Course details
Tutors
Aims
This course aims to:
• introduce you to common problem-solving strategies used by engineers
• develop your creative thinking skills
• familiarise you with different methods for generating and evaluating ideas
• help you learn how to analyse failures to improve future solutions
Content
Throughout the course we will look at the importance of problem solving in the field of engineering. There are many different processes and models that are routinely used and we will focus on two of the most popular the ‘Engineering Method’ and ‘Root Cause Analysis’. We will also look at how designs can be adapted to suit different situations, in particular the use of biomimicry to create solutions for human problems.
Each session will start with a short exercise in thinking creatively where you will be asked to find a solution to a given situation. Throughout each session we will use a different method to examine a case study to find solutions to the problems presented.
Presentation of the course
Information will be presented using slide decks and video. During the course you will have the opportunity to work in small groups to discuss your ideas and solutions. There will be a small practical element to some sessions.
Course sessions
1. Different approaches to problem solving
We will look at the different ways of examining problems and how a range of methods can be used in different situations. The session task will be to identify the most appropriate problem solving techniques for the day’s case study.
2. Biomimicry
During the session we will examine how biomimicry is used in engineering design and examples of successful and unsuccessful solutions created via the process. The session task will be to take inspiration from a biological prompt to design a product that meets the criteria in the specification given.
3. The ‘Engineering Method’
We will explore the different stages of the ‘Engineering Method’ and look at some of the tools that can be used to guide the process. The session task will be to build a physical model to solve the given problem.
4. ‘Root Cause Analysis’
Looking at two well-known engineering accidents we will use ‘Root Cause Analysis’ and the
‘5 Whys’ technique to find the potential human, physical and organisational causes of the incidents.
5. Creating your own tools
Using the knowledge you have gained from the previous sessions you will design your own ‘problem solving kit’. You’ll make physical resources that you can refer to in the future to help you solve everyday problems you may experience.
Learning outcomes
You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course.
The learning outcomes for this course are:
• identify and employ problem-solving techniques from each stage of the ‘Engineering Method’
• understand the role of biomimicry in engineering design, and give examples of its use
• use the ‘Root Cause Analysis’ method to identify potential roots of failure in engineering disasters
Required reading
Benyus, J, A (2011) Biomimicry Primer, defining the meme, Biomimicry Resource Handbook,
The Biomimicry Institute and the Biomimicry Guild Available at:
https://ask-nature.sfo3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp content/uploads/2012/06/31144127/A_Biomimicry_Primer_2011Handbook.pdf
Click 2 Engineering, Ten Practices for an Engineering Mindset
Available at: https://click2engineering.org/about/ten-practices-for-an-engineering-mindset/.
El-Zein, A. and Hedemann, C, Engineers as Problem Solvers: A Deficient Self-Definition
for the 21st Century
Available at: https://www-csd.eng.cam.ac.uk/system/files/documents/el-zein-a.pdf
MindTools (2023), Root Cause Analysis, www.mindtools.com
Available at: https://www.mindtools.com/ag6pkn9/root-cause-analysis
Page, T, (2023) Essential Techniques Engineers Use to Solve Problems, Tweak Your Biz
Available at: https://tweakyourbiz.com/posts/essential-techniques-engineers-use-to-solve-problems