ENG5001 Professional Skills in Engineering: Assignment

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ENG5001 PROFESSIONAL SKILLS IN ENGINEERING
ENG5001 PORTFOLIO 1
SUBMITTED TO
DR. ANDREAS NATAATMADJA
BY
DANIEL OHIORENOYA (u1121489)
MARCH, 2020

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 lntroduction .............................................................................................................................3
2.0 Reflection - Engineers Australia Stage 1 Professional Competencies ..................................3
2.1 Knowledge and Skill Base ....................................................................................................4
2.1.1 (1.5) Knowledge of Engineering Design Practice & Contextual Factors ...............4
2.1.2 (1.6) Understanding Sustainable Practice .................................................................4
2.2 Engineering Application Ability ...........................................................................................5
2.2.1 (2.1) Application of Established Engineering Methods ............................................5
2.2.2 (2.3) Application of Systematic Engineering Synthesis and Design ........................6
2.3 Professional and Personal Attributes ............................................................................... ...7
2.3.1 (3.2) Effective Oral and Written Communication .................................................... 7
2.3.2 (3.3) Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour ...............................................7
3.0 Reflection - Qualities of a USQ Graduate ..............................................................................8
3.1 Discipline Expertise .............................................................................................................. 8
3.2 Professionalism ...................................................................................................................8
3.3 Global Citizenship ................................................................................................................ 9
3.4 Scholarship .............................................................................................................................9
3.5 Lifelong Learning ............................................................................................................ ...10
4.0 Reflection - Engineers Australia Generic Attributes of a Graduate ..................................11
4.1 Improving my technical qualities – an area of specialization .........................................11
4.2 Improving on my Professional attributes .........................................................................11
4.3 Personally developing these attributes .............................................................................12
5.0 Reflection - Definition of Hard & Soft Skills Desired by the Industry ..............................12
5.1 Soft Skills ............................................................................................................................12
5.2 Hard Skills .........................................................................................................................14
5.3 Industry demand for Soft and Hard skill ......................................................15
6.0 Reflection - Research Project ..........................................................................16
6.1 Chosen Topics ........................................................................................16
6.2 Research of Population Growth ...................................................................17
6.3 Nigerian Population Growth Predictions .......................................................17
6.4 Adopted Methodology ...............................................................................18
7.0 Reflection – Effectiveness of Study Desk Research Team ......................................18
8.0 Appendices ................................................................................................19
8.1 References .............................................................................................19
8.2 Nigeria: Total Population (United Nations World Population Prospects .................20
8.3 Probabilistic projections of total fertility ........................................................21

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The ENG5001 course is fully centered around two themes. The first theme focuses on the
development of personal and self-management skills, while the second theme is developing
the basic skills and understanding of the stages and processes used when applying the
'engineering method' to problem-solving in a project-based environment. The fundamental
conceptual perspective from which this course ought to be interpreted can be defined as
'Global Change,' and more precisely, the long-term impact population growth will have on
the engineering sector from now until this century is ended.'
This portfolio focuses on some topics of which I have reflected on, these topics are;
• Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies for professional Engineers
• The qualities of a USQ graduate;
• EA generic attributes of a graduate; and
Definitions of Hard and Soft skills desired by industry.
While reflecting, I would be focusing on my current professional accomplishments and
potential ambitions in terms of my engineering expertise, personal values, strengths and
competencies, and the ability to effectively carry out some levels of research on any
engineering problem.
In light of the Client Brief a component of assessment designed to develop and show
comprehension of the concepts of this course, under which the context is a global change and
the impact of transportation problems, I will give an overview of the following;
• My seemingly intended project; and
• My review of population growth and its projection
Finally, I will reflect on the effectiveness of my assigned team in developing and sharing
researched information and data for the anticipated project.
2.0 REFLECTING ON ENGINEERS AUSTRALIA STAGE 1 COMPETENCIES
Part of Engineers Australia's job, as Australia's largest engineering group, is to accredit
engineering degree programs. Stage 1 competencies (Engineers Australia, 2013) reflect a
graduate engineer's predicted baseline level of growth upon completion of a Bachelor of
Engineering degree.
Engineers Australia EA is basically the largest engineering association in Australia. They
have several jobs, and part of the job includes accrediting engineering programs in Australian
universities. The Engineers Australia stage 1 competencies reflect on a graduate engineer's
predicted baseline level of growth upon completion of a four year Bachelor of Engineering
degree. (Engineers Australia, 2013)
I completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical/Electronic Engineering in Nigeria, then I
went into the field and practiced as an electrical engineer for about five years, where I had the
opportunity to learn and improve on the previous knowledge I gained in my undergraduate

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years. However, now I have moved over to Australia and commenced a Master of
Engineering science (Power Engineering).
For this assignment, in reflecting on the EA stage 1 competencies, I will be reflecting on my
past experiences in the field of Engineering, writing about the technical aspects, and focusing
on the knowledge gained during my undergraduate studies and while working as an electrical
engineer. It is my intention to go back to my country and continue working full time as an
electrical engineer after my Master's program, which has strengthened my knowledge
through the study of Power Engineering with specialization in small scale renewable energy
technologies.
2.1 KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL BASE
2.1.1 (1.5) Knowledge of Engineering Design Practice & Contextual Factors
IOA: f) Identifies the structure, roles, and capabilities of the engineering workforce.
(Engineers Australia, 2013)
It was after I completed my bachelor's degree and started practicing as an engineer that I got
to appreciate the presence and relevance of the various engineering departments, their roles
and their functions in every engineering project. While practicing as an electrical engineering
supervisor and having to manage projects and supervise people, it afforded the opportunity to
interact with other engineering departments in order to successfully carry out the projects and
complete them within the required timeframe.
As an electrical engineer, in installing transformers in a project site, we require the help of
other engineering departments or disciplines. The civil engineering departments are in charge
of piling (a process whereby to support a structure, steel or concrete is pushed into the
ground) and doing the concrete framework on which the transformers will be positioned
while the mechanical department was in charge of using the cranes and placing them on the
supports constructed by the civil department and ensuring that all the mechanical properties
of the transformers were installed correctly according to the product specification. Once the
transformer has been placed perfectly on its support, we the electrical engineers then come in
and carry out the installation works on the transformer. This made me understand the
usefulness and relevance of every engineering discipline, especially in regard to engineering
projects.
2.1.2 (1.6) Understanding Sustainable Practice
IOA; a) Appreciates the basis and relevance of standards and codes of practice, as well as
legislative and statutory requirements applicable to the engineering discipline. (Engineers
Australia, 2013)
Most of the electrical works in the projects I was part of, was guided by the International
Standard Organization (ISO) standards, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
(IEEE) standards and international codes like the Euro Norms (EN), and IEC 60364, etc. My
purchased by our vendors for the project was of good quality, was in line with the project
specification, and met the ISO standard. The electrical processes or jobs performed on-site

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were also in accordance with this standard mentioned above, so as to meet the basic
requirements of a standard project.
IOA; b) Appreciates the principles of safety engineering, risk management, and the health
and safety responsibilities of the professional engineer, including legislative requirements
applicable to the engineering discipline.(Engineers Australia, 2013)
In terms of safety, I always ensured that my team members used the right tools for each job
and wore the right personal protective equipment PPE. I also refused my team to make any
electrical connection under the rain and in a non-conducive environment. Also, before
engaging in any engineering activity, it was a must to seek approval from the HSE
department by the issuance of the relevant work permit before any electrical activity could be
performed on-site.
IOA; d) Understands the fundamental principles of engineering project management as a
basis for planning, organizing, and managing resources.(Engineers Australia, 2013)
Being the Electrical Supervisor for the various projects in which I worked, I was responsible
for ensuring that the project's goals were safely achieved within the scheduled timeline and
within the stipulated budget from engineering through site implementation to commissioning
and start-up. I was also responsible for the quality of project deliverables for the Electrical
and Instrumentation Engineering design. With the analysis and approval of project
milestones, I communicate with Engineering support teams and external regulatory
stakeholders saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the project continues according to
plan.
2.2 Engineering Application Ability
2.2.1 (2.3) Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
IOA; a&c) Proficiently applies technical knowledge and open-ended problem-solving skills
as well as appropriate tools and resources to design components, elements, systems, plants,
facilities, and/or processes to satisfy user requirements. Executes and leads a whole systems
design cycle approach. (Engineers Australia, 2013)
In supervising and leading my team in the various projects I handled, I reviewed the detailed
engineering drawing design of the HV/LV Switchboard, Distribution Transformer,
Generators, Instrumentation, and Power Packages. I used manual electrical measurements to
manage earth sizing, lighting, and other equipment configurations. I prepared drawings using
Autocad, through a thorough analysis of the relevant engineering technical records based on
the detailed engineering. I addressed all site questions to satisfy the criteria of execution, to
understand the technical & functional specifications.
I collated the design data and managed the entire process, including document review and
finalization of design specifications; I handled technical questions directly from client
representatives and offered the best possible solution. I did the offshore platform lighting
calculations. I planned and prepared the Switchboards and Distribution Boards procedure for
commissioning according to the designed specification. I supervised the on-site installation of
low-voltage ABB panels. I supported the QA/QC team in carrying out testing tasks on the
assembled panels to ensure that they work according to clients' designs and specifications.

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I labeled all the electrical components in the panels, as seen in the design for quick
identification. I supervised and constantly monitored the installation of the already assembled
panels on the project site. Before being energized, I carried out pre-commissioning tests on
the assembled panels with the QC staff and the client representative. I anchored on-site
erection and commissioning activities to ensure project completion within the required
timeline and efficient use of resources to optimize cost parameters efficiency.
The supervisory position I occupied made me involved in every job that was being handled
by my team. This is because, according to my job description, I had to execute and lead my
team on every task that they embarked on in order to ensure that it was done according to the
project plan and specification and at the same time prevent the issuance of non-conformance
from the quality control team.
2.2.2 (2.4) Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of
engineering projects
IOA; a&d) Contributes to and/or manages complex engineering project activity, as a member
and/or as the leader of an engineering team. Proficiently applies basic systems engineering
and/or project management tools and processes to the planning and execution of project
work, targeting the delivery of a significant outcome to a professional standard. (Engineers
Australia, 2013)
Being a Supervisor required that I perform several activities, from preparing procedures, to
planning and taking part in all the engineering activities that involved my department.
So, as part of my job, I examined the drawings and the execution process as per the approved
drawings and then created the Electrical and Instrumentation Procedures for the whole
project. I created a Matrix for the project using MS. Excel spreadsheet to help track all work
completions on site. I planned and tracked the site activities as per the project schedule and
resolved various site related issues by liaising with the various subcontractors and attending
project meetings and design meetings as deemed necessary. I supervised and managed the on-
site construction work and delegated the work to the various team members.
I organized routine site inspection, which included creating a weekly and regular update,
inspection sheets, holding site meetings, writing reports, and making a presentation to project
manager and client representative. I supervised the entire electrical job, ensuring that it is
progressing according to accepted drawings. I provided successful site management and
supervision to ensure the project is carried out in a safe manner. I verified and assured that all
materials were being shipped to the site, and all inspection reports on the materials were
completed.
I managed on-site labour as relating to the planned workforce implementation. I liaised with
representatives of stakeholders and other representatives of suppliers to ensure that all work
on the site was carried out in compliance with all relevant quality standards.
Through the experiences I had on the job, my project management skills improved drastically
over time because the complexity of the work on-site meant that the technical or unforeseen
challenges that may arise to slow down the pace of the work always had to be tackled.