many challenges are related to the exchange of data and knowledge and to the systems that make data and knowledge exchange possible. Although much progress has been made in enabling extensive data and knowledge exchange and use, much remains to be wished. For example, there are still barriers to data exchange. Technically, these barriers may consist of different formats, differences in infrastructures and systems, and different semantics. There are also organisational and political barriers. For example, investment in information system may heavily impact upstream suppliers, while revenues of better information exchange may predominantly be gained by downstream actors. Without sharing costs and revenues, chain-wide information exchange will not be easily realised. Another barrier is the possible lack of willingness to share information, because of potential misuse of knowledge and loss of power. The paper is organised as follows. First we will describe the current manifestation of CE as described in a recent book. Second, we will list current trends in CE. Third, we will present some Critical Success Factors (CSFs) that are considered relevant for implementing and adapting CE practices. Last, we indicate some research and practical questions to be addressed, especially for areas that have a high potential and actual impact