Ideas of holistic engineering meet engineering work practices

This article critically reflects on the viability of the idea that reforming
engineering education will result in more holistic engineering work
practices. Drawing on an empirical study, the article aims to demonstrate
that in order to change existing engineering work practices,
it might be necessary to change engineers’ knowledge and skills;
however, such changes are far from sufficient. Conditions and circumstances
external to practitioners’ knowledge and skills are crucial
if engineering work is to become more holistic. To illustrate this point,
the article outlines an empirical study of a small team of professionals
who engage in holistic engineering work practices in an engineering
consultancy company. The work practices are investigated
using a philosophical empirical method that inquires into the doings,
sayings, and relatings of the practitioners. The study describes the
practice architecture that shapes and is shaped by the practitioners’
activities, and it demonstrate how the practice landscape prevents
enactments of holistic engineering work practices.