1 - The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka

Common Range and Contextual DefinitionsRange of Problem SolvingAttribute Complex Problems Broadly-defined Problems Well-defined Problems1 Preamble Engineering problems which cannot beresolved without in-depth engineeringknowledge, much of which is at, orinformed by, the forefront of theprofessional discipline, and having someor all of the following characteristics:Engineering problems which cannot bepursued without a coherent and detailedknowledge of defined aspects of aprofessional discipline with a strong emphasison the application of developed technology,and having the following characteristicsEngineering problems having some orall of the following characteristics:2 Range of conflictingrequirementsInvolve wide-ranging or conflictingtechnical, engineering and other issuesInvolve a variety of factors which may imposeconflicting constraintsInvolve several issues, but with few ofthese exerting conflicting constraints3 Depth of analysisrequiredHave no obvious solution and requireabstract thinking, originality in analysisto formulate suitable modelsCan be solved by application of well-provenanalysis techniquesCan be solved in standardised ways4 Depth of knowledgerequiredRequires research-based knowledgemuch of which is at, or informed by, theforefront of the professional disciplineand that supports a fundamentals-basedfirst principles analytical approachRequires a detailed knowledge of principlesand applied procedures and methodologies indefined aspects of a professional disciplinewith a strong emphasis on the application ofdeveloped technology and the attainment ofknow-how, often within a multidisciplinaryengineering environmentCan be resolved using limitedtheoretical knowledge but normallyrequires extensive practical knowledge5 Familiarity of issues Involve infrequently encountered issues Belong to families of familiar problems whichare solved in well-accepted waysAre frequently encountered and thusfamiliar to most practitioners in thepractice area6 Extent of applicablecodesAre outside problems encompassed bystandards and codes of practice forprofessional engineeringMay be partially outside those encompassedby standards or codes of practiceAre encompassed by standards and/ordocumented codes of practice7 Extent of stakeholderinvolvement andlevel of conflictingrequirementsInvolve diverse groups of stakeholderswith widely varying needsInvolve several groups of stakeholders withdiffering and occasionally conflicting needsInvolve a limited range of stakeholderswith differing needs8 Consequences Have significant consequences in a rangeof contexts9 Interdependence Are high level problems including manycomponent parts or sub-problemsHave consequences which are importantlocally, but may extend more widelyAre parts of, or systems within complexengineering problemsHave consequences which are locallyimportant and not far-reachingAre discrete components57