The case for technology case studies

The paper describes a two-target solution that uses industry short courses for 'front-line' trials followed by condensation of the outcomes into academic programs. The short courses are aimed at senior engineers and cover current processes, extrapolation of best practice and effective management of technical risk. The end point is a series of technical case studies undertaken by the participants in their own companies. The outcomes from the case studies not only provide an evolution path for other short courses but are ideal examples for students to explore and develop their own views on current industry systems challenges. Although case studies are widely used in business schools, technically-focused versions are much less common in engineering education but that can be changed.