Engineers create artefacts and processes through design. Design is Essay

Engineers create artefacts and processes through design. Design is open ended and creative. Discuss design processes with refere - Essay Example The design process in many cases involves the application of mathematics, engineering, and basic sciences principles to optimally convert resources to meet specified aims. This paper discusses the design process from the perspective of mechanical engineering. Steps Involved in the Design Process Need or Problem Identification and Research In order to be able to solve an engineering or design problem, it is vital to identify the problem or need (Ullman 2009). When a design engineer fails to identify a problem or need properly, the engineer may end up wasting a lot of time and resources. In order to stick to the project goals, the mechanical engineers often rely on subjective and measurable metrics. Once the need or problem has been identified, the engineers must engage in research to establish the issue as it is currently and to establish the solutions that exist (Eide, Jenison, Mashaw and Northup 2002). By engaging in research, the engineers equip themselves to be able to come up wit h the best possible solution to the problem or need. The engineers must establish if there are products that have been designed to solve the same problem in the market and their advantages and disadvantages. Based on their findings, the engineers have to narrow down to what is relevant to their case. Potential Solutions The engineers often end up with a lot of information regarding products currently on the market and how they are designed. They have therefore to engage in brainstorming to come up with possible solutions and the advantages and disadvantages of each of the possible solutions (Eide, Jenison, Mashaw and Northup 2002). At this stage, the design engineer needs to think of ways of improving each of the possible solutions. The engineering designer needs to be creative in coming up with improvements to the products in the market or in designing a product that is novel. The performance of each of the possible solutions is then analyzed through the application of engineering science and mathematical principles (Eggert 2010). The analysis may be geared toward reducing risks and detecting problems that may come with the improved solutions. Best Possible Solution With several possible solutions to the problem or need, the design engineer then has to choose the solution that best meets the original requirements (Lumsdaine, Lumsdaine, and Shelnutt 1999). Making a decision regarding the solution to proceed with may be challenging and involves making the evaluation of competing needs. Some of the factors that may affect the choice of the best possible solution include cost, size, weight, and safety just to mention a few. Prototype Creation, Testing and Evaluation It would be imprudent at this stage for the engineers to proceed with the actual production of the product as designed before having it tested and evaluated. The engineers therefore need to create a prototype of the product if possible modeling in 2D and 3D using computer applications such as CAD soft ware (Hyman 1998). The prototype is then tested and evaluated to establish if it works and meets the original design requirements and limits. Redesign The prototype may be slightly changed or improved in case of need once the prototype has been tested and evaluated. The changes or improvements are normally implemented to optimize the

Challenges that Steven B. Belkin faced and recommendations for their Case Study

Challenges that Steven B. Belkin faced and recommendations for their solution - Case Study Example This paper presents the situation analysis that examines the TTG Company and its environment. TTG was established as a private corporation that provided group travel designated groups of individuals at a low cost. The aim of formation of the group was to meet the increasing demand for low-cost travel groups in the U.S. The industry itself is not yet mature. It is ten years old and is still growing given that it has only ten competitors to TTG. The main customer base of TTG is prime groups that are known to be extremely responsive to group travel such as shrines, medical associations and teacher associations among many others. The main product provided by the firm are deluxe group tours. This analysis provides an examination of the internal and external environment of TTG Corporation. The internal environment is examined using strengths and weaknesses. TTG has the strength of low-cost services compared to its competitors. The company wishes to provide its deluxe group tours at low cos ts of $199 per person for a trip to the Caribbean or Europe. Moreover, the back to back business strategy aims at minimizing airfare because as the firm will be dropping one group for a holiday, it will be picking up another group that has completed its holiday in the same destination. In addition to the cost, the company has an excellent marketing strategy that if implemented, could lead to increased sales turnover for the firm. The firm intends to market its products and services throughout the U.S using agents and different kinds of broadcast media. TTG has several weaknesses that could undermine its excellence in the industry. To begin with, the firm is new in the industry since it is a new firm that is venturing into the industry. Consequently, the company has no experience of doing business and providing group tours. The inexperience of the firm could undermine its marketing efforts. Financial challenges are other issues that are affecting TTG. The company has inadequate capit al to establish and run the firm. Steven and Alan faced difficulties of soliciting funds from investors and other financial companies that lend capital to firms since the company had no assets. TTG had the opportunity of venturing into the lucrative group travel industry. The industry is less developed therefore offering the company an opportunity to venture and grow with the industry. In addition to the opportunity in the industry, TTG has the opportunity of diversifying and venturing into other businesses in future. TTG faces the threat of high competition in the industry. Although the industry is still growing and has only 11 firms including TTG, it is characterized by free entry and exit and therefore, there could be new entrants venturing into the industry. This could trigger rivalry among competing firms. Unfavourable competition from dominant firms could affect the operations of TTG. 7Cs Methodology The 7Cs of consultancy is important to any organization including TTG that is operating in a new environment as described below. Client: customers are important people in an organization as they are the reason for the existence of an organization.