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* Free * Professional Papers & Reports To Learn "The Soft Stuff!"

  • 1.  * Free * Professional Papers & Reports To Learn "The Soft Stuff!"

    Posted 01-26-2021 05:43 PM
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     Major Gaps Identified in Your Civil Engineering Education 26 Years Ago!

     In June 1995, the culmination of some 3 years or so of preparation, led by professor Dr. Jim Yao, Texas A&M, resulted in the "June 1995 ASCE Education Conference" in Denver, CO. At the end of that conference session, there was a lively 'give and take' as attendees raised questions about matters presented. There were four main "gaps" noted that were recommended to be included in the formal education of the next generation of civil engineers. They were knowledge and skills related to:

    1. Leadership;
    2. Teamwork;
    3. Communications; and,
    4. Business Knowledge.
      That information was identified by academics, business leaders, and administrative managers* at the end of the sessions during a 2-1/2 day conference in Denver, CO. after some 3 years of advance preparation. 

         At an open mike at the conclusion of the conference, a professor stood and asked all the following question:

                           "Who will first teach us? We never received education on these subjects ourselves.
                                                       How then do we teach them to our students?"

        To which no one responded.

         The above notes are based on summary remarks made at the end of the conference to the entire conference audience by Jim Poirot, former ASCE President, and Chair of Ch2M Hill.

        •  So, here we are some 22 years later.

                           Q1. What changes have you observed in the professional lives of our CE graduates
                                  relative to any one or more of the four identified "Gaps" identified above?

                          Q2. What Deans of CE academic programs have developed incorporating parts of the above                               noted 4 recommended topics?
                   
                           Q3. After you make a run at some of papers and reports attached, please share the "Top 3"
                                 paper's with knowledge that would have added value to a project(s).

                     
         "Engineering Knowledge is necessary, but not sufficient to assure project success.™"

                                                                                                                                            -w. m. hayden jr.

        Respectfully offered for dialogue.

         Stay Healthy!
        Cheers,
        Bill
        p.s. And of course let us know any question you have.

         * About 70% academics (Faculty, Dept. Hds., Deans), 25% practitioners, 5% administrators. 



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          William M. Hayden Jr., Ph.D., P.E., CMQ/OE, F.ASCE
          Buffalo, N.Y.

          "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot 1819 - 1880
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          William M. Hayden Jr., Ph.D., P.E., CMQ/OE, F.ASCE
          Buffalo, N.Y.

          "It is never too late to be what you might have been." -- George Eliot 1819 - 1880
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