| 1 | 1a. Resolve engineering problems | 1.1 | Take prompt action to diagnose and rectify the operational problems and keep all relevant people informed of progress |
| 1.2 | Communicate the solution to appropriate people, using the following methods: • specific company documentation Plus one more from the following: • written or typed report • verbal report • electronic mail • computer based presentation |
| 1.3 | Obtain all relevant information relating to the problems |
| 1.4 | Use information obtained from three of the following sources to help evaluate the problem: • statistical data • historical records • quality audits • external sources • feedback from user/customer • condition monitoring • fault diagnostics • operational procedures/manufacturing manuals • health and safety information • environmental documents • development tests • manufacturer’s data |
| 1.5 | Identify correctly the nature and extent of the problems |
| 1.6 | Carry out all of the following during the problem solving activity: • discuss/consult with the relevant people about the extent of the problem and its impact on the engineering activity • gather all appropriate information to help identify or clarify the problem • evaluate possible solutions, considering temporary, short term and long term solutions • consider cost implications for each solution • select the most appropriate solution to rectify the problem • communicate the proposed solution to the relevant people, obtaining feedback where appropriate • prepare a plan of action for implementation of the agreed solution • ensure that the agreed solution is implemented correctly and promptly • monitor outcomes of the rectification activity, and make any necessary revisions to the plan of action • ensure that the problem is rectified to the agreed level of acceptability • ensure ... |
| 1.7 | ... that all information is documented to provide an audit trail • identify the root cause of the problem, using a standard technique • implement preventive measures, where applicable, to ensure that there is no recurrence of the problem |
| 1.8 | Evaluate all realistic engineering solutions to rectify the problems |
| 2 | 1b. Resolve engineering problems (continued) | 2.1 | Identify the most effective engineering solution for rectifying the problems |
| 2.2 | Resolve engineering problems associated with one of the following engineering disciplines: • drawing/design activities (such as mechanical, electrical/electronic, motor vehicle, aerospace, marine) • manufacturing activities (such as machining, detail fitting, fabrication of components, pressing) • material processing activities (such as heat treatment, casting, injection moulding, purification) • composite manufacture (such as wet lay-up, pre-preg laminating, resin infusion, blow moulding) • finishing activities (such as stripping finishes, painting, plating, anodising, veneering, lacquering) • assembly activities (such as mechanical, structural, fluid power, electrical/electronic, woodworking) • installation activities (such as mechanical, electrical/electronic, avionic, structural, environmental equipment) • plant and equipment (such ... |
| 2.3 | ... as site preparation, plant layout, equipment changeover, equipment replacement) • equipment capability studies/performance measurement • movement of materials, components or finished goods • business improvement activities • engineering safety audits or risk assessments • quality control/quality assurance • maintenance activities • testing and trialling • modification and repair activities • research and development • commissioning/decommissioning • engineering support services |
| 2.4 | Rectify engineering problems arising from two of the following: • component/assembly failure • equipment malfunction • design related • quality related • scheduling/planning • product over budget • project slippage • ergonomically related • production control • contractor related • safety related • customer request • deviation from component/product specification • material handling devices • utilities supply (gas, electricity, water, air, etc) • product/service over lead time • lack of resources/materials • environmental/compatibility • deviation from departmental procedure(s) • other specific situations |
| 2.5 | Ensure that engineering solutions are implemented correctly and promptly |
| 2.6 | Determine and implement the solution for two of the following: • temporary (interim solution) • short term (will require further action) • long term (permanent solution) Taking into account both of the following: • safety/environmental considerations • associated costs |
| 2.7 | Ensure that the rectification complies with all relevant regulations and guidelines from all of the following, as appropriate: • organisational guidelines and codes of practice • equipment manufacturer’s operation specification/range • recognised compliance agency/body’s standards • customer standards and requirements • BS and/or ISO standards • health, safety and environmental requirements |
| 3 | 2a. Know how to resolve engineering problems | 3.1 | Explain how to access information on health and safety regulations and guidelines relating to the engineering activities or work area in which the problem exists |
| 3.2 | Describe the implications of not taking account of legislation, regulations, standards and guidelines when determining solutions to the engineering problems |
| 3.3 | Explain how to obtain information on the engineering requirements, and the type of information that is available (such as customer requirements and instructions, quality control requirements, product specification, manufacturing methods) |
| 3.4 | Explain how to access and use the appropriate information and documentation systems |
| 3.5 | Explain how to obtain and interpret drawings, charts, specifications, manufacturers’ manuals, history/maintenance reports and other documents needed in the problem solving process |
| 3.6 | Describe the company engineering operation procedures where the problem exists |
| 3.7 | Describe the business need for problem identification and removal |
| 3.8 | Describe the effects of engineering problems on associated activities |
| 3.9 | Describe the communication techniques used to obtain information |
| 3.10 | Describe the principles of effective problem solving, the main problem solving methods and techniques in use, and how to apply them |
| 3.11 | Describe the benefits of adopting a formalised problem solving process |
| 3.12 | Explain how to involve the user/customer in the problem solving process |
| 3.13 | Describe the importance of collecting as much relevant information as possible, and of collating such information in a way which facilitates decision making, and the methods to achieve this |
| 3.14 | Describe the action planning (to include risk analysis, testing decisions, determining time-scales and protecting the user/customer) |
| 3.15 | Describe the importance of analysing problems from a variety of perspectives |
| 3.16 | Explain how to define and verify root cause of a problem |
| 4 | 2b. Know how to resolve engineering problems (continued) | 4.1 | Describe the importance of involving a range of relevant people in generating possible solutions |
| 4.2 | Describe the importance of developing a range of possible options in solving problems |
| 4.3 | Describe the factors to be taken into account when resolving problems and determining suitable solutions (especially those covering working conditions and safety) |
| 4.4 | Describe the methods and techniques for evaluating information |
| 4.5 | Explain how to present possible solutions in a way which helps relevant people to reach an informed and realistic judgement |
| 4.6 | Explain how to determine and select permanent corrective actions (to include decision making, assessing the criteria and determining the risks, costs and generating alternatives) |
| 4.7 | Describe the process used in the organisation to validate the solution to the engineering problem |
| 4.8 | Explain how to prevent recurrence of the problems (to include proposed changes to management systems, operating systems and procedures, and identification of opportunities for improvements) |
| 4.9 | Describe the importance of customer care and satisfaction |
| 4.10 | Describe the importance of maintaining records of the problem solving activities; what needs to be recorded, and where records are kept |
| 4.11 | Describe the company procedures that apply to the rectification of problems |
| 4.12 | Describe the company reporting procedures, documentation and their application |
| 4.13 | Describe the different ways in which the solutions can be reported back |
| 4.14 | Identify whom to inform of actions taken, and by what means |
| 4.15 | Describe the extent of their own responsibility and to whom they should report if they have any problems that they cannot resolve |
| 4.16 | Describe the sources of technical expertise if they have problems that they cannot resolve |