Social Constraints: A Critical Component of Global Humanitarian-based Projects

Abstract

Since 2007, a two-semester multi-disciplinary course in the College of Engineering and Technology at Brigham Young University University has enabled engineering and technology students from multiple disciplines to design and implement humanitarian-based engineering projects in developing nations. The course, which is associated with the Global Engineering Outreach (GEO) Student Organization, has provided an opportunity for engineers to work in conjunction with communities on global problems, researching not only technical but economical and socio-cultural issues. Following the course, projects have been implemented during a two week trip. Energy, water, sanitation, and health projects have been implemented in Tonga, Ghana, and Peru. The popular class has traditionally involved students from Mechanical, Chemical, Civil and Environmental, and Electrical and Computer Engineering programs, as well as students from technology disciplines. Assessments from the various years have demonstrated that students learn skills and attributes that are not easily taught in a campus setting. Over the years, lessons have been learned regarding the importance of social constraints related to the design and implementation of projects. Recently, material related to social constraints has been implemented in the course to strengthen the incorporation of social constraints in the design and implementation process. Specifically, student learning related to social constraints has involved a) a review of lessons learned from our experiences in the past, b) a workshop on design that included the importance of identifying and tracking social constraints, c) design reviews by faculty and class alumni that included a critique of social constraints, and d) sociology instruction that addressed how to effectively communicate with community members and how to gather information towards identifying and refining social constraints. This paper provides the details of the social constraint material incorporated into the course along with a review of specific examples related to past projects. The understanding and incorporation of social constraints is critical towards the development of sustainable projects.