Engineering productivity of Sri Lankan engineers

Abstract

The oxford dictionary defines engineering as ··the branch of science and technology concerned with the design, building, and use of engines, machines and structures". The word ''engine" has evolved to engineering in early days, which now covers a vast area of applied sciences from nuclear to food engineering and involves many engineering techniques and engineering processes. Engineers apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics • to research and develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and commercial applications. Engineers design products, machinery to build those products, factories in which those products are made, and the systems that ensure the quality of the product and efficiency of the workforce and manufacturing process. Engineers design , plan, and supervise the construction of buildings, highways, and transit systems. They develop and implement improved ways to extract, process, and use raw materials, such as petroleum and natural gas. They develop new materials that both improve the performance of products and help implement advances in technology. They harness the power of the sun, the Earth, atoms, and electricity for use in supplying the Nation's power needs, and create millions of products using power. Engineering knowledge is applied to improving many things, including the quality of health care, the safety of food products, and the efficient operation of financial systems. 1 Engineers not only develop themselves but als9 train other technical personnel working in various fields and capacities. They guide them, instruct them and teach them how engineering principles are adapted in the best practical ways . Engineers consider many factors when developing a new product. For example. in developing an industrial computer, engineers determine precisely ''hat function the computer needs to perform; design and test its components; fit the components together in an integrated plan; and evaluate the design ' s overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, safety and marketability. This process applies to many different products, such as automobiles, chemicals, turbines, and even toys.