keynotes

Prof. Steven D. EPPINGER

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA

Title: THE FUTURE OF ENGINEERING

Abstract:
The engineering profession is undergoing substantial changes at this time. This keynote lecture will present some of observations of the key changes in three areas:

  1. Engineering processes, which are now entirely digital and are becoming more globally distributed through outsourcing and offshoring business models
  2. Engineering organizations, which are hiring younger engineers who think and work differently, and which must learn to utilize technical talent in more open and collaborative ways
  3. Engineering culture, which changes slowly in established firms and is struggling to adapt to the relatively rapid changes of methods and workforce These changes have profound impact on the engineering profession, the ways we must develop engineers today, the kinds of jobs that engineers will have in the near future, and the challenges of engineering leadership.

Prof. Yoram REICH

Tel Aviv University, Israel

Title: DESIGN RELIGIONS

Abstract:
The term 'Design religions' could be deconstructed at least in two unconventional ways: 'designing of religions' and 'religions in design'. The words design and religion appear so disconnected that none of these combined concepts seems worthwhile to explore. Indeed, none of them is a topic studied in design research or that could interest design professionals or researchers. Despite that, sometimes such odd marriages lead to striking offspring. Similarly here, from a seemingly superfluous mental exercise that examines these interpretations, we find interesting common threads that lead to several observations about design practice and design research. These observations could have concrete positive consequences to design thinking and the way we practice design and design research.

Dr. Hermann KLINGER

Festo AG & Co., Germany

Title: SOLVING THE DIVERSITY-EFFICIENCY DILEMMA IN INDIVIDUALIZED LIFELONG LEARNING

Abstract:
As neuroscientists reconfirm again and again human learning is the most complex process humans can think of. Approaches to effectively organize this process with respect to optimizing the value for the learner directly leads into the well known efficiency - diversity dilemma. To solve this problem design methods to handle structural complexity have been used to make individual needs more transparent. With production tools from the Theory of Constraints we are optimizing the flow of knowledge between knowledge sources and knowledge applicants. As human beings are the most essential parts of learning new roles for all participants have been invented and successfully implemented. Experiences and outcomes for new Master Programs at University level and a learning system for science and technology at secondary school level are discussed.

Prof. Jivka OVTCHAROVA

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Germany

Title: VIRTUAL ENGINEERING: PRINCIPLES, METHODS AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract:
Virtual Engineering involves the early, continuous, interconnected (process view) and integrated (system view) support of the development process with respect to coordination, evaluation, and ascertainment of the development results of all partners with the help of Virtual Prototypes. The use of Virtual Reality as a visualization and validation environment allows developers, distributors, manufacturers, and customers alike to virtually handle the future product from its specification to service and recycling and to realistically assess it with regard to features and performance. The subject of Virtual Engineering not only affects processes on the operative level but aspects of corporate and managerial development in particular, as well as the planning, development, implementation, utilization, and customization of IT systems. The accomplishment of this comprehensive interdisciplinary task requires new approaches that allow the integration of the dimensions methods, organization, and technology within the entire company.

Dr. Stefan WALLMEIER

SAF-HOLLAND GmbH, Germany

Title: EVERYTHING IS KNOWN AND EVERYTHING IS NEW - ENGINEERING DESIGN AFTER INTERNATIONAL MERGER

Abstract:
Before 2006 SAF (Otto Sauer Achsenfabrik GmbH) and Holland Inc. have been two successful midsize companies. Both were supplying their products into the heavy duty truck and trailer industry. By their decision to merge a broad variety of international market opportunities arose. With a minimal overlap in their product portfolios, serving the same customers in different markets – Europe and North America - it seemed that immediately 1 and 1 equals more than 2.
This is the story about the obstacles that occur on the way to become an international company from a product engineering perspective. Inch and metric is by far not the only influence that could cause a headache. After finalizing the first international projects a review allows to identify factors critical for success. Cultural differences, local market requirements, not common systems, organisational changes and the integration process are just a few of the areas to look at. It is most important for Management to always critically analyse different causes of complicacies and constantly support the organisation growing together. And still 1 and 1 can equal more than 2 but success stories require intensive work.

Gareth JONES

United Kingdom

Title: PRACTICAL INNOVATION IN ENGINEERING DESIGN

Abstract:
Focus of the lecture will be on the practical issues that companies face when trying to introduce innovation in their product development process, i.e. an industrial perspective rather than an academic analysis. The lecture will illustrate this theme with examples of current work of the lecturer as a design consultant for companies such as BP, J&J, and P&G, and from work as Head of Development of Dyson.