In this first installment of Crash the Course*, I’m taking you on a journey into WPI Online’s “Introduction to Systems Thinking” course. I don’t just work at WPI; I’m also a student in one of the first courses offered in a revolutionary new education model: Personalized Online Education (or POE). Here’s why POE works for me. It’s convenient – I’m…Continue Reading Crash the Course: Introduction to Systems Thinking
Corrosion-Resistant Steel: What’s the Best Recipe?
The composition of steel isn’t one-size-fits all. There are dozens of variations of steel, all of which rely on a specific balance of iron, carbon, and one or more other elements for their distinctive properties. For every variety of steel there are unique purposes for which it is best suited across a range of industries….Continue Reading Corrosion-Resistant Steel: What’s the Best Recipe?
Getting the Most Out of Structural Materials
By Mike Ahern, Director, Corporate & Professional Education Like many new structural engineers, I graduated with a good understanding of elastic behavior and how to perform elastic analysis. I was also well-versed in factors of safety and conservative design. When I started my first job at a leading gas turbine engine manufacturer, I realized I…Continue Reading Getting the Most Out of Structural Materials
Change Your Mind with Systems Thinking
Systems thinking is an effective, holistic way to view any problem you may have in business and personal relations. But don’t take our word for it! Our online and corporate graduate students are raving about WPI’s Intro to Systems Thinking course, and how it has positively affected different aspects of their lives. SYSTEMS THINKING…Continue Reading Change Your Mind with Systems Thinking
The past, present, and future of power
Conservation. Efficiency. Renewable energy. When you think about power, these buzzwords undoubtedly come to mind. People today are more conscious than ever of the resources they use on a daily basis. We drive cars with better mileage and buy appliances that use less water and electricity. We shut off lights when we leave the room…Continue Reading The past, present, and future of power
Automating Communication Through Building Information Modeling
My old boss had a favorite saying for occasions when our team failed to keep each other informed. In exasperation, he’d bellow: “All communication… is a miracle!” He’d deliver the last three words with a dramatic flourish. It stuck with me as a simple truth; that we, as engineers and managers, struggle to keep our…Continue Reading Automating Communication Through Building Information Modeling
Centralia, Pennsylvania: A Lesson in Project Management
Project management techniques, processes, and best practices can be implemented in a variety of situations, whether they are planned and executed from start to finish or they are addressing problems. The Project Management Institute defines a project as something that has a beginning and end time, with a defined scope and resources that work towards…Continue Reading Centralia, Pennsylvania: A Lesson in Project Management
What Do Fire Protection Engineers Do?
If you’ve researched the topic of fire protection engineering, you probably have a general understanding that fire protection engineers use a variety of sciences and disciplines to protect people and property from fires. What does that mean, though? What does a fire protection engineer actually do? Quite a lot, as it turns out. We’re so…Continue Reading What Do Fire Protection Engineers Do?
Enabling More Renewable Power
More and more people are installing power generation – solar, wind, emergency generators, micro-turbines and fuel cells. These are all examples of “distributed generation” and many of them are renewable. While this is a positive trend for sustainability and helps with resiliency, it can be a challenge to the safe and reliable operation of the power delivery…Continue Reading Enabling More Renewable Power
Construction Project Management: The Project Stages [Infographic]
A strong Construction Project Manager needs to understand the four unique stages of a project. As simple as they may sound, these detail-filled stages are what helps the successful completion of a project. Stage 1: Design Stage 2: Pre-Construction Stage 3: Procurement Stage 4: Construction Check out this infographic… You too can master each stage…Continue Reading Construction Project Management: The Project Stages [Infographic]