Introduction to Global Engineering: Use of Standards and Cultural Differences

Zbigniew Prusak, Engineering Technology Department, Central Connecticut State University

11/03/2008
(Original Publish Date: 3/1/2006)

This paper describes how selected engineering standards may be used to introduce students to engineering aspects of the business environment in global manufacturing. Background of the need for inclusion of global aspects of various engineering and technical cultures in engineering curriculum is included. Also mentioned are results of surveys on various impediments to successful international level business collaborations, and within multinational companies. In the course described in this paper, teaching Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards, their meaning and applications is based on the current ASME Y14.5 standard. Some aspects of its international counterpart, set of ISO standards, are also taught. Where appropriate, examples of common practices from selected countries and their national standards are included as well. Additionally, cultural and historic differences in matters as basic as writing numbers, abbreviations and engineering symbols, as well as some most poignant differences in common nomenclature and drafting assumptions are also addressed. Selected topics of assumptions (things that are not written on engineering print yet universally or locally understood) are also covered.