Ideas of holistic engineering meet engineering work practices

Anders Buch

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEngineering Studies
Volume8
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)140-161
Number of pages21
ISSN1937-8629
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Engineering work practices
  • engineering reform
  • holistic engineering
  • practice theory

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