Introduction - Course Overview of Project Management and Engineering Industry

1. Engineering Sectors

 Primary Sector: This sector includes extracting raw materials. In terms of engineering,
this might involve mining, drilling for oil, or forestry for paper production.

 Secondary Sector: Focused on the process of transforming raw materials into finished
products. This can include anything from building cars to manufacturing microchips.

 Tertiary Sector: Provides services that support the primary and secondary sectors. In
engineering, this could involve elements such as transport, distribution or maintenance.

2. Popular Engineering Industries

 Aerospace Engineering: Deals with the design, development and application of aircraft
and spacecraft.

 Biomedical Engineering: This industry develops life-saving and life-enhancing

technologies that we use today in the medical field.

 Chemical Engineering: By applying chemistry, physics, biology and fluid dynamics

theories, designs the processes that turn materials into domestic and industrial products.

 Civil Engineering: Works with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical
and naturally built environment, such as roads, bridges, tunnels, and buildings.

 Electrical Engineering: Encompasses study and application of electricity, electronics, and

electromagnetism for manufacturing and implementing electrical systems.

 Environmental engineering: Environmental engineering focuses on protecting the

environment from the harmful effects of unsustainable development.

 Mechanical Engineering: Mechanical engineering develops and produces many modern

technologies that make our lives more efficient and comfortable.

 Software Engineering: The systematic approach to the development, operation, and

maintenance of software.

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3. Functions of Engineering Industries

3.1. Functions of Aerospace Engineering Industry

Aerospace engineering develops aircraft, spacecraft and propulsion systems, focusing on

technology, and the practice and theory of flight to build aircraft that performs effectively in
varying conditions.

It's responsible for the major advancements in aviation that support our fast-moving and
global society today. Aerospace engineering also has a role in the internal structure of
aircraft, such as communication systems and fuel monitors. The functions includes;

3.1.1. Design, test and manufacture aircraft, spacecraft and propulsion systems that meets
quality standards and safety regulations.

3.1.2. Maintain aircraft, spacecraft and propulsion systems, including inspecting for damage
or malfunctioning components and identifying potential problems and solutions.

3.1.3. Carryout research and report on new technology advancements related to aircraft,
spacecraft and propulsion systems improvements.

3.1.4. Provide troubleshooting assistance and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft and

propulsion systems.

3.2. Functions of Biomedical Engineering Industry

Biomedical Engineering develops life-saving and life-enhancing technologies that we use

today in the medical field.

It involves the design of equipment and technology that boost health, test and diagnose or
help with surgeries and procedures.

It rely on problem-solving, analytical and communication skills to apply various engineering

concepts to the designs. The functions includes;

3.2.1. Design, test and implement new medical procedures, such as tissue engineering.

3.2.2. Design, develop and repair medical products, equipment and devices.

3.2.3. Train staff to use equipment safely and troubleshoot technical issues.

3.2.4. Undertake relevant research on the equipment in the medical field.

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3.3. Functions of Chemical Engineering Industry

This field of engineering designs the processes that turn materials into domestic and
industrial products. It applies chemistry, physics, biology and fluid dynamics theories to
identify and solve specific industry problems. Chemical engineering discover solutions within
laboratories to produce food, medications, fuels and chemicals and then develop plans to
implement them on a mass scale. The functions includes;

3.3.1. Plan and design plants and equipment for mass production by using the understanding
of industrial and manufacturing processes.

3.3.2. Ensure the process plant is operating efficiently.

3.3.3. Conduct research to develop improved processes to optimize production.

3.3.4. Ensure that safety issues related to the process, the environment and the product at
all stages.

3.4. Functions of Civil Engineering Industry

Civil engineering is one of the most common types of engineering industries. Civil engineers
build structures and infrastructure that we use every day, such as roads, buildings, bridges,
airports, dams and tunnels. Civil engineering use maths, science and engineering principles
to create robust infrastructure and structures that can handle the stresses they're put under.
The functions includes;

3.4.1. Conduct survey and investigations to determine the project's feasibility.

3.4.2. Plan and design the construction of infrastructure projects.

3.4.3. Develop detailed civil structural and other drawings.

3.4.4. Estimate equipment and labour costs for project feasibility and make budget
suggestions throughout the project.

3.4.5. During construction manage site operations including managing the budget and
schedule of each infrastructure project.

3.4.6. Ensure it complies with health and safety regulations.

3.4.7. Ensure the sustainability of projects.

3.4.8. Ensure compliance is met with relevant rules, guidelines and environmental
regulations throughout the project.

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3.5. Functions of Electrical Engineering Industry

Electrical engineering is responsible for connecting our homes and businesses with electricity
and creating a power network that runs through our cities. In addition its responsible for the
creation of all electrical tools, gadgets and appliance requires electrical engineering. The
functions includes;

3.5.1. Carry out feasibility studies for new technical innovations.

3.5.2. Design and develop electrical systems, tools, gadgets and electrical components used
in equipment and vehicles.

3.5.3. Estimate material, construction and labour costs, and project time-scales.

3.5.4. Implement electrical systems for buildings, transport, construction and infrastructure.

3.5.5. Test installations and systems, and analyse data.

3.5.6. Oversee the installation, repair and maintenance of electrical systems.

3.5.7. Make sure projects meet electrical and construction safety regulations.

3.6. Functions of Environmental Engineering Industry

Environmental engineering focuses on protecting the environment from the harmful effects
of pollutants and contaminants in the air, water and soil. This engineering industry alters
traditional processes and techniques to make them more sustainable. It plays a critical role
in public health and climate change as it provides opportunities for creating new systems
and technologies that improve the environment and positively impact health. The functions
includes;

3.6.1. Gather data from a range of sources through site assessments, environmental
monitoring and third-party reports.

3.6.2. Survey the site and evaluate the environmental impact of the project or operation.

3.6.3. Present findings and recommend processes on containment, remediation, recycling

and waste disposal to mitigate environmental issues.

3.6.4. Create plans to protect the environment by removing pollutants from water, air and
soil.

3.6.5. Develop site-specific protocols to improve environmental impacts, such as spill

containment plans.
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3.7. Functions of Mechanical Engineering Industry

Mechanical engineering develops and produces many modern technologies that make our
lives more efficient and comfortable. Mechanical engineering is integral to many features of
society because many industries use technologies and machinery with moving parts, such as
transportation, communication, energy and environmental and space exploration. Thus, this
field offers various opportunities to work on essential technologies that power the modern
world. The functions includes;

3.7.1. Assess the need for mechanical systems and create solutions that address them.

3.7.2. Design and develop systems with moving parts.

3.7.3. Oversee the manufacturing process of the designs.

3.7.4. Research and test designs to ensure that they are efficient, safe and cost-effective

3.7.5. Work on maintenance and repair of mechanical systems.

3.8. Functions of Software Engineering Industry

Software engineering creates high-quality software and information systems using computer
programming languages and coding. It focuses on designing and modifying complex software
systems to support the society we live in. Software engineering is one of the most prominent
types of engineering industries, as we use software in nearly every part of our lives, such as
air travel, transport, business operations, communications, banking, finance, medicine,
entertainment, resources and infrastructure. The functions includes;

3.8.1. Analyze client software requirements and develop a solution to meet their needs.

3.8.2. Write, test and refine code to build necessary software aligned with the client's
requirements.

3.8.3. Research, design and write new software programs and computer operating systems.

3.8.4. Support clients and colleagues on the maintenance and performance of software
systems and rewrite or modify current operating systems that need alteration.

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4. Engineering Trends of the Future
4.1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
As AI increasingly infiltrates various industries, it is crucial for engineers to keep up with its
advancements to fully control its transformative power. AI technologies present
incomparable opportunities for innovation. Engineers who skillfully manage the complexities
of AI will be better positioned to create advanced solutions, optimize processes, and tackle
complex challenges. Keeping pace with AI developments is not only essential for professional
growth but also a key to unlocking new opportunities and shaping the future of engineering.
4.2. Autonomous Vehicles
The rapid advancement of autonomous vehicles stands as a pivotal trend that engineers
must vigilantly track. The integration of artificial intelligence, sensor technologies, and
machine learning in the automotive industry is transforming traditional transportation
models. Engineers need to stay on top of developments in autonomous vehicle technology,
as it not only reshapes the design and functionality of vehicles but also introduces new
challenges in safety, cybersecurity, and infrastructure.
4.3. Industrial IoT (IIoT)
The industrial internet of things (IIoT) is the use of smart sensors and other devices, such
as radio frequency identification tags, to enhance manufacturing and industrial
processes. As industries increasingly embrace connectivity and smart technologies, IIoT
emerges as a pivotal trend reshaping the way industrial processes are monitored, managed,
and optimized. Engineers must harness the power of IIoT to enhance efficiency, reduce
downtime, and unlock unprecedented insights through real-time data analytics.
4.4. Robotics
The integration of robotics across industries continues to reshape the landscape of
automation, manufacturing, healthcare, and beyond. Engineers need to stay abreast of the
latest developments in robotics, encompassing advancements in artificial intelligence,
machine learning, and human-robot collaboration. As robots become more intelligent,
versatile, and capable, staying on top of robotics trends is not merely an option but a
strategic necessity for engineers seeking to navigate the evolving demands of the future.
4.5. Energy Harvesting
With an increasing focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, the ability to capture and
utilize ambient energy sources such as solar, kinetic, and thermal energy is becoming
paramount. Harnessing ambient energy not only reduces reliance on traditional power
sources but also contributes significantly to the development of eco-friendly and self-
sustaining systems, aligning with the global push towards a greener and more sustainable
future.
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4.6. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
As healthcare continues its digital transformation, IoMT integrates interconnected devices,
wearables, and medical sensors to collect and transmit patient data in real-time. This
technological convergence holds immense potential for revolutionizing patient care,
diagnostics, and treatment strategies. Keeping track of IoMT trends is not just a professional
necessity but a key driver in shaping the future of healthcare engineering.
4.7. Smart Metering
As energy systems evolve towards greater efficiency and sustainability, smart metering plays
a central role in optimizing resource utilization. Engineers need to stay on top of this trend
as smart meters facilitate real-time data collection, enabling precise monitoring and
management of energy consumption. The integration of advanced analytics and IoT
technologies empowers engineers to develop intelligent solutions for grid optimization,
analytical maintenance, and demand-side management.
4.8. Smart Home and Building Automation
The integration of intelligent systems in residential and commercial spaces is reshaping the
way we interact with our environments. Engineers need to stay on top of this trend to
harness the potential of interconnected devices, sensors, and automation technologies.
From energy efficiency and security enhancements to personalized user experiences, smart
home and building automation offer a countless of possibilities that demand the attention
of engineers looking to innovate and create cutting-edge solutions for the future.
4.9. Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
The global shift towards sustainable transportation is accelerating, and with it, the demand
for efficient and widespread EV charging solutions is on the rise. Engineers play a crucial role
in developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance charging speed, grid integration, and
user experience. Staying on top of EV charging trends is imperative for engineers, as it not
only addresses the immediate needs of the automotive industry but also contributes
significantly to the broader goal of creating a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
4.10. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is an indispensable trend that engineers must prioritize to safeguard
technological advancements. With the escalating integration of digital systems, the threat
landscape continues to evolve, necessitating engineers to stay on top of the latest
cybersecurity measures. The increasing connectivity of devices, the rise of IoT, and the
occurrence of sophisticated cyber threats underscore the critical importance of robust
cybersecurity practices. As technology evolves, so do the challenges, making cybersecurity
an ever-present and paramount concern for engineers shaping the future of innovation.

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5. Current Issues in Engineering Industry

5.1. The Climate Change

In the face of current ongoing climatic fluctuations, Engineers are struggling hard to find ways
to reduce potential climate crisis caused by pollution emerged from large engineering
companies, and recruit more eco-conscious engineers to cut the risk on the environment.
One of the ways to do so is by promoting green engineering to improve sustainability and
reduce the carbon footprint in manufacturing.

5.2. Improve Energy efficiency

Today due to the continuous climatic changes, there is dire need to reduce fossil fuels
consumption and work on improving energy efficiency. Challenge here is to find viable
alternate sources of energy.

5.3. Skill and Staff Shortage

Engineers and technicians are among the most in demand jobs in the world. Also, it’s a well-
known fact that the engineering industry is struggling against a widespread skill and staff
shortage. The need for skilled engineers has never been as pressing as it is today.

5.4. Technological Advancements

Technology is developing rapidly and Engineers need to meet challenges resulting from the
new technological advancements. Cost-effective technology can revive the Engineering
Industry. There are many ways through which manufacturers can leverage the latest
advancements in technology to face its challenges head on and continue moving forward
with little disruption.

5.5. Challenges in ensuring sustainability in construction

The idea and execution of sustainability in construction and engineering are slowly leaving a
meaningful impact on the environment. However, poor practices, long supply lines,
unsustainable materials, and high energy usage will all be subject to even more stringent
legislation, but there will also be enhanced public pressure and scrutiny surrounding the
whole industry. This can make the problem worse, especially combined with the shortages
mentioned above.