EUT 440: ENGINEERS IN SOCIETY

Title: Professional Engineer should be allowed to practice as

Consultants and as Contractor at the same time.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to prove it this statement that a "professional engineer should be
allowed to practice as consultants as well as contractor at the same time" is totally true. The reason for
supporting professional engineer should be allowed to practice as consultants as well as contractor at
the same time is strengthen overall skill, challenging and motivate engineer in work, engineer become
more innovative and expand networking with more people. Our overall approach was to create a one
report for engineering in society subject and show one ways to be a professional engineer. Upon
completion of the assignment we totally agree with this statement.

Tujuan kajian ini adalah untuk membuktikan kenyataan ini bahawa " jurutera profesional
harus menjalani latihan sebagai perunding serta kontraktor pada masa yang sama " adalah benar.
Antara faltor-faktor menyokong kenyataan jurutera profesional harus menjalani latihan sebagai
perunding serta kontraktor pada masa yang sama ialah mengukuhkan kemahiran keseluruhan,
jurutera mencabar dan motivasi dalam kerja, jurutera menjadi lebih inovatif dan mengembangkan
rangkaian dengan lebih ramai orang. Pendekatan keseluruhan kami adalah untuk membuat laporan
satu untuk kejuruteraan dalam masyarakat subjek dan menunjukkan satu cara untuk menjadi seorang
jurutera profesional. Setelah selesai tugasan kita benar-benar bersetuju dengan kenyataan ini.
 TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 REASON FOR SUPPORTING PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER 2

PRACTICE AS CONSULTANT AND AS CONTRACTOR
AT THE SAME TIME

2.1 STRENGTEN OVERALL SKILL -

2.2 CHALLENGING AND MOTIVATE ENGINEER IN WORK -

2.2.1 As a consultant -

2.2.1.1 Experiences in bad project -

2.2.1.2 Soft skills to overcome difficult client -

2.2.1.3 Tough team -

2.2.1.4 Sacrifice on demanding travel -

2.2.1.5 Motivate on focusing on works -

2.2.2 As a contractor -

2.2.2.1 Broaden their horizons -

2.2.2.2 Finding reliable labors -

2.2.2.3 Do not compromise on quality -

2.2.2.4 Keep up with new technologies -

2.3 ENGINEER BECOME MORE INNOVATIVE -

2.4 EXPAND NETWORKING WITH MORE PEOPLE -

3.0 CONCLUSION -

4.0 REFERENCE
1.0 INTRODUCTION

The world of work is vast to be discussed. In addition, every type of work have their own type
of communication that need to do to perform the work. However, engineering work was said to
become amount the challenges work in the world.

Engineering is an important professional because they are expected to become the highest
standard of honesty and integrity. Because engineering work are directly impact on the quality of life
for all people. For engineer also, they have their own code of ethics that need to follow while
conducting their work. Firstly, every engineer must hold paramount for the safety, health and the
welfare of people that used the facilities constructed. They also must perform their services only in
areas of their competence. Besides that, for every project they had assign, the engineer must issue a
public statement only in an objective and truthful manner to avoid objection from public. They also
need to act to their client or employee as faithful agents or trustee. Perform only in good manner and
avoid misappropriation act. Last but not list, they must conduct themselves responsibly, honorably,
lawfully and ethically in order to maintain or enhance engineer reputation, usefulness and honor of
their profession.

While professional engineer, is a person that passed a test for doing any planning, designing,
evaluating, composting, reporting, advising, supervising or directing any of project they participated.
Second, all the activities that requires the application of engineering principle. Besides, they must
concern about the safety of life, health, property, public welfare, economic interests and the
environment or the managing of any act. It is a licensed given by association after they meets all three
tests while practicing professional engineering. They also need to make sure all project they appointed
to obey the laws and properly serve and protect public welfare as it is what engineering concern
about. Besides that, professional engineers are very challenges work because they subscribe to a strict
code of ethics and practice standards.
2.0 REASON FOR SUPPORTING PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER PRACTICE AS
CONSULTANT AND AS CONTRACTOR AT THE SAME TIME

We have agreed on allowing Professional Engineer practicing as a consultant and as a

contractor at the same time as we found that there are more advantages than disadvantage. Moreover,
in order to achieve higher and better, an engineer have to be more knowledgeable on both design and
also how to execute it.

2.1 STRENGTEN OVERALL SKILL

We agree with this statement that a professional engineer should be allowed to practice as
consultants as well as contractor at the same time. Firstly lets define a consultant and contractor. A
consultant is getting paid by giving expert knowledge or provides expertise to others while a
contractor provides a specialist services in return for a charge. As a consultant and contractor alone is
a good option because it tends to have better financial controls. A professional engineer with both
skills is masters of their own economic destiny. They were able to set their own prices to determine
specific projects and ultimately create more opportunities to make higher profits. Next, double skilled
engineers are required to pay income tax, which is lower compared with separated consultants and
contractors.

In addition, we can polish the skills overall as our professional engineers and consultants and
contractors. This is very important because engineers are good at multitasking. We will be able to
earn a living and develop knowledge as well as earning experiences while searching for the right
permanent position. As we take the different scope of work, we will be exposed to the different work
environments and situations that can improve our ability to experience whole. We tend to have a
wider knowledge and liberate view pictures the larger the project plan. The brilliant idea can be
visible and be able to carry out realistically.

Besides, an engineer not only able to speak clearly so that colleagues will understand, he or
she also needs to express themselves well through writing. Learning a second language is useful in
work and sharpens the mind when it comes to delivering a message that requires an accurate
interpretation.

Many times engineers have to submit a report to the owner, manager or colleague. Although
everyone on the team may be familiar with industry jargon, paragraph still need to be structured in a
way that is easy to read and understand, and will not mess with the concept at length that the risk of
creating confusion. Next, learn to write a cover letter and giving interviews articulate professionals
also help in getting a high-paying position. The key to effective writing is proofreading, which can
give a written assurance that the solid free from errors and omissions commonly found in the rough
draft.

Moreover, we have the power and authority if we have all the knowledge in engineering,
consultants and contractors. This is important because we will decide what we want. We can choose
the scope of work and working time. This includes us free to work for any company that we want.
Next, if given in an industry, we are empowered to assess the outcome of the final product and not the
process that was used to produce the product.

Educators and employers also emphasize teamwork when it comes to any form of
engineering. The project team need to meet production schedules in a business culture. Cooperation is
essential in the project, especially when it comes to large-scale operations such as the work of utility
companies. Sometimes electrical engineer must be able to work with various designers such as
consultants, architects and mechanical engineers. In each of these cases the whole team must work
together to share proposals for projects in the planning stage.

Something must remain in check for a winning team is the attitude. Each strategic engineer a
wealth of knowledge, but that does not mean all engineers agree on the most effective way to resolve
the issues. Although simple in many industries for pride led to personality clashes, engineers must
avoid stooping to the level of maturity not only to prove how smart they are. Engineers must respect
each other and treat different perceptions in an objective manner and friendly. Stronger relationships
that are in force, more troops will be valuable to each other and to entities that hire them.
 Planning and priority when two of the most important keys to successful management.
Engineers must consider the power and take the initiative in a situation even if they did not hold the
title of management. The project manager must be able to resolve conflicts in the team, keep emotions
out of the equation, while still focusing on the facts. Then, some of the other effective training is to
gain the trust and respect them so they will pay attention as closely as possible. Managers should
communicate personally with other members to have high productivity in team building and quality
performance can be done by discussions.

Assigning design work to others requires knowledge of the level of competence of each
individual team member. Just consider that any employee with an engineering degree can achieve any
task to invite the problems that slow down productivity. That's why getting feedback from employees
to ensure they understand the assignment is always necessary. Even the most highly trained engineers
are able to rotate instruction or lack the knowledge needed to complete the work successfully. Then,
the ability to assess the skill level of team members helps to strengthen the efficiency of the entire
team.

A contractor is often involved in the design / build or design / assist team activities. This
means the team needs to focus on a number of critical disciplines of the overall project as input
preliminary design, cost and time efficiency, risk management, resource collection and coordination
between team members filtration. This means that the general contractor will have to play the role of
guidance in project design / build. Part of the coaching process may involve explaining the philosophy
and business practice for engineers to meet specific design requirements. All team members must
focus on a common goal in a spirit of cooperation so that any kind of problem-solving is consistent
for the whole team.

Furthermore, any given team is only as strong combination of individual members. However,
the error should always be reduced to close to zero as possible, sometimes unexpected problems
occur. It is up to all members not to react emotionally or concluded while sorting through problems.
Mistakes are opportunities to learn from the experience. Disciplinary action or better training is a
better solution to the ever make the same mistake over and over compared to typical workers.
Personal goal of every engineer needs to continue to develop knowledge and improve the quality of
work of the whole team. future work depends on building strong relationships.
 In conclusion, I think it is wiser to allow engineers to practice as consultants and contractors.
Furthermore, practice as consultants as well as contractor is one way to gain deeper knowledge about
engineering field. Team attitude need to develop by putting in volunteer time to either learn or coach
since engineers basically have high salaries.

2.2 CHALLENGING AND MOTIVATE ENGINEER IN WORK

As a professional engineer, to practice as a consultant and a contractor at a same time could

give a lot of advantages to the person. Some of the advantages that could be archive is, the engineer
would automatically motivate them self to be a better and competent in their profession through the
challenges they faced through the project they often accoutered. As we known, although a consultant
or contractor, both profession are very challenges through the project nowadays are very complicated
to manage and supervise according to customer demand.

2.2.1 As a consultant

2.2.1.1 Experiences in bad project

First of all, the challenge that may motivate the person to be more knowledgeable in their
scope of work is by participating in a bad project. Because, not all project that the person participate
are easy and amazing. Although the project are come out with several project strategy or contributed
by many big and professional teamwork. However, it would give a lots of challenges and difficulties
can derail even the project seem to be good. Companies will not pay firms a lot of money to solve
easy problems, unless only pay them to solve a complex and challenging problem.

So, from here the project can arise a lot of bad reasons. Some of it, is the tight timelines since
want to complete and hand over the project quickly. Unreasonable demands of individual desire for
the project. Not enough resources of expert to carry out or to handle the problem. All this problem or
difficulties that would be guaranteed to have one by any person that work in consultant if the person
was work in this industry for long enough.
2.2.1.2 Soft skills to overcome difficult client

Next is went have a meeting with difficult client and it will automatically can improve the
individual soft skill of the person besides gaining an experience on how to have a deal and how to be
more diplomat when engaged with any type of people. As we known, client are the person that are
investing lots of money into consultants to solve difficult problem. And for sure, they will demand for
project result and progress, regardless of its reasonable or rationale. Moreover at some point, the
consultant will have a client who their demand are really irrational or despite the circumstances
constraints is incredibly unreasonable. So, as a professional engineer it is our job to figure out on how
to select best meet and exceed the client expectations, although it is seem to be unreasonable.

2.2.1.3 Tough team

In a consultant, team work is a primary aspect need to be achieved. With a team work,
everything we discuss and plan to do, will run smoothly. Although, a partnerships is design for groups
of professional who are involved in or want to develop a long term relationships with client groups,
vendors, or others departments and agencies. It is very importance as a measure of success to provide
professional teams with the tools and skills needed to focus on how to optimize client relationships.
Indeed, that is the dilemma faces by every consultant where is to work as a part of the clients team.
And here is where the challenges become as a consultant. Indeed, as a professional engineer it is the
importance personal ability to motivate our self on how to overcome the problem. Because, there will
be a stages where the person need to lead the team, when it is will cover up based on the capability or
specialist knowledge that the person have. Moreover, it is the critical stage where need to planned
carefully and particularly at the end discussion before to leave the client stable and productive team.
2.2.1.4 Sacrifice on demanding travel

For consultants, it is cannot miss with the travel every day to meet client as it is a part of the
job. Although the policies difference from other company to other company. Where there is always
the chance that as an engineer may stuck with a travel schedule that are very tight. As example, the
engineer consultant company at Perlis and need to go to Johor to meet the client. Meanwhile, the
engineer maybe doing cross-country flight and with tired body on Saturday morning. Or maybe, the
engineer have to fly out on Saturday nights. At the end of the day, consultants will go anywhere
where there has a source of money or income for company. And either if the client is at Perak, the
engineer will be there shortly from Johor.

2.2.1.5 Motivate on focusing on works

It is has become the norm as an engineer are really busy because committed with the work
that had been appointed. In addition, as a consultant it is hard to make personal plans during the
weekend. Although it is sure as a human, we want to go home to see our lovely family. But, since the
work that do not know where the next project is going to be. Its will be hard to know where to book a
ticket to home. In other words, the uncertainly and unpredictability of consulting can make it difficult
to make personal plans or be free as a normal working life.

2.2.2 As a contractor

In a real working live, it is does not matter if you are fresh graduate in the industry or have
been worked as a contracture for a many years before. But if you do not know how to improved your
capability or your business, it is useless and nothing at all. That is the famous line usually heard if we
afraid to do something that could challenge our work. Below are several challenges that can motivate
an engineer to be more successful.
2.2.2.1 Broaden their horizons

Some contractures are seeing geographically challenges as their main factor to surrender from
expanding their business. The main problem is, the differences in cost and regulation between the
states are too much that cause the contracture do not even dealing with them. However, it is not a
good solution despite just lead the business to losses. In order to broaden the company, do not afraid
of taking a work outside of the state. Manage it step by step and find out local regulation and confirm
the law that could be consider. Besides, can also make a consult with local construction bureau for
more detail of information.

2.2.2.2 Finding reliable labors

Most of the biggest issue faces by contractors are to finding skilled workers that can commit
for a long time period. Because commonly contractor seem being just hired a low cost seasonal
workers in order to avoid the deadline of project. As a result, the worker need a plenty of time to
welly know to the system of the company. But, they have no choice to avoid stress, time spent and
worse the loss of clients. Even though, the work quality is very low and waste of money. So, a drastic
solution should be taken. As example, invest more time in hiring the workers in order to get the
workers that capable to give the standard of workmanship needed. Next, is willing to pay worker
salary that reasonable with their quality of work.
2.2.2.3 Do not compromise on quality

Everybody when talking about business, first thing that come out in their mind is the merging
of profit, same also for a contractor. In a construction side, the good quality of construction will come
with a better price. But, many contractor are trying to snatch clients with a cheap price. Just to make
sure their company profits, they will try to get cheaper materials and find employee that accept for a
lower payment. However it is not a good solution as reducing the quality of construction may even
worse leads to failure for along term ahead. Never compromise with the quality for the sake to get the
client. Indeed, just say no to the client, and step away from the project. Because if anything happen
later, it just become a nightmare for the contractor to solve the problem.

2.2.2.4 Keep up with new technologies

Nowadays, new technologies of construction are growing up for demand and the most
acceptance by client because it is lead to more efficient production, environment friendly materials
and modern software. All of this allow to provide better quality and ensure in minimizing the problem
that could come out at the end of the project. While nowadays, many contractor competitors are
already transforming their machineries to a better technology. So as a solution, do not so keen to the
old technologies and must try to the latest technology that may come out with a better positive affect
of construction. Beside try to a new technique and material that used in construction site.
2.3 ENGINEER BECOME MORE INNOVATIVE

Acquire experience both in designing and construction, a Professional Engineer becomes the
innovative engineer. Experience in designing, which is theoretically, calculation and many only can
be proven by doing it either experimentally or physically. This proven by the saying, not everything
we read in books are practicable I real life. However, having knowledge in construction but not
theoretically is similar to following order by designing engineer and constructing building based on
their design.

However, not all constructions are as planned by the designing engineers, but there may
present some minor alteration during construction, which required for as built drawing plan. The as
built drawing plan is usually not similar to the building plan produced at the initial construction
phase as there may present alteration. This happens as the designing engineers usually design based
on analysis, theory, codes, software and many but not considering the site condition, the practicability
of their design and other problem which can be solved by an engineer in construction service. These
engineers in site are capable of solving problem arise in site and usually suggest for alteration in
design to the designing engineer.

Therefore, when a Professional engineer acts as both consultant and contractor at the same
time, he can realise the problems in his designs when he execute it for construction. Thus, he can
comes up with solution to solve the problem arise as from his design which will gives him experience.
Consequently, he can prevent similar mistakes it design in his future projects. Besides, his experience
in both field, will make him innovative as he can recognise the practicability of an project. So, he can
design different and futuristic structures. In addition, he can build it.

There are numerous innovative and futuristic designs present by the artistic work of
architects. However, stunning and fascinating buildings only can be built by an innovative engineer.
When an architect produces a fascinating and unique design, an innovative engineer required to solve
the structural solutions and make the design practicable, buildable and safe. All the unique and world
wonders present today were hard work of an innovative engineer.
 Figure 2.1 shows a high-rise innovative building designed by Sanjay Puri Architects. This
design was designed for high lateral wind load as it surrounded by only low-rise buildings. It needs an
innovative engineer to handle unique projects like this.

Figure 2.1: Agashiyan high-rise building design by Sanjay Puri Architects.

Other than that, Cybertecture Egg office building as shown in Figure 2.2 designed by James
Law Cybertecture International is a unique design and it need an innovative engineer to make the
design buildable and successful.
 Figure 2.2: Cybertecture Egg office building designed by James Law Cybertecture International.

Figure 2.3: FPT Technology Building by Vo Trong Nghia Architects.

Figure 2.3 shows future plan for a university in Vietnam. The building will be built in an area
with frequent electrical shortages. Thus, this building will be built as a green building that uses less
electrical power but natural lightning. Innovative engineers play important roles in making this type
of project successful.
2.4 EXPAND NETWORKING WITH MORE PEOPLE

The importance of networking

Engineer who are practicing consultant and at the same time venture into contractor can
expand their networking in their career. As already understand, engineer acts as problem solver, of
course they have to interact with a variety of people from various fields in order to deliver clients
need and requirements. In collaboration with various agencies or individual person that engineers will
be identified through the work and contributions that have been made. Engineers reputation will also
be increased in society if every task that engineers have taken over the successful completion.
Besides, engineers have an extensive network of contacts cannot be denied will increased the
opportunity to be given an invitation to new things, new projects and new atmosphere which can add
to the experience of the engineer to become a professional engineer.

Benefits of wide networking for engineer

Figure 2.4: List of benefit having wide networking in engineering field

 1. Guidance: Professional engineer or fresh graduate in engineering should not escape from
need help and guidance from others. The importance of guidance should not be
underestimate. In designing the consultant should take into account the requirements of the
client. In addition to the need to ensure that the design and calculations made safe for
consumers. Cooperation with architectures team that involved in drawing building plan also
very important in ensuring aesthetics and uniqueness of building is maintained even there are
some changes. For contractors, the cooperation of the good relationship with the management
of the project site and construction workers can ensure that every construction work
performed by the techniques as drawing provided. Assembling and keeping up a solid system
of significant contacts will help you develop your insight, turn out to be more instilled
industry, adjust you to other people who have more information and encounter and give you
the chance to tutor somebody more junior.

2. Opportunities: Opportunity to venture into various fields related to engineering would

definitely wide open if engineers have a lot of contacts. Regardless of the possibility that you
are not somebody who likes to seize new open doors, you may learn something about a
position that can give your profession a kick off or even help you seek after another heading.
For example, an engineer who has been a consultant and contractor may also be a panel
interview in the company, the panel of government agencies involved with engineering, and
provide insight into the difficult problem solved by the construction companies .This vast
opportunity, engineer can also generate considerable financial resources for themselves.

3. Growth: Development of a career in engineering and sustainability is assisted by

cooperation with other parties. Contact will provide you with a platform to learn what new
knowledge and skills. The knowledge and skills of engineers sometimes definitely need to
spend a little cost to study it, but the experience can be obtained through the platform
provided. By gaining better abilities, you are probably going to achieve new statures in your
expert life.

4. Resources: You can use your own system as an asset focus to investigate new learning
openings, business prospects, and that is just the beginning. A very much kept up system will
detonate with data that can be utilized by specialists to find better employments,
conceptualize new thoughts, or begin another business inside and out.
 After seen plenty of benefit of having wide contact in engineering, here are some of method to
establish a strong network and maximize career growth:

Identify influential people: It is good to add every colleague and friend in your sector to your
network. Distinguishing the core contacts, which you know personally and adding them to
your network is far superior. Besides, selecting good contact in specific field can help you
grab knowledge in that field.

Create a win/win situation: There is nothing inappropriate in mailing your expert contacts
and requesting help regarding certain problems, however remember that it should be two-way
relationship. To manufacture a long term relationship, ensure both sides have something to
pick up from your networking connection. After escaped from difficult time, thank your
friend for their help.

Offer some help: On the off chance that you feel a designer you know is battling in his or her
profession, don't sit tight for them to request help; offer support. He or she is probably going
to give back where it is due sometime in the not so distant future.

Be a connector: Presenting individuals who can commonly profit each other is a decent
approach to make different associations at once and extend your personal network.

As an engineer, Individual networking can push your vocation in the correct bearing, help you get
new abilities, and extend your web of expert contacts. In this way, invest some energy in individual
and expert long range informal communication Websites, assess your current contact and begin
spanning the crevices today.
3.0 CONCLUSION

The conclusion, professional engineers are encouraged to venture into two main fields, namely
engineering consultants and contractors. This is because many new experiences, jobs and skills can be
acquired as a result of participating in projects that variations in form, structure and problems to be
solved.

Benefits such as strengthen engineers skills, improve the ability to create, motivate engineers and
expand engineers network of contacts is absolutely right to describe the advantages of practicing
consultant and contractor at the same time in engineering field. By the way, professional engineers
need to practice proper etiquette and workmanship according to standard. Irresponsible attitude and
complacent in carrying out the tasks entrusted definitely detrimental to the reputation of engineers. In
addition, customer needs cannot be met.
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