Michael, Perhaps I should elaborate a bit on my statements. I have never met an engineer who did not want to complete a job, and in the best way he could. In fact, engineers can be some of the most focused folks on the face of the earth. Rarely do they want to admit defeat, because that is an attack on their abilities to innovate/create, and also because they want to completely solve the problem they are working on. Only on rare occasions have I seen an engineer who stated that he could not complete a project, or for that matter tackle a new challenge. There always seems to be a way to accomplish a technical task, and engineers love the technical challenge. As an engineer works on a project, he is always able to see multiple ways of completing his task, and he makes the best technical tradeoffs he can to do the best job possible in the time allotted. The methods to accomplish the technical challenge are manifold, and the engineer will always say that there CAN be a solution. Its just that many times the solution is not permitted because of a shortage of time or money or both. Now, as the engineer is working a task, go up to him and tell him that you want to change something. Or tell him you want to change the approach he is taking, or the ground rules under which he is working. I am sure you have heard the complaints about "feature creap". It may be that what is being done is no longer needed in the form he is working, but he will still have a desire to continue. This is only natural - he has invested a great deal in his work, and doesn't want to see it go to waste, or have his ideas shunned. It is always easier for a non-involved (technically) person to change things than it is for the engineer. So, in a very broad sense, engineers are resistant to changes, particularly in projects they are working on and have a bunch of brain cells invested in. However, when a new challenge comes along, there is never any dearth of ideas to solve new problems. "Yes, it can be done, and here are several ideas on how to do it." but change in the middle? This is always a very difficult proposition. The shuttle is a very complex machine, and MANY engineers have a bunch invested in it. Can the foam problem be fixed? Yes it can, and there are many ways to approach the problem. (Including a hair net of sorts.) I don't know if this helps clarify or not. You'll have to say. Brent --- Brent Watson <brentjwatson@yahoo.com> wrote:
After 30 years as an engineer, I find that this description fits most of those I have worked with. Of course, you will find those that don't see it this way, but as a general rule, my experience shows this to be the case.
--- Michael Carnes <MichaelCarnes@earthlink.net> wrote:
You will never find an engineer who will tell
you "it
can't be done". BTW, engineers, who are the ones responsible for change in technology, are usually the most resistant to change. Brent, are you speaking as an engineer? After 25 years of engineering, I haven't met many engineers that fit your description.
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