Implementation of a Micro-CADD System
Computer-aided-design-and-drafting (CADD) systems utilize computer technology to aid the engineer in his work. CADD systems are designed to process graphics with speed and accuracy to...
What's Going on with Federal Consistency?
The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (the CZMA, Pub. Law 92-583, as amended) establishes a national program to promote the wise use and protection of coastal land and water resources....
Survey of Computer Use in Hydraulics and Hydrology
The surveyed population consists of the 58 member firms of the Consulting Engineers Council of Colorado practicing in the area of water resources. 90 percent of these firms use computers...
Personal Computers and Water Network Simulation
The advent of the 16 bit or larger personal computer has the potential for significantly increasing the availability of a powerful tool for hydraulics engineers. In the past, the understanding...
The Consulting Engineer's Resident Engineer on Public Works Projects
The importance to the owner, engineering firm, and construction contractor of a qualified Resident Engineer on a construction project cannot be overly emphasized. Similarly, the duties,...
A Space Frame Forecast
New York City's Jacob K. Javits Convention Center has the largest space frame of its kind in the world. There are several unique design features in the space frame, among...
Computer Management Concepts for Student Engineering
This paper presents many of the principles and concepts being taught to engineers of the future concerning their use of computer related activities. For example, from the cost/risk/benefit...
Computers Aren't Infallible
Blindly accepting answers just because they are computer-generated does not make for good engineering. Wrong answers may result from software, computer or input problems. Users and programmers...
Second-Guessing the Engineer
The relationships between utilities and the bodies that regulate them have changed drastically in the past few years. No longer can any costs associated with the construction of new power...
How to Strengthen Client-Consultant Relationships
Effective use of a professional consultant is often diminished by poor management-staff communication. Consultants, because of their previous experience, may be able to provide input to...
Managing Overhead in Consulting Engineering Firms
One of the ways an engineering firm can maintain - or increase - profitability is through judicious management of overhead. Yet various industry studies suggest that the typical engineering...
Establishing a Computerized Accounting System in a Consulting Firm
If it has been determined that there is a need for a computer, the next step is to determine the software programming needs. The two distinct options in software are 'packaged'...
Project Management for Company Growth and Success
Many skills are not included in the technical training of an engineer; thus, it is not surprising that technical managers may not be good project managers. Activities outside one's...
Specialization Vs. Diversification ? Relevant Considerations
The health, well-being, and growth of consulting engineering firms demand a successful strategy covering specialization vs. diversification. A discussion of the pros and cons and some...
Competitive Strategies for Growth
A discussion is given on the approach of Camp Dresser & McKee Inc. to the question of specialization versus diversification in a consulting engineering firm. It was easy to opt...
Specialization or Diversification: The Role of Strategic Planning
The question faced by many consultants and constructors as they plan for the future is: Should we specialize or diversify in order to survive, grow and prosper? This paper proposes that...
Consulting Engineers' Experience with CAD
A general, brief history of the role of computers in design in consulting engineering practice is presented. Their changing role from their initial early use to today's involvement...
ASCE Salary Survey 1983
This is the seventeenth report in a series of biennial salary surveys conducted by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Salary data is reported on seven major categories for civil...
Consulting Engineering
How Can Manual 45 be Improved?
CADD: Getting the Right Fee
For those engineering consultants who use CADD systems on government cost-plus fixed-fee contracts, the author sugests establishing a CADD cost center that includes all costs involved...
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