Paper Authors

Abstract

NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract

Session 2525

OVERVIEW AND EXPANSION OF PROGRAM FOR ENHANCED DESIGN EXPERIENCE IN 1998-99

Sharif Rahman, Theodore F. Smith, and P. Barry Butler

College of Engineering, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242

Abstract

This paper describes recent experiences with the expansion of the Program for Enhanced Design Experience (PEDE) at The University of Iowa during the 1998-99 academic year. The PEDE is a joint program between The University of Iowa and industry to enhance the design experience of undergraduate engineering students. In 1998-99, discussions between The University of Iowa and various companies, such as Aluminum Company of America, Hon Industries, John Deere Dubuque Works, Monsanto, and Rockwell Collins, led to eleven design projects and significant expansion of the PEDE. This paper provides a description of the 1998-99 PEDE and discusses how the design projects and teams were selected, the procedures to promote interaction between participants in the PEDE, and the evaluation of the PEDE. End-of-program assessment surveys and graduating senior surveys suggest that the students have gained valuable knowledge about engineering design and current business practices. The evaluation also reveals the need for more effective design review meetings, more resources for computer hardware and software, and stronger commitments of support from lead engineers at various sponsoring companies. Future visions of PEDE and plans for operating PEDE in the 1999-00 academic year are also presented.

1. Introduction

One characteristic of the engineering discipline that distinguishes it from the science disciplines is engineering design. Practicing engineers in industry spend a considerable amount of time involved with design of a product, process, or system. It is, therefore, essential that undergraduate students preparing for professional careers in engineering be exposed to the concepts of engineering design.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)1 defines engineering design as

“… the process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. It is a decision-making process (often iterative), in which the basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering sciences are applied to convert resources optimally to meet a stated objective. Among the fundamental elements of the design process are the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation. The engineering design component of a curriculum must include

• Citation

• Format
  • APA
  • APA - LaTeX bibitem
  • MLA
  • MLA - LaTeX bibitem
  • Bibtex
  • EndNote - RIS

Smith, T. F., & Rahman, S., & Butler, P. B. (2000, June), Overview And Expansion Of The Program For Enhanced Design Experience In 1998 99 Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8614