ABUBAKAR TAFAWA BALEWA

UNIVERSITY, BAUCHI

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL AND

GED 523: ENGINEER IN THE SOCIETY

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TOPIC; The Roles Of Engineers In
Nation Building

PRESENT
BY

ITSE STEPHEN AJIK

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INTRODUCTION

It is a good chance that we have chosen to study engineering because we

perceive it to be a good career, and because we have skills that we believe will be

well suited to a career in engineering.

Nevertheless, We will focus on identifying who an engineer is, how an

engineer is similar and different to a scientist and what specific tasks they may do

in their jobs. We will also give a broad overview of engineering disciplines.

Students will then use what they learned to help solve a topical engineering

problem.

Engineers are a significant source of technological innovation and expertise.

They focus their brainpower on solving problems through the application of

science and mathematics, discovering new ways to make life better for the general

public.

AIM OF AN ENGINEER

Engineers typically design or build products, systems and solutions. They

often use a trial-and-error process and seek the most efficient ways of operating.

An engineer who is looking to advance their career or improve their output may

make it a goal to improve their efficiency.

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OBJECTIVE OF AN ENGINEER

The goals and objectives of engineers revolve around creating processes and

designs, as well as maintenance and operations duties in a variety of different

disciplines.

WHO IS AN ENGINEER

An engineer is a person who uses scientific knowledge to design, construct,

and maintain engines and machines or structures such as roads, railways, and

bridges etc.

Engineers aim to design, develop, and improve systems, structures, and products to

meet specific needs and requirements.

Essentially, it is important to understand that engineers don’t just work with

machines, designs or circuit boards, and engineering doesn’t only require a good

understanding of science and mathematics. Engineering needs to be understood in

the context of its role in society, and your role as an engineer has to be understood

in the context of your work within a company, and ultimately within society. As an

engineer, you may be involved in negotiations; you may become a manager,

supervising the work of a team of engineers; you may have special responsibilities

to ensure that work is safe, or to ensure it is not damaging the environment.

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 Engineering creativity is often understated and unrecognized, including by

engineers themselves. Engineers depend on established science and methods for

analysis to ensure their designs are safe and reliable. Creativity is usually

associated with risk taking, while engineers are required to reduce risks to the

public, environment and the commercial success of their clients and employers.

However, finding innovative solutions within the boundaries of safety, reliability

and efficiency requires considerable creativity. Working with communities and

clients to deliver sustainable solutions to complex social, economic and

environmental problems requires a diverse set of engineering skills. Creativity is

the key to finding inspiration for new engineering designs and solutions within the

constraints of ethical engineering practice grounded in science and engineering

methods and standards that have evolved over generations.

PROCESS MODELING OBJECTIVES

Technology, including hardware and software, takes different inputs, such as

information, materials and energy, before putting those materials through a process

that results in the desired outcome. The functions that turn inputs into outputs are

often complicated, requiring the simplification of these processes into a user

interface that is easy to replicate and understand. For example, software that

renders images in three dimensions performs many mathematical calculations to

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obtain the desired result. Instead of doing the calculations for themselves, artists

access complicated rendering algorithms through software that translates input

from keyboards, mice and drawing pads into a 3D image. Engineers engage in

process modeling to make complicated procedures easily accessible.

DESIGN GOALS OF ENGINEERS

Engineering design goals focus on problems through the application of

creative thinking using scientific and mathematical principles. Engineers start by

clearly defining the problem – like how to support a walkway that will connect two

buildings 50 feet above the ground – and formulating different ideas and

approaches to a solution. They create designs based on these ideas, selecting the

approaches that are most likely to succeed and easy to implement. Designs lead to

the construction of prototypes, which are then tested to ensure effectiveness. The

final goal of the design process is production, where the product faces approval.

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OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES OF AN ENGINEER

Engineers use their specialized expertise to ensure that technological

operations proceed as planned. They teach people how to operate and maintain

technology through training programs and explanatory manuals. When necessary,

they also repair and use technologies that workers with less familiarity and skill are

unable to handle. As such, their knowledge leads to the safe and productive use of

technology. Engineers also contribute to efforts that make sure work sites comply

with all government rules and regulations, including safety, labor and environment

laws.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ENGINEERS

The goals and objectives of engineers change according to the genre of

technology with which they work. Environmental, biomedical, agricultural and

chemical engineers benefit people by developing medicine, fertilizers or more

efficient farming practices. Petroleum and nuclear engineers focus mostly on

energy related concerns, including safely managing nuclear reactions in power

plants and synthesizing more efficient fossil fuels. Industrial, materials, civil and

mechanical engineers design different types of construction processes, including

office buildings, roads, robotics and lightweight yet sturdy materials.

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ENGINEERING DISCIPLINES THE ANHANCE NATION

BUILDING

We'll look at the five main branches of engineering — civil, mechanical,

electrical, chemical, and industrial engineering — then provide some examples of

popular subfields and specialties within each of those branches. If you think a

career in engineering might be right for you, this list is the perfect starting point.

ROLE OF ENGINEERS IN NATION BUILDING

They are to design, plan and supervise construction of buildings, and ensure

their safety and stability against hazards; design highways, bridges, railways and

transit systems, dams, irrigation canals, power system, ports, harbors as well as off-

shore structures.

Meanwhile, as nations in the world are undergoing reformation and the

economy is getting more modernized, consumption patterns have expanded and

demand is constantly on the increase. Therefore, a growing consciousness of

quality control at every level of production. The engineers have to realize their

responsibility and play an effective role in tackling today’s complex issues in the

nation building. To build a nation is to make it habitable for the citizen by

providing social amenities, infrastructural facilities, job creation, security and

many more; the engineers therefore have a serious role to play. Thus, their duties

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bond to design products, machineries and plants to manufacture these products,

and systems to ensure quality and efficiency. They are to design, plan and

supervise construction of buildings, and ensure their safety and stability against

hazards; design highways, bridges, railways and transit systems, dams, irrigation

canals, power system, ports, harbors as well as off-shore structures.

Engineers should equally know that it is their duty to develop and implement

improved ways to extract, process and use raw materials; develop new raw

material that can improve product performance and take advantage of advances in

technology to harness the power of the sun, the gas, the earth, atoms and electricity

to supply the nation’s power needs; analyze the impact of the products they

develop or systems they design on the environment and the people; design ways of

managing the nation’s waste, converting or recycling them to useful products. Parts

of their functions also include determining the cause of component failures,

estimating the time and cost of completing new projects as well as maintaining the

existing ones.

Some should move into engineering management and sales. In sales and

management, an engineering background enables one to discuss the technical

aspects of projects/products and assist in the planning, installation and product use.

With such a vast and varied nature of their job, they are really the backbone of a

nation’s building and development, and their role should not be neglected in a
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nation’s development. The engineers on their part should be proud of what they do

and contribute effectively towards the growth of their country and the world at

large.

DUTIES OF AN ENGINEER

An Engineer , or Senior Engineer, uses math and science to solve different

technical problems. Their main duties include developing new products for

companies or individuals to use, providing maintenance to current products to

enhance use and designing new machines to improve an organization's efficiencies.

Engineer as a job title can include hundreds of jobs. Whether it is designing

buildings as a mechanical engineer, writing code for mobile apps as a

computer engineer, or even structural engineering – there are a few

responsibilities they have in common.

The jobs are always highly technical in nature. They are heavily

involved in planning and drawing. Engineers are used to working with

budgets. They are also responsible for providing technical documents to both

the customers, and in some cases, to regulatory agencies. Lastly, nearly all

engineers are well versed in mathematics.

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WHAT IS NATION BUILDING

Nation-building refers to the process of constructing or structuring a national

identity using the power of the state.

DEFINING A NATION BUILDER

The responsibility for defining what and who a Nation Builder is, lies with

each individual nation. Nation Builders exhibit characteristics, skills and values

that are important to the Nation to which they belong. It is also important that each

nation can define what success means to them.

“A Nation Builder demonstrates an eagerness and willingness to help others.

Shows a curiosity for learning, especially about his/her own First Nation, First

Nations culture and language. Expresses/demonstrates a desire to continue

learning, have a healthy lifestyle, shares his/her love of learning with others.”

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 Through a process of inquiry-based learning, each student is given the

opportunity to define themselves as nation builders. The Hon. Senator Murray

Sinclair was Chair for the Residential School Truth and Reconciliation

Commission and has stated, “Education is the key to walking on this journey of

reconciliation.” (June 19, 2016)

He also said, “Teachers in particular have a sacred responsibility to ensure

that all their children, regardless of their heritage, are able to think about four key

questions throughout their education:

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WHAT ENGINEERS DONSE TO ANHANCE NATION BUILDING

Engineers are technically skilled professionals who are responsible for

solving problems. Their main focus is on making things work efficiently and

effectively by applying the theories and principles of sciences and mathematics to

research, and develop economic solutions to technical problems. The Engineer

differs from the scientist by the nature of their training. While the scientists try to

explore the natural world and discover new knowledge about the universe and how

it works, engineers apply that knowledge to solve real problems, often with an eye

toward improving cost and efficiency. The purpose of engineering is to innovate,

design, create and maintain products, system and equipment for the benefit and

wellbeing of humans. Their works are the link between the perceived social needs

and economic applications. They are the bridge between science and art.

Engineers are the backbone of nation building and the purpose of engineering is to

innovate, design, create and maintain products, systems and equipment for the

benefit and wellbeing of humans.

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HOW DOES ENGINEERING AFFECT NATION BUILDING

Engineering has affected nation building by transporting, sheltering, and

expanding my knowledge. Engineering is important to me, but not just me,

everyone because without engineers/engineering we would not be as smart as we

are now. My quality of life has increased because of engineering. Engineering has

helped my quality of life increase by improving my surroundings, and 90% of

people’s knowledge is based off of engineering because Robert E. Kahn and Vint

Cerf created the “Internet” and solid information was added to make it a source of

info. The word engineering I would say is a subheading of the word Technology

and technology has been around for thousands of years. Engineers are people who

design and build machines and other helpful types of objects. Tools created by the

engineers helped the culture and it made that engineer become a little smarter.

Engineers are the people who design and develop things that you use every day.

From the alarm clock that wakes you in the morning to the toothbrush that cleans

your teeth before bedtime, many of the things you use have been engineered for

you. Students identify the engineering that impacts their day-to-day life. One

reason is shortage; we lack people to design things to better our lifestyles. Another

reason is that engineers make new things and improve old things so we can live

safe and easy lives. As long as we have engineers we can improve as people.

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HONESTY AND INTEGRITY

Professional engineers and technicians should adopt the highest standards of

professional conduct, openness, fairness and honesty. They should:

- be alert to the ways in which their work might affect others and duly respect the

rights and reputations of other parties.

- avoid deceptive acts, take steps to prevent corrupt practices or professional

misconduct, and declare conflicts of interest.

- reject bribery or improper influence.

- act for each employer or client in a reliable and trustworthy manner.

HOW TO BECOME AN ENGINEER

Think you’re interested in becoming one of the types of engineers discussed

above, or exploring a related career path? Then it’s important to seriously consider

the academic and professional steps you’ll need to take — along with some of the

skills you’ll need to possess — in order to succeed in your chosen field.

For example, you should think about the minimum degree requirements

you’ll likely need to meet depending on the career type you choose, which, as you

saw in the last section, can vary significantly across specialties. You should also

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look into the requirements for becoming licensed or certified in your discipline in

your state.

For example, in order to become licensed as an engineer in the state of

California, simply holding a relevant degree isn’t enough — you’ll also need to

apply for a California Professional Engineer (PE) license, which covers civil,

electrical, and mechanical engineering professions, among others. For detailed

information, review California’s Professional Engineer Application, or contact the

California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists

(BPELSG). The licensing board and requirements vary from state to state, making

it crucial to think about where you intend to work — not just in what sector or

industry.

Here are three additional factors to consider if you’re planning on a career in

engineering, including some traits you should work to cultivate; a recap of the

various careers you can pursue; and what sort of degree program most closely

aligns with your goals

QUALITIES THAT SUCCESSFUL ENGINEERS POSSESS

Whether you intend to pursue a career in mechanical, civil, industrial,

chemical, or electrical engineering, you’ll need to possess certain traits and

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qualities that will empower you to thrive and flourish. To maximize your

professional success in any engineering field, here are a few of the characteristics

or skills you should focus on cultivating:

 Ability to work on teams and implement feedback

 Attention to detail

 Creative thinking and a passion for innovation

 Critical thinking and problem-solving skills

 Exceptional interpersonal skills

 Robust science and math skills

 Strong written and verbal communication skills, especially for successfully

conveying highly technical information

 Technological competence

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CONCLUSION

To truly succeed, engineers often need to have a rock-solid educational

foundation to ensure they fully understand every aspect of their trade. They’ll

also need to have several certifications on hand to showcase their competence

in a wide variety of disciplines.

These certifications can come in many forms – some are provided by

corporations to validate their skills with proprietary software while others are

licenses handed out by the government to show that they can be entrusted

with performing engineering duties related to their specialty.

If an engineer can tie together their understanding of mathematics,

project management, drawing and technical specifications, they can find

themselves on the road to a successful and often very well-paid career!

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REFERENCES

 https://studymoose.com/wp-content/uploads/essay-thumbnails/role-of-
engineers-in-nation-building.webp
 learningtheland.ca › nation-builder
 http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs358/en/index.html
 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/6275001.stm
 https://www.ice.org.uk/disciplines-and-resources/best-practice/civil-
engineeringethics-
toolkit

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