Engineering Problems and Solutions

Problems: As per Oxford dictionary a problem is a doubtful or difficult question. It is a thing hard to understand that is difficulty in
understanding or accepting. A problem is an obstacle, impediment, difficult or challenge, or any situation that invites resolution; the
resolution of which is recognized as a solution or contribution towards a known purpose or goal. A problem implies a desired outcome
coupled with an apparent deficiency, doubt or inconsistency that prevents the outcome from taking place. A problem is a situation
preventing something from being achieved, a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties and discomfort for us. Any thing,
matter or person that is difficult to deal with, solve or overcome. Problems can be defined broadly as situations in which we experience
uncertainty or difficulty in achieving what we want to achieve, e.g.:
o Machine stopped working, a machine breakdown.
o Line man fell from the ladder
o Stopping smoking is a problem when you decide you want to stop but cannot.
o A computer malfunction is a problem if it prevents you completing work on time.
o An excessive workload is a problem when it interferes with your ability to work effectively.
o Poor and unclear communication is a problem when it reduces the efficiency of an organization and may make accident
o Problems arise when an obstacle prevents us reaching an objective, e.g. when a breakdown in a company's manufacturing
plant (the obstacle) prevents it fulfilling orders (the objective).
o Objective = something we have decided we need to achieve.
o Obstacle = anything that prevents us achieving an objective.
o Objective + obstacle = PROBLEM
o We encounter a large variety of problems during the course of our work, with objectives and obstacles of different types and
importance. Defining these accurately is essential to finding an effective solution.
o When a captain wants to cross the river with strong current and wave, the problem of a hole in deck of boat with torn sail
becomes an obstacle to reach his destination of crossing the river but he solves this problem taking firm decision with his skills
and proficient piloting of boat for crossing the river and reaches his goal with his problem solving and leadership ability.
Engineering problems:
We have defined engineering as “The creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or
manufacturing process” so we can say that engineering problems are those problems that could be resolved by the application of scientific
principles to the situation. Engineering problems are those issues that can be resolved by the application of the imagination to design or
develop machines, apparatus or manufacturing process that will resolve the problem and contribute towards elevating the standards of
living and adding to the comforts of life.
Complex Problems:“ Consisting of parts, Complicated”. Something that is complex has many parts, many different parts, many different
layers that is themselves have different levels of complexity. A complex problems is therefore one with many different aspects, levels,
layers and so the solution related to this problem is not likely to be what presents itself on the surface.
“Complex Engineering Problems” which cannot be resolved without in-depth engineering knowledge, much of is at , or informed by , the
forefront of the professional discipline, and have some or all of the following characteristics.
Range of conflicting requirements: Involves wide-ranging or conflicting technical, engineering and other issues
Depth of analysis required: Have no obvious solution and require abstract thinking, originality in analysis to formulate suitable models
Depth of knowledge required: Requires research-based knowledge much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the professional
discipline and which allows a fundamentals-based, first principles analytical approach
Familiarity of issues: Involves infrequently encountered issues
Extent of applicable codes: Are outside problems encompassed by standards and codes of practice for professional engineering
Extent of stakeholder involvement and level of conflicting requirements: involve diverse groups of stakeholders with widely varying needs.
Consequences: Have significant consequences in a range of contexts
Interdependence: Are high level problems including many component parts or sub-problems.
Complex Engineering Problems are characterized by several or all of the following:
• Requires a fundamental and specialist underpinning knowledge;
• May encompass entire complex engineering systems or complex subsystems;
• Ill posed, unpredictable, under or over-specified problems, requiring identification and refinement;
• Information from variety of sources is complex, abstract and possibly incomplete & requires analysis, abstraction, structuring
evaluation;
• Have no obvious solution and require originality and analysis;
• Involves wide-ranging or conflicting technical, engineering and other issues;
• Involve infrequently encountered issues;
• Problems may be outside those encompassed by standards and codes, operate outside where justified;
• Involves wide ranges of interested and affected parties with widely varying needs;
• Have significant consequences in a range of contexts;
• Requires judgment in decision making taking diverse factors into account.
The Common Components of Complex Engineering Problem
1. Evidence of fault or malfunction; [Link] to meet intended purpose; [Link] in operation;
4. Evidence of unexpected system decline – increase in system entropy;
5. Apparent unrelated factors; 6. Solution not readily apparent; [Link] musk root cause;
8. Requires diagnosis; [Link] testing. 10. Requires research
Solution of complex engineering problem / solving complex engineering problem: The means of solving a problem is called solution.
Problem solving in engineering used when products and process fail or system breakdown occurs, so corrective action can be taken to
prevent further failures. It is also applied to product, process and system or any design prior to an actual failure.
The solution may be the design of a component, system or a process or a recommendation of the remedy to a problematic situation.
Problem solving is a mental activity related to intelligence and thinking. It consist of finding solution to problems and when any
problematic situation occurs it needs to be address. A great deal of our life is spent on solving problems. The word problem comes from a
Greek word meaning an obstacle which prevents us to achieve our goals / objectives and we need to find a way of solving the problem.
The means of solving or the way to solve a problem is called solution. Problem solving is an opportunity for self-development and
enhancing skills, innovation and improvement in engineering practice. Complex engineering problem needs to dissolve and breakdown
into smaller particles that is breaking the complex one into something less complex, making it possible to explain and understand it and
thereby resolve the problem. Thus a solution is an effective proposal for resolving a problem taking into account all relevant technical,
legal, social, cultural, economic, safety, health and environmental issues and having regard to the need for sustainability.
Therefore, to design and develop a solution to a complex engineering problem we need a systematic creative process that is applied to a
problem that has many level or layers and takes into account a number of factors so as to produce and effective resolution to the problem.
Engineers define, review and analyze, investigate problems so that solution can be developed, tested and verified for execution of action
plan for solution of problems. He can devise a model or choose any model for solving problems.
Now, the models or tools and techniques for solution of a problem which we can apply for solving problem or improvement of our
work/product are given below:
• DRIVE (Define, Review, Investigate, Verify, Execute);
• IDEAL (Identify, Define, Explore, Anticipate & Act, Look & Learn);
• DBCI (Define the problem, Brainstorm alternative, think critically and Choose the best solution/option, Implement solution);
• FMECA (Failure Mode, Effect, Criticality, Analysis);
• DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) | Six Sigma
• DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Develop & Design, Verify) | Six Sigma
• DDDSIE (Diagnose & Define the problem, Determine the root cause, Develop alternative solution, Select a solution, Implement
the solution, Evaluate the outcome) etc.
• Brainstorming (individual and or group) & Critical Thinking for solving problems, decision making and judgment.
• Why-why Technique (Root Cause Analysis) for solving problems and decision making

A tool for engineering process or design process:

o Defining or identification of problem;
o Investigate/Research the problem (develop criteria for design solution) ;
o Analysis of the problem (Design/Project Constraints) & Exploit the optional solution of the problem (analyze the
design/planning/solution requirement and draw up detailed requirements specifications);
o Brainstorm alternative design/problem solution (Synthesize a range of potential solutions to problem or approaches to
developing a solution), Present reasoned arguments and proposal of preferred option;
o Evaluate the potential approaches against requirements, including cost, and impacts outside requirements;
o Modeling best solution (Fully develop design of selected option);
o Testing and evaluating model/prototype (Evaluate resulting solution);
o Refine and retest model/prototype (Select the best matched with needs, requirements and criteria);
o Communicate final design (presentation and documentation); and
o Implement effective, efficient and practical system of solution.

Analyze: This means to examine the detailed constitution of the requirements ( i.e. what it is made up of ) to find their essence
and structure. The analysis needs to be detailed and clear using standard accepted engineering principles, terminology and
system to ensure a thorough understanding. Problem analysis is the process of collecting and interpreting facts, identifying the
problems, and decomposition of problem into its components. It is a problem solving technique that ensure that all the
component of the system work efficiently to accomplish the purpose.
Now the specification of the problem to be developed and possible potential solutions based on the requirement of the
specification. This will require and imaginative open minded approach so as to allow all possible option to be consider or
presented. Now this to be synthesized into a number of workable options considering all the tool available such as
brainstorming, mind mapping and critical thinking in a creative manner to produce as many as possible approaches to the
solution of the problem as possible. Now the number of options have been identified and this need to be evaluated against the
requirement, specification including cost, impacts etc. and also taking into account that all effected and interested parties &
stakeholders in the project so as to get the maximum input in the early stage of the process or beginning of the project.
With all this factors taken into consideration and as much as information gathered and considered, a decision can be made as
to which option will be chosen as the most suitable solution of the problem.
Once one of the options has been selected and becomes the “Preferred option” reason arguments need to be presented to
justify the selection of that particular solution to the problem and in order to convince all the stakeholders that, having taken
all factors into consideration this is the best solution to the problem.