Adoption of computational modelling in introductory engineering course modules: A case study

This study seeks to explain the adoption and use of computational modelling and simulation across introductory engineering modules following the advent of the Integrated Engineering Programme (IEP) curriculum framework in 2013. Rogers’ (2003) diffusion of innovations theory served as the theoretical framework for this study. Findings from the study suggest that there is a correlation between academics’ views and perceptions of active learning methods and their adoption of computational tools in their teaching. In addition, the study also suggests that the adoption of computational tools at both individual and departmental level bears some correlation to their perception of, and commitment to the values espoused by the IEP

The Impending 5G Era and Its Likely Impact on Society

This paper looks at the emergence of the fifth generation of wireless networks, commonly referred to by the acronym 5G, from a perspective informed by the literature on digital divides and digital inequality. 5G has been designed with the goal of minimising inequalities in physical access, in particular differences in access that arise as a consequence of the rural-urban divide. Together with the Internet of Things, 5G is likely to usher in a new era of economic growth, and to lead to general improve- ments in quality of life. However, the impact of 5G on socio-economic status is not so clear cut. In some instanc- es, 5G is likely to magnify social inequality, while in other instances it is likely to narrow social inequality. 5G also has the potential to alter existing socio-economic hierar- chies, and this paper cautions policy makers and social elites to minimise the negative impacts of attendant social transformations

Urban Residential Energy Demand Modeling in Developing Countries: A Nigerian Case Study

An econometric model is used to estimate urban residential electricity demand in Nigeria. The model uses residential energy demand data from 1975 to 2005. Shortcomings of the econometric model are highlighted, and system dynamics modeling is proposed as a complement to the econometric approach. It is suggested that this hybrid approach comprising econometric techniques and system dynamics may lead to better energy demand forecasting in developing countries

Seamless Vertical Handover in WiFi and WiMAX Networks using RSS and Motion Detection: An Investigation

In this paper, we propose a decision making algorithm for seamless vertical handover between WiFi hotspots and an overlay WiMAX network. The inputs to the algorithm are the WiFi received signal strength (RSS) and estimated end-to-end TCP handover latency. Simulation of the algorithm using Matlab® reveals that the distance from the WiFi reception boundary at which handover must be initiated if it is to be seamless increases with both end-to-end TCP/IP handover latency and the speed of the mobile terminal towards or away from the WiFi access point. We conclude that RSS-based seamless handovers need to be augmented with network layer information if they are to be optimal

The development of engineering education research: a UK based case study

This work adopts a case study approach to examine the emergence of engineering education research (EER) within the UK. First, a summary of the contextual factors influencing UK EER activity are presented. This section includes information pertaining to higher education (HE) policy, networks, and funding. Semi structured interviews are used to investigate who identifies as an engineering education researcher; how they define engineering education as a field of research; who they consider their audience to be; and the factors that inform their research questions, methodologies, collaborators and where they disseminate their work. The findings are discussed in relation to the social, political, and economic systems in which engineering education exists. The study reveals a landscape in which EER research is largely unfunded, and is primarily conducted by intrinsically motivated academics who concentrate on topics of personal interest or local context, and who do not usually collaborate or publish within journals

The Transition from Professional Engineering Practice to Academic Practice: A Case Study

Engineering schools in the UK are increasingly adopting learner-centred, authentic learning approaches such as problem and project based learning to address the perceived lack of employability skills in engineering graduates. These methods are labour- and capital-intensive, and these demands for workready graduates are taking place in a period of real cuts in perunit student funding from government. To address these funding gaps, universities are increasingly focussing on securing research funding, leading to a preference for research active academics at the expense of academics with industrial experience. To plug these skills gaps, engineering schools are increasingly reliant on practitioners to teach on industry-focussed talks. However, the integration of practitioners into academic environments has not been smooth. In this paper I adopt a theoretical framework inspired by Bourdieu and Archer to identify the constraints faced by practitioners when they move into academic roles

Otherness and Belonging: Integration of Practitioner-Academics into an Engineering School at a Research Intensive Institution

Engineering schools in the UK are increasingly adopting learner-centred, authentic learning approaches such as problem and project based learning to address the perceived lack of employability skills in engineering graduates. These methods are labour- and capital-intensive, and these demands for work-ready graduates are taking place in a period of real cuts in per-unit student funding from government. To address these funding gaps, universities are increasingly focussing on securing research funding, leading to a preference for research active academics at the expense of academics with industrial experience. To plug these skills gaps, engineering schools are increasingly reliant on practitioners to teach on industryfocussed talks. However, the integration of practitioners into academic environments has not been smooth. In this paper I adopt a theoretical framework inspired by Bourdieu and Archer to identify the constraints faced by practitioners when they move into academic roles

A Software Radio Design Approach for Heterogeneous Wireless Access Protocol Transceivers

A study on the design of heterogeneous transceivers using the software radio approach is presented. The objective of the study is to extend the research on software radio towards the design of multi-protocol transceivers which can communicate between two or more heterogeneous wireless access technologies. A critical overview of some of the current multi- protocol software radio devices is presented. This is then followed by a proposal for a dual band WiFi/WiMAX transceiver based on software radio techniques. This design incorporates a multiband antenna as well as an RF WiFi/WiMAX mode switch which uses the WiFi received signal strength (RSS) to perform handover between the underlying WiFi and WiMAX networks