Civil Engineering Firms Research Articles

International Expansion, Ethics, and Prohibited Foreign Trade Practices

The challenges of developing an international organization and managing international expansion must include some mention of ethical considerations with regard to the pervasive use of bribery in international markets. The use of bribery to gain competitive advantage in foreign trade has been controversial over the years, with some treating bribery as a necessary evil, while others have declared it to be unethical at best and at worst, criminal. The United States finally took a stand on foreign bribery in the 1970s, when Congress passed the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). With civil engineering firms increasingly looking to international markets, this paper briefly reviews the challenges of international expansion and examines the economic impacts of bribery. The objectives and effectiveness of the FCPA are then examined, along with the ethical implications of both bribery and the FCPA, followed by a brief update on U.S. efforts to enforce the FCPA.

Effective Management in Computerized SCADA System

As we move further into a technological era, civil engineering firms are getting more and more involved with computerized supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) projects for water distribution systems, pipeline monitoring, freeway operations. A large number of computerized SCADA projects have failed to perform their requirements, and have incurred massive cost overrun due to factors such as a lack of project management guidelines, insufficient funding, unskilled personnel, incomplete design and documentation, hiring contractors without engineering design experience, underbidding by the contractors. Suggested solutions to these problems include familiarity with industrial processes, a qualified engineering team, system-requirement studies, well-designed construction documents, proper design of the communication link, efficient usage of application software, retaining the same engineering team through project completion, development of standards and guidelines. Civil engineers working with control engineers can resolve the current problems of computerized control projects so that U.S. companies can regain their dominance before the start of the 21st century.

Les entrepreneurs et la politique. L'exemple du bâtiment et des travaux publics

Contractors and politics. The case of building and civil engineering. Dominique Barjot. [5-241 More than in any other industrial sector, the building and civil engineering firms (BTP) are in relationship with politicians and civil service officials. This relationship is realized in particular through powerful syndicales, especially in the civil engineering sector. Their role is important because the contractors are generally not very attracted by politics, despite some notable exceptions (as L. Loucheur, J.-M. Louvel or A. Morice who all became ministers). However, even if their political committment remained limited, except may be during the two world wars, building and civil engineering contractors frequently use their political contacts in order to be successful in business.

Survey of Hazardous Liabilities for Practicing Civil Engineering Firms

ASCE's Hazardous Waste Liability Committee recently completed a survey of civil engineering firms practicing in the hazardous waste arena. The intent of the survey was to provide information on perceived liabilities in this field and management tools to minimize those potential liabilities. This paper summarizes the results of the survey, describes potential liability management options, and solicits membership input with respect to potential committee activities for the 1986–1987 year.

Microcomputers in Civil Engineering: Use and Misuse

The decreasing cost of the microcomputer has made its increasing capability available to civil engineering firms of all sizes and specialties. This availability, coupled with the fast growing library of engineering computer software, has greatly expanded the engineer's effectiveness, thus allowing the engineer to be more competitive in the marketplace. With this increase in microcomputer and software availability several ethical questions concerning possible microcomputer misuse have arisen that need to be addressed. The black box syndrome, infinite accuracy, data/input integrity, instant expertise, and lack of judgment are identified as the misuses of microcomputers of most concern. These misuses are best avoided with engineers being educated as to the ethical use of microcomputers. This ethical use centers around the following recommendations: (1) understanding the software's philosophy; (2) ascertaining the sofrware's suitability and design acceptability; (3) giving proper attention to the university level civil engineering computer curricula; (4) including appropriate language in codes of ethics; and (5) realizing it is the professional responsibility of the engineer to use the microcomputer as a powerful design aid only, not allowing his judgment to be sacrificed.

Professional Marketing in Small Civil Engineering Firms

A study was made to explore marketing efforts of local and regional civil engineering firms with less than 300 employees. The study comprised both library research and a mail survey of 103 principles of the firms. The firms were divided into two classes with respect to the level of their marketing efforts. Firms in one class are typically not concerned with growth and show minimal marketing effort. Firms in the other class are growth-oriented, and view marketing as a major concern. Even among the more aggressive firms, however, marketing efforts are not as effective as they could be. The study identified three key obstacles to more effective marketing by CE firms. They are: (1) Lack of a well-developed marketing management function integrated within the overall management of the firm; (2) lack of refinement in the marketing approach; and (3) inadequate knowledge of marketing concepts and how to integrate them into the firms overall management.

Management of Small and Medium Size Civil Engineering Firms

The results of a 1981 research project are presented that indicate that the average chief executive officer's level of Business Administration education has no significant relationship to the size or profitability of the Civil Engineering firm he manages. The most significant management problem areas as perceived by these managers is presented. A case for Business Administration courses in an undergraduate engineering curriculum is made.

The Value of the AMS Certification Program for Meteorologists Working with Civil Engineering Firms

The Value of the AMS Certification Program for Meteorologists Working with Civil Engineering Firms

Programmable Calculators from a User's Viewpoint

One of the methods of computing, the programmable calculator, is evaluated by means of a survey of programmable calculator users. Survey results address the following: (1)What type of civil engineering firms, in terms of number of professional employees, and particular specialization, are using programmable calculators; (2)how do programmable calculators fit into the firms overall computer picture; (3)for what specific applications are the programmable calculators being used in civil engineering firms; (4)is the presently available programmable calculators software satisfactory; (5)what are the advantages and disadvantages of programmable calculators as perceived by their users; and (6)do firms that purchase or rent, feel their investment in programmable calculators worthwhile.