Effect of Australian Engineering Ethics on Professionalism and Society Assignment Sample

Question

Explain engineering professionalism and ethics in the Australian contexts

Answer

Explain The Historical Impact of Engineering On Society

Not only today but also in the past, engineering solutions have had a very significant impact on Society and the community. There have been both positive and bad implications. Positive because it enabled the development of home appliances and the purification of water; negative because it led to the development of bombs, which severely damaged the environment and whose consequences are still being felt today. Thus, the engineers' duty has changed in that they are now expected to concentrate on containing the destructive effects of human exploitation of the environment and on minimizing those effects as well. Thus, it can be claimed that engineers today have a better understanding of how their inventions may affect the environment.

The acts and events carried out by engineers worldwide have surely made Earth a better place to live. The most gratifying aspect of engineering is that it assists with resolving a number of societal issues, like alliance, safety, sanitation, and sustainability. By eminent valuable configurations that fundamentally aid in expanding and improving the haulage and living conditions of the population of the planet Earth, engineers aim to achieve the people of today. Engineering and engineering assignment help has ensured that the resources are sufficient to support the expanding population, hence promoting the further expansion of civilization (Royal Academy of Engineering., 2013).

But as time goes on, the population's influence grows and should not be disregarded. Since more than a century ago, engineers have prioritized dominating nature rather than preserving and enhancing it. Dominance caused the human race and the natural world to become estranged from one another, and it was the human race that was perceived as taking an aloof and carefree attitude toward the preservation of nature. However, engineering was ensured to leave its mark on the world through extraordinary accomplishments while neglecting the surroundings. Engineering has always focused on current breakthroughs while ignoring their ramifications for the future. As a result, while engineering has had some positive effects throughout history, the negative effects are more long-lasting. The current human race's living conditions have been enhanced by innovations like better drainage and sanitary systems, but they have also increased the human race's population. When the threat and level of spontaneous or redundant problems in the natural system were coupled with engineering systems, ignorance of the situation became apparent.

It is so obvious that although engineering has made it possible for people to live a better life while working to improve it, engineers have neglected the reality that their actions are damaging the environment and the air that humankind is breathing. As a result, it is their responsibility to combine their mechanical and methodical expertise with a greater understanding of what is known as "soft" tissues, which is outside the scope of their technical knowledge (Franquesa et al. 2015). Therefore, it is accurate to say that their work goes beyond mechanical knowledge and considers the effects that inventions and improvements have on the natural world. For instance, engineers developed motor vehicles to speed up and improve the safety of transportation. But in the process of developing the same, they overlooked two important difficulties, namely the fact that the fuel used to power these automobiles is non-renewable in nature and that they add to the rising pollution that is making the air unbreathable with each passing day. History thus serves as evidence that the impact of technology on nature and the environment is just as important as its own development.

Therefore, the perspective for teaching engineering goes beyond just the technical aspects and includes the non-technical aspects that would take into account the ecological balance and the long-term effects on Society. The primary challenge that this career currently faces is to educate those who would work to find catalysts for sustainable growth and social and economic reforms because the historical impact of engineering is so upsetting (National Academy of Engineers, 2004).

The construction of a sustainable situation and environment that offers a safe, sheltered, hale and hearty, dynamic, and sustainable way of life to all people should, therefore, be the primary goal of the engineering profession in the current scenario when examining the implications and outcomes of engineering on the community.

References:

The Social and Environmental Impact of Engineering Solutions: from the Lab to the Real World, by D. Franquesa, J. L. Cruz, C. Alvarez, F. Sanchez, A. Fernandez, and D. Lopez, is available at https://www.academia.edu/374354.

The Social and Environmental Impact of Engineering Solutions from the Lab to the Real World (Accessed on April 19 2018) (Accessed on April 19 2018)

Engineering for the Developing World, National Academy of Engineers, 2004, online at http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/cms/7126/7356.aspx (Retrieved on April 19, 2018)

Engineering in Society, published by the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2013, is online at https://www.raeng.org.uk/publications/reports/engineering-in-society (Retrieved on April 19, 2018)

HVAC System Design Assignment: West Gate Tunnel

Question

Task: I critically analyses the conceptual design phase of a systems engineering project. My project is " heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)".

Need To Analyse The Following Phases of The Project:

• Needs definition
• Conceptual system design

To demonstrate your research skills and understanding, your work must draw upon relevant sources like journals, books or reputable trade publications in analysing the engineering assignment project. You must also present the case study in terms of the above two lifecycle phases and evaluate the proposed conceptual design against the identified needs / requirements.

Answer

Introduction

Science and technical advancements have benefited common people in a variety of ways that affect their daily lives. Construction of roads, highways, tunnels, and other infrastructure is one of engineering's most notable advantages. Depending on the requirements, tunnel engineers may now create kilometers-long tunnels thanks to advancements in engineering. However, it has also increased the threat to human life, thus it is necessary to take proper security precautions (Cucchi et al. 2016). The extreme thermal heat and poor air quality inside the tunnels are two primary hazards (Harris et al. 2018). The HVAC system is the most well-known approach that has been designed to lessen the risks. The purpose of the HVAC system design assignment is to discuss the HVAC system's conceptual design for the tunnels. Before summarising the paper and offering relevant recommendations, a system overview, problem and mission definition, physical characteristics, and other critical conversations were conducted.

Overview of HVAC Based Tunnel

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, or HVAC, is a technology that aims to provide comfort in both indoor and vehicle environments (Afram and Janabi-Sharifi 2014). The technology under consideration follows the rules of fluid mechanics, heat transmission, and thermodynamics and is based on the mechanical engineering design philosophy. However, civil and construction engineers are responsible for putting the stated system into practise. The described technology is being placed in anything from tiny homes to enormous tunnels in order to improve thermal comfort and air purity. The letter H in the subject's name stands for heating and denotes the subject's ability to control healing. V stands for ventilation, which aims to change and exchange the indoor air to regulate the replenishment of oxygen and the removal of CO2, airborne bacteria, smoke, moisture, and other components linked with the air (Lin et al. 2015). An acceptable temperature and air quality are provided by integrating various equipment and processes. Although it is very helpful in homes, its importance is most noticeable in giant constructions like skyscrapers, deep tunnels, mines, and other massive closed structures. Therefore, it would be fair to say that the system under discussion is capable of providing excellent health safety in locations where it is challenging to reduce the effects of heat and polluting air. As a result, the discussion's goal has been to provide information about the West Gate tunnel's HVAC system.

Needs Identification

Problem Definition: Tunnels are built to reduce distances and to accomplish the mentioned goals, however they are frequently planned to be kilometer-long, which takes a lot of time to travel through. The West Gate Tunnel, which has been regarded as the focus of the HVAC system design assignment, is estimated to be 5 KM long and would require a significant amount of time to traverse (Davis 2018). However, numerous academic studies demonstrate that one is exposed to a variety of hazardous chemicals, including CO2, NO2, CO, NOx, and many more, when in a tunnel (Fang et al. 2016). Additionally, factors like heat, wetness, smoke, and others may be dangerous to onlookers. The difficulties mentioned are further made worse for people who have a history of heart problems (Malecha et al. 2017). Therefore, it becomes extremely important to address the health risks posed while in the tunnel. Therefore, the suggested article is intended to address the technologies that can lessen the threat that tunnels pose and, as a result, makes tunnels appealing.

Mission Definition: The purpose of this document is to lessen the danger that the tunnel presents when it is being used. By balancing the heat inside and maintaining the air quality, the proposed measure might be accomplished. The task under discussion could be accomplished with the aid of technology. HVAC technology, which is made to balance thermal needs and provide high air quality, could help in achieving the specified measure. The purpose of this study is to explore the conceptual design of the HVAC system inside the West Gate Tunnel, which is now under development and could benefit from the services of the technology under discussion. The performance and physical parameters of the system, followed by the utilisation need and environmental element, have been specifically covered in the HVAC system design assignment to achieve the mentioned mission.

Performance and Physical Parameters: Because of the numerous processes involved in achieving its fundamental goal, HVAC systems are capable of using a lot of energy. The system must therefore be made energy-efficient in order to reduce costs, energy use, and emissions. Several strategies might be used to achieve the discussed goal, one of which is to expand your comfort zone because it could result in savings of more than 40%. (Kumar et al. 2016). The strategies that attempt to outfit technology to support the HVAC system are known as the expanded comfort zone. The zone includes concepts like installing heaters, creating dryer air with the help of desiccant dehumidification, and many others as part of its employment. Therefore, it is suggested that the HVAC system be equipped with the previously stated methods and ideas (Sultan et al. 2015). In order to confirm the output's quality, it had also been intended to evaluate the HVAC system's functionality. The test will be evaluated using the COP (Coefficient of Performance) for power efficiency and the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) to gauge the level of comfort the system provides (Deng et al. 2018). As a result, the system would be chosen once the results of the test were analysed.

Utilization Requirement: The system is designed to provide the comfort of air quality and heat balancing inside the tunnel of the West gate tunnel. Other steps will also be taken to ensure that the system is practical in nature and will be able to achieve the objective presented to it. The implementation of the device under discussion will allow tunnel users to breathe clean air without much of its hazardous effects. Additionally, the fresh air circulation will provide enough oxygen and balance the tunnel's heat flow (Midani, Subagia and Widiantara 2018). The West Gate Tunnel is designed to draw heavy traffic, and occasionally it may become choked with traffic, which would eventually cause the vehicles to stop. In such a dire situation, fresh air would play a significant part in calming the people. Additionally, the system will provide a sense of warmth in the winter seasons, while the fresh air will calm them down in the hot seasons. As a result, the system installation inside the tunnel would be used effectively and provide a highly important and practical environment for the onlookers.

Environmental Factors: The effectiveness and comfort of the suggested system, as stated in the sections above, will be evaluated using COP and PMV. A successful system would therefore provide sustainability and support for the environment (Schuster and Yan 2018). Additionally, it is suggested that the system be supported by an expanded comfort zone, which will provide environmental sustainability thanks to its eco-friendly policies. Wherever it is possible in nature, warmer windows and ventilation will be installed. The system's ultimate goal is to provide a suitable tunnel environment for the PMV to test in. To create a sustainable atmosphere inside the tunnel, the system will expel heat and toxic gases (Wang et al. 2016). Another noteworthy fact is that the West Gate tunnel is still under development, giving the development team the chance to evaluate and test the system's impact and support for the tunnel and determine whether it needs to be further updated to support the environment. The described system is therefore practicable in nature and is capable of accurately sustaining the environment, as stated in the HVAC system design assignment. In addition, the conceptual design of the system and the tunnel provides the option to adjust either the system, the tunnel, or both to support the environmental circumstances.

Conceptual Design

Location of the Tunnel: The West Gate tunnel, which is in the development stage, is one of Australia's and Victoria's most eagerly awaited projects. It will significantly benefit the state's transportation and travel goals. The proposed tunnel aims to provide improvements to the West Gate Freeway's current road network (Smith 2017). The Williamstown Road and the M80 are connected by the motorway. However, the project's greatest notable benefit is its provision of a 3-way highway beneath Yarraville, which also aims to create a longer connection to the CityLink. The connection will be made by tunnels, and as part of the project, a bridge that crosses the Maribyrnong River is also being considered. A fleet of 9300+ trucks will be diverted from the inner-west residential areas by the tunnels currently under construction. It will allow them to impose a 24-hour truck ban in the inner west, and the tunnels will be able to handle all the traffic (Davis 2018). The expected completion date of the project, which has been accelerated from the original deadline of 2023, is 2022 for the toll road (tunnel) that is the subject of the discussion, which will be 5 Km in length and being created at a cost of $5.5 billion (Norman 2018). The decision to choose this project could be explained by the fact that moving a fleet of 9300 trucks there would make the tunnels highly crowded; it is therefore crucial that the truck drivers and other bystanders have a comfortable trip inside the 5KM tunnel.

Modeling of the selected Option

For each of the safety standards and system functionality, a complete set of the transient and 3D simulation is proposed (Satyavada and Baldi 2016). 3D For producing the transient flow fields needed by a finite volume technique, use the Navier Stokes equation. Additionally, a turbulence model equipped for modelling that can support both the tunnel and the ideal natural flow will be used. To be naturally compatible with the system, the tunnels should be built to be radiation-proof. In order to allow for the departure of flammable gases, adequate openings must also be provided. The HVAC system's basic structure and design should also take into account the vibration and noise that would be generated while the tunnel is in use (Villarino, Villarino and Fernandez 2017). The creation of the escape routes so as to provide visibility is another noteworthy quality that the tunnel should have. The suggested precautions could be obtained by computer modelling, thus they ought to be included in the tunnel's HVAC installation procedure. Depending on the requirements of the tunnel, which might be determined after examination of the tunnel in the discussion, additional tools and procedures could potentially be installed during the installation process. The HVAC system and the HVAC system in the tunnel are shown in the pictures below, which were gathered from the internet.
Functional Diagrams

HVAC System Design
(Source: Afram and Janabi-Sharifi 2014)

Conclusion

As a result, the paper under consideration may be summed up by saying that while tunnels are one of the most important demands of roads, they are not immune to difficulties and could provide a serious threat. As a result, the discussion in the HVAC system design assignment has recognised the hazard that tunnels may present and how the HVAC system is able to mitigate the threat. The article has also provided insight into several elements that must be taken into account to enable proper system use in the tunnel to lessen the threat posed by the tunnels. As a result, it is reasonable to deduce from the HVAC system design assignment that tunnels provide a threat that can be reduced with the proper utilisation of the HVAC system.

References

Environmentally Conscious Building Assignment Sample

Question

Task: This assessment requires you critically analyses the system design process of a project using the theory and principles studied during the course. This assessment item relates to the course learning outcomes 1 to 5.

Details: You must provide a critical explanation of the conceptual design stage of a systems engineering project as part of this group Engineering assignment.

Designing a bridge, a dam, a green building, or a mechatronic system are some examples of projects. Even if you weren't personally involved in the project, having some connection to it would make the analysis more insightful. Because your group will have to analyses the project's preliminary design and detailed design phases for assignment 2, choose your project wisely. Consult your instructor if you are unsure whether the depth or level of information in the project you have chosen is appropriate. The lessons for the unit will give you the chance to work on the assignment as well. Each group must complete a unique project. Additionally, initiatives from prior years cannot be used again.

The following project phases must be analyzed:

• Needs definition
• Conceptual system design

When analyzing the project, you must consult pertinent sources like journals, books, or renowned trade publications in order to show that you have done your homework and understand the topic. Additionally, you must analyses the proposed conceptual design in light of the specified needs and requirements and present the case study in terms of the aforementioned two lifespan phases.

Answer

In order to effectively balance the employment of bioclimatic methods with extremely active systems, energy efficiency inside of buildings necessitates a comprehensive design approach. Buildings that are responsive to the environment and the climate are intended to mediate outside elements to lessen climate load and produce a comfortable and healthy internal environment. There are greater chances now for comfort-sensitive ways to use passive tactics, particularly for natural ventilation. The research that follows aims to advance our understanding of how to effectively apply bioclimatic structures to achieve the best energy performance in residential buildings and to build environmentally responsible buildings by utilising a number of parameters and currently available processing models. Madrid's residential districts follow a master plan created using sustainable practises. Buildings that are environmentally conscious have been designed using certain general guidelines. Building energy efficiency criteria have been rising over time, according to various new energy rules or regulations following the European Energy presentation directive. By analysing several dimensions, materials, and architectures, this study was able to pinpoint the initial design of Madrid residences. By creating better circumstances, this study will offer a useful architectural strategy.

Introduction: The concept outlined in this study intends to reduce energy usage and produce an environmentally friendly structure that uses less energy for cooling and heating. Both exterior spaces and structures can benefit from bioclimatic strategies and passive control methods. They consist of a strong solar radiation management system, thick heating and insulation, building orientation, and the organisation of interior spaces according to direction, as well as nighttime natural ventilation. Load-bearing brick walls and ventilated hardwood roofs make up the construction; the materials were chosen in accordance with the LCA. Domestic water will be heated using solar panels. A high efficiency condensing boiler and a low temperature radiant heated floor make up the heating system. Floor bright panels can be used for cooling thanks to the bioclimatic method, even if there isn't a true need for it. A large portion of energy use is caused by buildings. About half of the energy used in Spain is used by buildings, which also reflect cultural traits like the climatic and physical surroundings of Madrid. The goal of bioclimatic structures is to produce ecologically responsible building environments while achieving the functional goals of the climate and a healthy environment. Madrid's climate is known as the Mediterranean climate and is considered to be mild. The ocean's influence causes the coastal region to have a comfortable temperature, whereas the interior has a higher thermal amplitude. In June, Madrid typically experiences daytime highs of 26°C (80°F) and nightly lows of 22°C (69°F). As a result, it has been exposed to both hot and cold weather. Therefore, in order to achieve a green environment, the strategy for environmentally friendly residential structures should highlight the appropriate function of building levels and the physical construction of a building.

Fig 1: Exploded view of a linear house

Fig.2: Ground floor: distribution and use of spaces.

Fig 3: Bioclimatic Building Image Source: dezeen.com

Problem Definition: Prior to beginning the preliminary design process, it is important to identify and take into account the primary site requirements and characteristics, such as the climate, vegetation type, topography, and soil geography. With the use of basic hydrothermal systems, natural light, and insulation, bioclimatic buildings aim to reduce the energy requirements of buildings and contribute to the creation of a comfortable environment. In addition, it's important to prioritise the landscape and figure out how to include ecologically friendly building practises. One of the key elements that may contribute to the development of a bioclimatic design setting is natural ventilation. In this method, heated air is treated using vents that are located above the height of the shaded surface, which allows for the intake of cold air (Albatici and Passerini, 2011).

Mission Definition: This study aims to design environmentally friendly or energy-efficient structures that fit into Madrid's environment, surveying their relationship to the climate, achieving thermal comfort levels, and maximising interior comfort environments with the aid of bioclimatic structures or design elements. Its goal is to integrate bioclimatic architectural design to conceptual building design in order to choose efficient pre-design strategies to harness natural energy from certain climates and environments and produce energy-efficient and locally produced buildings. By gathering data on important metrics that will indicate the success of passive thermal behaviour and its performance, it will be possible to identify the tools and needs that will aid in developing the first approach to building design (Alcázar and Chávez, 2014).

Performance and Physical Parameters: Natural cross-ventilation is a feature of Madrid homes, which helps to keep rooms at a consistent temperature. The house's glass exterior faces south, allowing for consistent natural lighting and solar radiation capture. The house's back, which faces north, is closed off and has a door and a little window. It is necessary to insulate the north and place the vents in the southwest, typically near the shadow plants. The naturally suited interior area as well as the enclosure's quality should be used to reduce the need for greater mechanical ventilation. A multi-level atrium that radiates heat in the winter should be used to combine additional solar energy with shading equipment that is facing east. The environment-friendly building's exterior must be prepared while taking into account the movement of the sun, the surrounding area, and the direction of the wind. Openings, a variety of shaded facades, varied floor layouts, and sloping surfaces can all help achieve this, which encourages the use of more photovoltaic panels (Ayyad and Gabr, 2013).

Utilization Requirement: In accordance with the tenets of bioclimatology, homes are regarded as open structures that freely interact with the climate, offer the most benefits, and offer protection from adverse elements: the direction and shape of important architectural components are influenced by the sun-air interaction. As a result, the interior layout will be based on a three-zone plan, with the main space (the living room, kitchen, and bedroom) facing south and linking channels running vertically and horizontally through the middle, and auxiliary spaces (such garages and storage rooms) facing north. This design is great for maximising health and energy performance (Bajcinovci and Jerliu, 2016). To maximise free heat gain during the heating season while maximising summertime sun protection, a variety of strategies should be used. These include transparent surfaces and overhangs, balconies and roof projections, solar views, 3D models, and solar views. The design as a whole is defined by a single ventilated roof that slopes north, reducing the area of the north wall and increasing the area of the south facade; for a related reason, the size difference also impacts the windows.

Environmental Factors: Prioritize eco-friendly materials, assess through life-cycle assessments (LCA), and, as with the entire project, the best answer is through pre-analysis, in this case, using dynamic and multi-zone thermal simulation tools (Bourrelle, Andresen, and Gustavsen, 2013). Appropriate economic activities and good environmental practises are frequently closely intertwined. In addition to helping Madrid's environment by conserving resources and lowering emissions, actions to reduce energy or water usage will also result in significant cost savings over the course of the environmentally friendly building's lifespan. Similar to this, the environment is anticipated to be full of enduring private and public structures that may restrict both building area and material supply. The technical designing team must perform a thorough research to maintain the environmental aspects to ensure that the chosen design fits the available area without the requirement for additional walkways to enter the bridge from both ends.
Conceptual design

Location of the Bioclimatic Architecture of Environmentally Conscious Buildings

The chosen site is Madrid, a Spanish metropolis. Three different townhouses make up the residential structure (Cho, Soster and Burton, 2017). The structure has a door pillar architecture with unbreakable concrete columns, beams, and plates. A slab floor with a bottom plate no thicker than 4 cm and a cover plate no thicker than 10 cm is put in an air chamber that is entirely vented. A building's exterior is made of masonry that is about 20 cm thick and covered in a polystyrene system that is about 8 cm thick (Dryvit). The building's inertia and sound are increased by the solid, separated walls. The building's opening has a lower level of structural sunshade and an upper layer of an outer canvas awning, and the windows are double-glazed with a wooden frame and interior blinds to offer shade and improve the building's shadows in the summer (Danilovic-Hristic, 2012).

System Requirements: In order to maintain environmental health and address thermal comfort, it is important to take into account solar geometry, natural ventilation, the position of the sun, and localised identification of the predominant winds. requisites for the bioclimatic design system

The Madrid example study indicates that the southerly direction is the best area for capturing solar radiation in the winter.

Keeping exposed external walls to a minimum protects them from cold winds (Desogus, Felice Cannas, and Sanna, 2016).

Fig 4: Natural ventilation Image source: neatafan.co

The sum of all direct, ambient, diffused, and reflected radiation is known as solar radiation. The amount and intensity of radiation on the building is also influenced by the position of the sun. The total intensity of the sun's rays is the same in both summer and winter, though. The height and shape of the building must also be taken into account. For architectural design that encompasses the south-west axis, the rectangular shape is adequate. Buildings chosen for Madrid that are environmentally sensitive are rectangular and have proportions of 30 m x 12 m for bioclimatic architecture (Gaitani, Mihalakakou, and Santamouris, 2007).

Operational Requirements

User Behaviour: In order to guarantee the proper operation of the bioclimatic residential building interior design, user behaviour must be taken into consideration as a crucial aspect. The primary elements impacting thermal comfort are planning, total volume, heat load, or window size (Guimaraes, 2012).

Internal space positioning within the building envelope: The building's functional design is programmed. So correct programming based on energy consumption and direction placement capabilities can help bioclimatic buildings use less energy.

The best construction tools for the building include automatic doors and elevators. using the most recent breakthroughs and technologies, such as the door to assist create and supply energy (Khambadkone and Jain, 2017).

Project feasibility: The architectural layout, orientation, total size, thermal isolation, and component quality are taken into account when estimating the conceptual design's viability. Additionally, it entails locating variables crucial to the building's thermal performance.
Evaluation

Design Alternatives

Strategic design option 2: Solar windows, which have high structural performance because they let in more sunlight in the winter and assist concrete floors retain heat. To prevent overheating in the summer, they can be switched off. Open blinds can be used in conjunction with solar walls to assist warm up and maintain the flow of chilly air outside. The outer wall's surface cools at night, warming the building. Warm air cools as it enters the gap in the upper wall.

Strategic design option 1: This technique offers a great deal of flexibility in terms of energy savings from underused space. However, due to the intricate departure and input systems, it is exceedingly challenging to change the ventilation rate in this kind of space. Additionally, if a portion of the system is turned off, it will also affect how quickly adjacent regions are ventilated. However, because heat recovery is not included in this strategy, its energy efficiency is constrained. Additionally, the building's design is insufficient for incorporating the idea of natural ventilation, and the atrium's orientation and placement are not conducive to energy conservation. Due to the entrance and exit openings, the natural ventilation planning during construction has a significant impact on the facade (Marques and Baptista, 2013).

Strategic option 3: Passive systems are frequently used to maximise energy savings, which decreases the demand for active systems and lowers the cost of the building. For instance, using air conditioners has become exceedingly difficult due to bioclimatic tactics including solar control, thermal mass, and nighttime ventilation. This result was predicted by dynamic thermal simulations, and it has recently been confirmed by locals (Poerschke and Gampfer, 2013). The building's outside shell, when linked with an appropriate plant system, generates an effective damp heat response to climate change year-round and offers significant health and energy efficiency benefits. This is in addition to sensible solar air impact management (Naveen Kishore and Rekha, 2018).

Fig 6: Sun air impact summer control

Daytime roof ventilation, heat storage, and solar radiation protection; nighttime radiative cooling and natural ventilation to reduce thermal mass.

Conclusion

The Madrid project is an example of a well-balanced compromise between the drive for continued development and the interplay between the market and rules. In the author's opinion, it reflects a very successful experience in which sustainable and ecologically sensitive building concepts have been applied to the common Private initiative. It is the highest quality level that is now possible at the site and period in question. Therefore, this demonstrates that the battle against pollution and the protection of natural resources cannot only be solved by spectacular solutions; rather, the biggest opportunity to succeed in this problem is the ability to implement straightforward yet logical solutions in daily practise.

Recommendations

The use of a bearing brick structure that offers insulation and inertia as well as adequate ventilation has been decided to be the most effective way, which is also acknowledged in the regional architectural tradition. The walls are different depending on the direction: to the south, a large wall with diffusing insulation uses and controls solar radiation; in contrast, the north wall building package also includes a completely insulating layer since it is preferable to limit heat loss (Zhang and Lian, 2015). They show that the quality of the walls and floors contributes to a more consistent climate and continues to lower energy needs during the winter, but most importantly during the summer, especially when combined with all other passive cooling technologies, like night ventilation, at temperatures where it is advantageous to cool the stored heat down (Figure 5). Residential distribution is thought to make it simple to cross-ventilate, which is more effective than just one side. To prevent heat loss in the winter and overheating in the summer, the roof structure has low heat transmission and is properly ventilated.

References

Technology and Engineering Management Assignment Sample

Question 1

Sandeep, Sally and Srineth are recent graduates from UC who have come together to launch an innovative start-up company, UCSmartHealth. Their vision is to support a wide variety of applications to meet different use cases such as general wellness monitoring, patient monitoring of chronic health conditions, connected hearing aids, assisted living for the elderly, sports analytics, as well as military applications (e.g. wearables that can detect post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), depression, etc). You know Sandeep, Sally and Srineth and they are very committed to their vision, however, the team does not have the experience to confidently take the first steps. They have reached out to you as a respected engineering management professional to help them define their strategic objectives and start to define their product development journey.

a. Using SMART goal setting principles, develop an artefact using the MOST framework (Mission Objectives, Strategies and Tactics) for UCSmartHealth that addresses the key activities they will need to undertake.

Question 2

Now that they have a MOST, they need to review the legal structure of their organisation. Sandeep and Sally have Sole Trader ABNs. They are unsure whether this is enough. They will need to employ staff, seek funding through loans or investment, and manage various risks as they develop their technology. They have again asked for your help.

Research the different forms of business registration for an Australian-based businesses.

a. With what you know about UCSmartHealth, what do you believe would be the best structure and why?

Include your assumptions about the business to help explain your advice to them. (Hint: A link in Canvas from week 1 is to an Australian Government website that will help you work through this question).

Question 3

Now that the business has been formed, the team is looking to build a team to develop their products. UCSmartHealth has asked you to provide advisory services to support the recruitment process. They have decided to take an agile approach to managing the development of their product, and they’ve asked you to keep this foremost in your mind when providing your advice. Their specific questions for you are:

What roles should we advertise and why?

Should we be looking for applicants with experience in agile projects and why?

Would you reference skill levels from the SFIA framework to assist applicants? Explain why or why not.

Once the team is recruited and has started at UCSmartHealth, what activities do you recommend we do to get the team focused on innovating and delivering.

Question 4

With the company now formed and staff positions filled, the team gets down to business and is racing against time to come up with its first batch of innovative products – smart wearables that can detect falls in elderly patients. Paco is a new engineer who is also in a team leader role. Paco has been trying to build an inclusive team by democratising the development of ideas within the team and encouraging team members to make contributions. Paco is worried that he is running out of time and fears the company might lose out on potential market share and fall behind its competitors if they do not seize the moment and roll out this new product as soon as possible. Paco is keen on carrying everyone along but several meetings later and with the product launch date around the corner, the team is still deliberating on some of the technical features of the product and this is putting the team under tremendous pressure. UCSmartHealth’s leadership team has reached out to you to help, as they are concerned the team is going to miss a key opportunity in the market, and fear the team is focused on arguing over their own technical preferences instead of acting in response to customer feedback.

Discuss the pros and cons of Paco’s approach to the team leader role.

Paco established a team charter when he took on the team leader role. What might be missing in the team charter?

What evidence is there to suggest the team has stopped listening to customer feedback? What questions might you ask the team to gain further insight?
You provide your findings to the UCSmartHealth team, and they ask you to work directly with Paco to turn things around. What advice will you provide to Paco?

Question 5

UCSmartHealth has successfully developed 2 flagship products – UCAware which provides situational awareness of the environment for assisted living among the elderly and UCPredict which incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help predict the probability of occurrence of PTSD among war veterans.

After 6 months of production, the company has been able to post the mid-year sales figures presented in the table below.

UCAware has high levels of customer engagement and perceived value, supported by strong sales figures. On the other hand, UCPredict has high levels of customer engagement, but perceived value is dwindling. Customers love UCPredict and want it to be successful, but features requested by customers have not been scoped or added to the product backlog.

You decide to interview users of UCPredict to gain specific insights on product improvements for your development team.

Design a set of questions that will draw out both the pain points and desirable solutions for customers that will enable you to build a Product Backlog
Question 6 (4 marks) 250 words

UCSmartHealth’s UCPredict development team is using a kanban board to track the flow of work as part of their adoption of the Scrum framework. They’ve asked you to review it given your experience and exposure to agile ways of working as an engineering professional.

What observations do you have?

What advice would you give to increase the flow of value?

Solution

Questions 1:

Mission: UCSmartHealth's mission is to become a leading provider of innovative and comprehensive smart health solutions that improve the quality of life for people around the world.

Objectives

Develop a portfolio of smart health products that meets the needs of various use cases, such as general wellness monitoring, patient monitoring of chronic health conditions, connected hearing aids, assisted living for the elderly, sports analytics, and military applications.

Establish strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and technology companies to expand market reach and increase brand recognition.

Build a strong reputation for innovation and reliability in the smart health industry through continuous research and development.

Achieve a 15% market share within the next five years.

Strategies

Conduct market research to identify the needs of the target market and develop products that address those needs.

Establish partnerships with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and technology companies to increase access to the target market and build brand recognition.

Invest in research and development to continuously innovate and improve the product portfolio.

Leverage social media and other digital marketing channels to increase brand awareness and drive sales [1].

Tactics

Conduct surveys and focus groups to understand the needs of the target market and prioritize product development.

Attend healthcare and technology conferences to establish partnerships and increase brand visibility.

Hire a dedicated research and development team to drive innovation and product improvement.

Develop a comprehensive social media marketing plan and leverage influencers to increase brand awareness and drive sales.

Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards objectives and adjust strategies as needed.

Question 2

Based on the information provided, UCSmartHealth is a startup company that plans to develop and market a range of smart health solutions. The company plans to employ staff, seek funding through loans or investment, and manage various risks as they develop their technology.

Considering the potential growth and complexity of the business, I would recommend that UCSmartHealth consider registering as a proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd) in Australia. This legal structure provides the company with separate legal status and limits the liability of its shareholders. This means that the personal assets of the shareholders are protected in the event of any legal issues or debts that the company may incur.

Assumptions:

UCSmartHealth plans to expand and grow in the future.

The company plans to employ staff and seek funding through loans or investment, which requires a more formal business structure.

There may be potential legal risks associated with the development and marketing of smart health solutions, which can be mitigated through a Pty Ltd company structure [2].

In addition, registering as a Pty Ltd company can provide UCSmartHealth with greater credibility and access to investment opportunities. It also allows the company to issue shares to investors, which can help raise funds for business expansion. While the decision to register as a Pty Ltd company should be carefully considered and consulted with a legal professional, it appears to be the most suitable legal structure for UCSmartHealth given their business goals and assumptions.

Question 3

a)

Based on an Agile approach, I recommend that UCSmartHealth consider the following roles for their development team:

Product Owner: This role is responsible for defining and prioritizing the features of the product backlog, and ensuring that the development team is aligned with the business objectives of UCSmartHealth. Scrum Master: This role is responsible for ensuring that the development team adheres to Agile principles and processes, facilitating daily stand-ups, and removing any impediments that prevent the team from achieving their objectives.

Developers: These roles are responsible for the development of the product, including coding, testing, and deployment.

Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer: This role is responsible for ensuring that the product meets the quality standards and specifications defined by the Product Owner.

UX Designer: This role is responsible for designing the user interface and ensuring a positive user experience [3].

b) Yes, it would be beneficial for UCSmartHealth to look for applicants with experience in Agile projects. This is because Agile projects have unique methodologies, principles, and practices that require a different mindset and approach to project management than traditional project management. Experienced Agile practitioners have the necessary skills to collaborate effectively, respond to change, and deliver value in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. They will also have a good understanding of Agile frameworks such as Scrum or Kanban, which will help them contribute to the success of UCSmartHealth [4].

c) Yes, I recommend UCSmartHealth reference skill levels from the SFIA (Skills Framework for the Information Age) framework to assist applicants. The SFIA framework is widely used in the IT industry to provide a standard for skills and competencies required for specific job roles. By using this framework, UCSmartHealth can ensure that their job descriptions and requirements are aligned with industry standards, and that they attract the right candidates with the appropriate skills and competencies.

d) To get the team focused on innovating and delivering, UCSmartHealth can consider the following activities: Conduct Agile training and coaching sessions: This will help the team members understand the Agile principles and methodologies, and how they can apply them to their work. Set up a regular sprint cadence: This will create a sense of urgency and focus, and ensure that the team is delivering value regularly.

Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement: Encourage the team to work together, share knowledge, and provide feedback to each other. Regular retrospectives can also help the team identify areas for improvement and adjust their processes accordingly. Empower the team: Trust the team to make decisions and solve problems on their own, and provide them with the resources and support they need to do their job effectively. Communicate effectively: Ensure that the team has a clear understanding of the product vision and goals, and that they are aligned with the business objectives of UCSmartHealth. Regular updates and feedback can help the team stay on track and motivated [4].

Top of Form

Question 4

a) Paco's approach of democratising the development of ideas and encouraging team members to make contributions is a good way to foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within the team. By doing this, he has also created an environment where team members can feel heard and valued, which can increase motivation and job satisfaction. However, the downside of this approach is that it can sometimes lead to analysis paralysis, where team members get bogged down in debates and fail to make decisions. This is particularly true when the team is under pressure to meet a deadline, as it can lead to missed opportunities and lost market share [5].

b) The team charter is an important document that outlines the goals, roles, and responsibilities of the team. However, there may be several aspects missing in the team charter that could help to prevent the current situation. These include:

Clear decision-making processes: The team charter should clearly outline how decisions are made, including who has the final say and what criteria are used to evaluate different options. This can help to prevent endless debates and ensure that decisions are made efficiently.

Timeframes and deadlines: The team charter for the assignment helpline should include clear timeframes and deadlines for different stages of the project, including when decisions need to be made and when deliverables are due. This can help to keep the team on track and prevent delays.

Customer feedback mechanisms: The team charter should outline how customer feedback is collected, analysed, and incorporated into the product development process. This can help to ensure that the team is responsive to customer needs and that the product meets market demands.

c) The fact that the team is still deliberating on technical features of the product close to the launch date is a clear indication that they may have lost sight of the customer feedback. To gain further insight, some questions that could be asked include:

How is customer feedback collected and analysed?

How often is customer feedback discussed in team meetings?

What changes have been made to the product based on customer feedback?

How are customer needs and preferences incorporated into the decision-making process?

What is the team's understanding of the target customer and their pain points?

How does the team prioritise features and functionality based on customer needs and feedback?

d) To turn things around, Paco should consider the following:

Prioritising the features and functionality of the product based on customer feedback and market demand. Setting clear deadlines and timeframes for decision-making and product delivery. Establishing a clear decision-making process that includes the identification of key stakeholders and the criteria used to evaluate options. Encouraging team members to provide constructive feedback, while also ensuring that debates do not derail the process. Ensuring that the team is aligned around a common goal and has a shared understanding of the target customer and their needs [8].

Questions 5

Here are some questions that can help draw out pain points and desirable solutions for customers of UCPredict:

How has UCPredict helped you so far? What specific features have you found most useful?

Are there any features missing from UCPredict that would make it more useful to you? If so, what are they?

Have you experienced any challenges or difficulties while using UCPredict? If so, can you describe them?

Have you tried any other similar products? If so, what do you think sets UCPredict apart from those products?

How frequently do you use UCPredict, and for what purpose(s)?

Are there any particular situations or scenarios where UCPredict has been particularly helpful to you?

How do you think UCPredict could be improved to better meet your needs or expectations?

Can you provide any specific examples of how UCPredict could be improved? What features or functionality would you like to see added?

Is there anything about UCPredict that you find confusing or difficult to use? If so, what is it?

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience using UCPredict?

Question 6

a)

Observations:

The kanban board seems to have too many columns, which can make it difficult to track the flow of work and increase lead time. The work items in the "To Do" column are not prioritized, which can lead to delays in starting work on high-priority items. The "Testing" column appears to be empty, which suggests that testing may not be given enough priority or may not be done consistently. There are no explicit policies for each column, which can lead to confusion and inconsistency in how work is done [6].

b)

Advice to increase the flow of value:

Simplify the kanban board by reducing the number of columns to a minimum that represents the core workflow. Prioritize work items in the "To Do" column based on their importance and urgency. Ensure that testing is given enough priority and done consistently by adding an explicit "Testing" column and defining policies for it. Establish clear policies for each column, including the definition of "Done," to ensure consistency in how work is done and increase transparency. Consider implementing a pull system to prevent overloading team members with too much work and to improve flow [7].

References