MATHEMATICS / ELECTRICAL / ELECTRONICS / COMMUNICATIONS/ GENERAL ENGINEERING

As an engineer, you have to have an ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a logical and creative way. This often calls for working through complex problems, so if you do not have strong problem-solving skills, it can be a difficult task. To make problem-solving easier, it is important to avoid the following five mistakes that engineers often make while trying to solve an engineering problem.

First, one of the most common mistakes engineers make is to not gather enough information. It is essential to research and gain as much knowledge as possible about the issue before attempting to solve it. Collecting the full set of data is especially important when diagnosing a complex problem, as without it the engineer may not have enough information to formulate a proper solution.

Second, engineers should avoid getting stuck on the details. It’s important to ask relevant questions to better understand the problem and suggest potential solutions, but spending too much time on trivial details can lead to a time-consuming and inefficient problem-solving process. Instead of spending too much time on a single detail, engineers should think more broadly and use critical thinking to assess the entire matter and find a quick but effective solution.

Third, engineers should also avoid jumping to conclusions. It’s easy to make a snap judgment if the first solution that comes to mind appears to be the most logical answer. However, a problem-solving process should always begin by thoroughly evaluating the available data before proposing any potential solutions. This ensures that any mistakes or misjudgments are raised and addressed in the final outcome.

Fourth, engineers should guard against trying to apply a one-size-fits-all solution. Not all engineering problems have the same source or underlying issue, so what works for one may not be applicable to others. It is important to analyze the issue in its entirety and custom tailor a solution that addresses all of the individual components associated with the problem.

Finally, engineers should avoid multitasking while trying to solve a problem. As each problem-solving process has to be carried out in a careful, methodical manner, attempting to split focus and work on multiple tasks at once can lead to mistakes and errors, leading to an ineffective solution. It is important to stay focused, take the necessary steps in order, and not move onto the next step until the previous one has been completed.

In conclusion, engineering problems must be handled differently compared to other problems, as an engineer must convey a sense of authority and expertise in order to ensure a successful outcome. To ensure an effective problem-solving process, it’s important to avoid making any of the five mistakes mentioned above. If done correctly, engineers will have no issues correctly identifying, diagnosing, and resolving even the most complex engineering issues.