Describes the objectives, development, program, and supporting laboratories of a preparatory year workshop program (PWP) at King Fahd University. Lists five PWP topics with historical brief descriptions. (YP)

Explains the Women in Technology (WIT) program, which aims to help women engineers not currently in paid employment to prepare for a return to technological work. Provides evidence that the project is fulfilling its objectives at a modest cost. (ML)

Describes the structures and features of two training programs to help graduate technologists make the transition from full-time education to successful entrepreneurial activity: European Technology Entrepreneurs Programme operating in Northern Ireland and Temporal Entrepreneural Placement operating in Netherlands. Concludes that technology…

Described are the classification and determination of needs, and strategies of needs analysis. An integrated approach to technology transfer and continuing engineering education (CEE) as an example of an advanced procedure in CEE provision is suggested. (Author/YP)

Evaluates the results of an experiment with comprehensive project-organized and problem-based engineering education at Aalborg University that has lasted for 20 years. Several independent evaluations show that the graduates are more readily adaptable, with strong qualities in the field of problem-solving, cooperation, communication, and…

Describes an action research project, "Girls into Science and Technology" (GIST), which focuses on girls' subject choices in the first three years in their secondary schools in the north of England. Summarizes the initiatives taken by the GIST team and reviews research findings and project outcome. (ML)

Described are the formation of DEUS (Danish Enterprise University System) consortium and DEUS TraiNet as examples of European collaboration program. The organization, technology, computer conferencing, service, and multimedia training of the programs are summarized. (YP)

Describes a course designed to improve the professional qualities and skills of students by using a design project as the focal point of the course. Gives an example of a product development program including the introduction, stages, and evaluation. (Author/YP)

Describes a successful example of a large program of industry-university research collaboration in the field of construction engineering and management. The initial objectives and the anticipated benefits of collaboration for both parties are discussed. (LZ)

Outlines the initiatives taken by the Engineering Industry Training Board of the United Kingdom to increase the number of women in engineering careers in the manufacturing industry both at technician and professional levels. Reviews successes in implementation and in outcomes. (ML)

Examines reasons for dissatisfaction with the limitations of single-discipline approaches to engineering education. Considers the development of a systems-based interdisciplinary course. Provides an example at the University of Bradford. (YP)

Describes the development of systems thinking and the form taken in the study of work and organizations. Discusses some criticisms from social scientists. Explores the relationship among systems, interdisciplinarity, and engineering education. (Author/YP)

Discusses the necessity of interdisciplinary and systems approaches in engineering education for analyzing complex issues. Presents several recent problems. (YP)

Recommends systems subjects as part of college curricula for providing students with broader skills and with background that does not become outdated. Topics included are requirements of a basic examination, cooperation with other professionals, and examples of systems technologies and interdisciplinary research. (Author/YP)

Argues that systems thinking can be developed by experiential learning activities which complement both intradisciplinary projects and technical knowledge inputs. Discusses the development of systems thinking, the form of engineering curricula, and assessment. (Author/YP)