Electrical Engineering Profession Research Articles

The Role of Prosocial Goal Congruity on Student Motivation in Electrical Engineering

Contribution: Prior studies on goal congruity show that students are more motivated to pursue careers that allow them to work with and help others and give back to their community (i.e., careers that afford prosocial value). This paper discovers this same pattern in electrical engineering (EE) and discovers that prosocial affordance beliefs are significantly associated with intensions to persist, while agency beliefs are not. Background: Goal congruity theory finds that people are more motivated to pursue a career if it aligns with values they endorse. This theory can shed light on why some students do not persist in EE because of the stereotype that the profession does not allow working with and helping others. Research Questions: This paper seeks to answer whether EE students perceive the profession as affording prosocial value, and to test associations between prosocial perceptions and motivation to persist in the field. Methodology: The first study in this paper was conducted on students in an introductory EE course ( $n\,\,= 79$ ) that measured affordance beliefs about the EE profession and tested associations with intensions to persist. The second study compared affordance beliefs and trait endorsements held by students in the introductory level course with those in an advanced EE courses ( $n\,\,=51$ ). Findings: Mediation analysis revealed that the more novice students believe that EE allows them to fulfill prosocial goals, the greater their persistence intentions (95% CI: 0.01 to 0.34). This analysis also showed that agency beliefs were not strongly associated with persistence intensions.

Design of Electrical Engineer Profession Certification Model Based on Recognition of Prior Learning

The ultimate goal of this paper is to discuss and develop the conceptual model of an Electrical Engineering Profession Certification based on Recognition of Prior Learning (EEPC-RPL) integrated with learning outcomes, assessment system and learning process for Engineer Profession Program in Yogyakarta State University (YSU), Indonesia. In Engineer Profession Program, Yogyakarta State University, the paper based Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) was used as a tools to evaluate competence of students’ knowledge, skills and achievement. The method of this research used the research and development approach consisted of five steps, they are: 1) need analysis, 2) design the EEPC-RPL model, 3) development the EEPC-RPL system, 4) implementation of the system and 5) evaluation. There are fours concepts to be discussed: (a) aspects of EEPC based on RPL, (b) model of EEPC-RPL, (c) assessment system, and (d) learning outcomes of electrical engineer profession certification program.

Thelma Estrin and the Origins of Biomedical Computing [Scanning Our Past

In 1992 Frederik Nebeker of the History Center interviewed Thelma Estrin (1924-2014), first female IEEE vice president and one of the first female Life Fellows. She was noted for her pioneering contributions in the 1960s and 1970s to brain research and biomedical computing. Here Estrin discusses the impact of a strong mother; being one of the first women to pursue an electrical engineering education and profession; her application of computer systems to neuroscientific research; and her efforts to improve society as an administrator. The transcript of this candid interview, in which Estrin recalls many of the people who discriminated against her because of her gender or profession, can be read at http://ethw.org/Oral-History:Thelma_Estrin_(1992).

Mass Media as a Discursive Resource and the Construction of Engineering Selves

There have been different approaches to the study of the relations between mass media on the one hand and science and technological activities on the other. In this article, I summarize consumption approaches, point out some of their limitations, and then show how these limitations can be addressed by drawing on an ethnographic study I conducted of an academic engineering research laboratory. I analyze the discursive practices lab members use to interpret mass media. One practice treats media as reference points that mark a lab member’s growing alignment with the profession of electrical and computer engineering, and this constructs an engineering self by providing an opportunity for lab members to display knowledge of the prevalence and shapes of robots and align themselves with the firsthand knowledge prized in engineering culture. Another practice uses the discourse-in-practice of religion to construct an engineering self by aligning the speaker with things that are valued in engineering culture such as objectivity, science, evolution, and literature reviews. The final practice I analyze involves repurposing media technologies in ways that are helpful for both current and future lab research projects, which constructs selves by giving lab members an opportunity to show they know which features of media are relevant for engineering and how these features can be used to address engineering problems. I conclude with a discussion of how this contributes to studies of engineering identity and the relations between science, technology, and media.

Study on the Mode of Talent Cultivating for Electrical Engineering and Automation Profession under the New Situation

In the report of Eighteenth CPC National Congress, new requirements are raised to universities and colleges, which is to promote the connotative development of higher education, To achieve this aim in stead of scale expansion, universities and colleges have to reform the traditional personnel training mode used previously. Therefore, the researchers are trying to explore a new talent cultivating mood in order to meet the need of social development for the professional talents in electrical engineering and automation major. The new mood is considered from seven perspectives: optimizoffing the curriculum system, designing the practice teaching, innovating the teaching methods, enforceing the credit system management, reforming the teaching evaluation system, establishing a scientific evaluation system and realizing the win-win situation of colleges and universities.

The 40th Anniversary of SPICE: An IEEE Milestone [Guest Editorial

SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) is ubiquitous in the electrical engineering profession. For 40 years now, engineering students have learned how to use SPICE as undergraduates, have employed SPICE in their graduate research, and have embarked upon careers in electrical engineering where they have relied upon SPICE in the design of electronic circuits.

Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Education and Profession in Greece [Pipelining: Attractive Programs for Women

Nowadays, the role of women in engineering becomes clearer, but unfortunately their underrepresentation in senior and leadership positions remains a worldwide phenomenon. The Faculty of Technology of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Greece, carried out a study on the performance of female students during their education years and the first years of employment, aiming at improving their contribution to the engineering profession in the country.

Electricity in the Palms of Her Hands—The Perception of Electrical Engineering by Outstanding Female High School Pupils

This paper explores how outstanding female high school pupils perceived the profession of electrical engineering (EE) before and after a one-day conference aimed at exposing them to the profession of EE. The main finding indicates that, if planned properly and thoughtfully, even a single one-day conference can significantly change the perception of what EE is. In addition, the authors explore the pros and cons of studying EE, as expressed by the female high school pupils. They conclude with some recommendations related to the role of women in EE.

Environmental Policies: Impact on Utility Operations

The first of many 1996 IEEE Power Engineering Society Winter Meeting keynote events was the Plenary Session on Environmental Policies: Impact on Utility Operations, which was held on January 22, 1996, in Baltimore, Maryland. Environmental policies have wide-ranging effects on the electric power industry and on the electrical engineering profession. Following an overview of world-wide environmental policies and their impact on the industry by Hans Puettgen, PES Public Affairs chair and session moderator, the guest speakers presented perspectives of the US Department of Energy (DOE), electric power utilities, and one particular utility, respectively: Janet Anderson, special assistant to the US Secretary of Energy for environmental policy; Robert Beck, vice president for environmental affairs at the Edison Electric Institute (EEI); and Edward M. Davis, supervisor of the BGE Environmental Performance Assessments Unit. The audience was encouraged to participate in the Plenary Session by submitting questions, which sparked some open panel discussions following the presentations. This article summarizes the presentations, identifies the topics of discussion during the question and answer (Q and A) session, and provides information on how to obtain a copy of the videotape recording of the Plenary Session for use in PES Chapter activities.

Society President's Message: The IAS Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow: A Perspective [Guest Features

This a year of celebration for our Society, as we approach the thirtieth year of technical activities under the banner of the Industry Applications Society. To be serving as your President in this year of celebration reminds me how personally rewarding it is to be involved and a part of an IEEE celebration. During my term of office in 1993 as the Chairman of the Chicago Section, I had the distinct pleasure of serving on a Centennial Celebration Committee with the task of compiling a Centennial Publication honoring the Chicago Section for its 100 years of service to the electrical engineering profession. This was a monumental task for a few dedicated volunteers who were committed to documenting and preserving the rich historical aspects of our engineering accomplishments during the 100 years of change in electrotechnology.

DOs and DON'Ts for young EEs

A long-time engineer presents a road map for moving ahead in the electrical engineering profession. He provides a list of do's and don'ts for promoting career growth and functioning well on the job.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>

Electrical engineering: the backbone of society

Engineering has served society throughout the history of mankind. In recent centuries there has been an acceleration of progress, and, especially since the industrial revolution, there has been an emphasis on mechanisation. Discoveries in the 18th and 19th centuries led to a knowledge of electromagnetic phenomenon; in the application of these, the profession of electrical engineering was born. At the present time, society depends on electricity and electrical engineering for almost all its activities, from leisure to business to manufacturing. The paper traces the history of the introduction of electrical equipment and devices that are now taken for granted but on which modern society heavily depends.

Spectral lines: Our expansive past and explosive future

Preparing oneself to practice the profession of electrical engineering is somewhat like trying to take a drink from a firehose. The torrent (read ?information?) comes too fast and under high pressure. And after the student is finished drinking, the gusher continues.

Chairman's corner IEEE SAC

Why do we have student activities in the IEEE? It is because the IEEE leadership recognizes where the future practitioners of the electrical engineering profession, and the future strength of the Institute, will come from. The well-being of the electrical engineering community and the quality of its contribution to society depend on the preparation of the graduates entering the field. The IEEE contributes to that preparation through student activities.

Across the Atlantic: Networks of friendship: Region 8 has been immensely successful in building networks of friendship that transcend national, cultural, religious, and educational boundaries

Unlike the homogeneous personality that is prevalent among IEEE Regions in the United States, Region 8, which encompasses Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, is marked by differences in language, culture, religion, and education. Thus, initiating and then maintaining a high level of interest in IEEE student activities has always been a challenge requiring considerable time and energy. Our task has been further burdened by the challenge from national engineering societies that already represent the electrical engineering profession, and student organizations that already exist within the various engineering schools. Nevertheless, our efforts have paid off, and Region 8 has grown from one Branch in 1961 to 42 in 1984 and from a student membership of 200 in 1965 to more than 2000 presently.

Engineer or technologist: A matter of degree? Part III: The quality of EET programs varies widely. Adherence to uniform standards will help to clarify career options and opportunities

The electrical engineering profession has come of age in a relatively short time. Just 20 years ago, work options available in electrical engineering were limited to people with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in power, electronics, and communications.

The organization of IEEE professional activities and the role of the control systems society

The first report in this series (CSM, June 1981) dealt with the general nature and objectives of IEEE Professional Activities. The interconnection between society and the electrical engineering profession may be seen in terms of technical benefits derived by society from engineering accomplishments, and the benefits derived by engineers from society, often in the form of wages, benefits, and legislation. Professional Activities may be viewed as an attempt to direct this interaction for the mutual benefit of both parties. This second article describes the internal organization of IEEE Professional Activities and how it works, and in particular where the Control System Society fits into it.

Standards: The metric system: Its status and future: The U.S. creeps reluctantly toward metrication; the electrical engineering profession encounters few problems

Considers the progress towards metric conversion in the US occurring even without an enunciated national plan. Reasons for the slow progress are given and the difficulties faced in particular areas are also pointed out and it is stated that the electrical engineering profession seems to have encountered few problems. Charts of conversion to metric, with derivations and special names are presented.

Industry and education — a love-hate relationship

The close relation between industry and higher education results both in cooperation and misunderstanding. The majority of new entrants to the electrical engineering profession receive no formal training, and this can only be corrected by industry. Most British professional engineers are also undereducated, but this can be remedied by the universities if industry will support postgraduate education

National-International Standards Activity, Organizations and Participants

In the 19th century a relatively small group of scientists founded independently what was to become the electrical engineering profession. Because of the relatively small number and also because of the very special area of science in which they worked, these men soon became acquainted primarily through their dedication to learning. The resulting friendly relationships, which disregarded national barriers, established an international understanding which was later to become the basis for the standardization activity of today. The number of people entering this field soon made the commitment to paper of the basic understandings imperative. While the practical problems of committing an agreement to paper seem at times to be insurmountable, one needs only to view the quantity of people and of products to get a feeling for the chaos that would have existed if this effort had not been initiated.