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Abstract:

It has been stated many times that the standards of UK engineering in terms of people are too low in comparison with other industrialised countries. Industry's comment about this statement is that it is far too much a generalised viewpoint, when in fact standards throughout the UK cover a wide spectrum; but unfortunately only the worst aspects are given publicity. The status of the engineer is also questioned, as society in general does not realise an engineer's value/contribution to the UK economy. This may be due to society not being given a clear definition of an engineer. For example an engineer may be described as a man who designs and manages a project of the utmost complexity, such as an aircraft, but also as the man who maintains the aircraft as a maintenance fitter. This is not to deride a maintenance fitter's contribution but to indicate the wide spectrum in which the word ‘engineer’ is used. To improve the public image of the professional engineer, the engineers themselves must establish an image of professionalism, which will mean taking the responsibility and seeking leadership by initiative. Our design engineers and their innovations are second to none, but unfortunately there is a void between them and the commercial and manufacturing aspects of a business. For example one only needs to look at the classic case of Rolls Royce in 1971.

Keywords:

Article Type:

General review

Article URL:

http://www.emeraldinsight.com/10.1108/eb003672

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