Engineering Management Institute

EMI

The 90-9-1 Rule for Civil Engineering Content Creators

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This is a guest blog by Nick Heim, P.E.

civil engineering contentCivil engineers are designers and builders of everything related to infrastructure: roads, bridges, dams, ports, and many others. While our work happens in the physical world, we can greatly benefit from a presence in the digital world, particularly on social media.

civil engineering content

Today, I would like to talk about the opportunity that exists for civil engineering content creators, and how you can take advantage of it.

 

1. What is the 90-9-1 rule?

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AECT 019: How to Boost Your Productivity and Get More Done as an Engineer

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boost your productivityIn this episode, I talk with Aaron Moncur, CEO and founder of Pipeline Design & Engineering about how to boost your productivity as an engineer, master time management, and honing effective communication skills. He also take us on his personal journey from being laid off to becoming a thriving business owner and explain how you can do it too!

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

boost your productivity

boost your productivity

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Aaron:

  • Can you explain your process from generating an idea to executing it and eventually launching a product?
  • How do you maintain focus on your goals and stay productive both individually and as a team leader?
  • Do you have a specific time management system, like your system for lists, long-term goals, and short-term task planning, that you utilize?
  • What strategies do you use to ensure clear communication, resolve conflicts, and address any misunderstandings effectively?
  • Could you please share some insights into your experience of starting your own business after being laid off and provide advice for others in a similar situation?
  • Is the choice between being an employee and an entrepreneur a subjective decision that depends on individual preferences and fulfillment?
  • Do you have any advice for individuals aspiring to become entrepreneurs or pursue careers in mechanical engineering or product development?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Boost Your Productivity as an Engineer:

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TGEP 077: How Satellite Data Is Being Used to Save Lives From Landslides

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Satellite DataIn this episode, we talk to L. Sebastian Bryson, Ph.D., P.E., D. GE, F.ASCE, the Hardin-Drnevich-Huang Professor of Civil Engineering in the Department of Civil Engineering with a joint appointment in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Kentucky, as well as the current Department Chair for the Department of Civil Engineering. Dr. Bryson shares insights on utilizing satellite data to assess and predict landslides and also discusses some of the challenges and limitations encountered when utilizing satellite data for landslide assessment and prediction.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Satellite Data

Satellite Data

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Sebastian:

  • Could you explain geo-hazard assessments and their relation to your current research on landslides?
  • How are satellite data and remote sensing techniques utilized for assessing and predicting landslides, and could you provide examples and the types of data collected and analyzed in this field?
  • How do you analyze satellite data to identify specific regions or communities?
  • What are the primary benefits of utilizing satellite data in landslide assessment as opposed to conventional methods?
  • Could you provide an overview of your current research projects focused on landslide geohazard assessment and prediction, highlighting their key objectives and potential implications?
  • Can you please explain the deformation-based design methodology in geotechnical engineering and discuss its significance in the field?
  • What challenges and limitations have you faced in utilizing satellite data for landslide assessments and prediction, and how do you plan to tackle them in your research?
  • What are some other geotechnical or geohazard applications for satellite data, besides landslides, such as monitoring cars and surface depressions, and are there any other potential uses for this technology?
  • How have your recognitions as a fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and as a certified Diplomate Geotechnical Engineer (DE) by the Academy of Geo Professionals enhanced your work and research in geotechnical engineering?
  • What advice would you offer to students or aspiring researchers interested in pursuing a career in geotechnical engineering, specifically in utilizing satellite data for specialized Geo hazard assessment?
  • Could you provide any additional resources or references for listeners interested in learning more about utilizing satellite data for land-side assessments and predictions?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About How Satellite Data Is Being Used to Save Lives From Landslides

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How to Build a Successful YouTube Channel for Engineers (2023 Guide)

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This is a guest blog by Cris Mark Baroro

YouTube ChannelEngineering and engineering-related videos are extremely popular on YouTube. These encompass a wide variety of videos from product videos to power supply design and implementation, people who make their own 3D printers and CNC machines, HVAC design, and implementation, etc. Although there is plenty to learn from viewing these videos, creating a successful YouTube channel may be difficult and requires hard work. If done right, it can greatly help your career and branding as an engineer.

YouTube Channel

Here Are Some Tips to Help You Build Your Personal Brand on YouTube as an Engineer:

Build Your Channel

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TEPM 019: Three Ways to Get Your Project Managers’ Managers on Board

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Project Managers' ManagersIn this episode, I discuss the biggest failure in AE consulting firms’ development of project managers, which is neglecting to educate the project managers’ managers. This failure results in a lack of reinforcement for the training provided, rendering it ineffective and wasteful of time and resources. To address this issue, I propose three specific actions based on my experience in designing custom programs with firms, ensuring the transfer of learning back to the job.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Project Managers' Managers

Project Managers' Managers

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Ways to Get Your Project Managers’ Managers on Board:

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TSEC 104: Streamlining Construction with Game-Changing Anchor Bolts

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Anchor BoltsIn this episode, we talk with Arda Ozum, P.Eng., a structural engineer and founder of Acius Engineering about some of the challenges faced with wet-set anchor bolts and concrete foundations and how you can overcome it. Arda also talks about the hurdles he encountered as an entrepreneur while launching a patented product and provides great advice on how you can successfully bring your product ideas to market.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Anchor Bolts

Anchor Bolts

Anchor Bolts

Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Arda:

  • What are the challenges with wet-set anchor bolts and concrete foundations?
  • How did the challenges you encountered in different projects inspire the creation of BoltRail?
  • What specifically motivated you to fully commit to addressing the challenges associated with wet-set anchor bolts and pursuing the development of BoltRail?
  • What is BoltRail? How does it address the challenges you observed with wet-set anchor bolts and how does it work in effectively resolving these issues?
  • When pouring concrete and setting anchor bolts, is it common practice to use multiple bolts on a job and then reuse them for subsequent projects after they are removed?
  • Is it possible to avoid the need for extensive post-pour fixes by ensuring that the back-end is poured correctly initially?
  • What were the major challenges you encountered as an entrepreneur when launching a product like BoltRail?
  • What advice do you have for someone with a great product idea but unsure of how to proceed?
  • What valuable lessons did you learn as an entrepreneur that you believe could benefit others?
  • What advice would you give to someone with an engineering background who wants to pursue a career in entrepreneurship or start their own business?

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Streamlining Construction with Game-Changing Anchor Bolts:

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TCEP 237: Exploring the Resilience of Transportation Systems in the Face of Challenges

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Transportation SystemsIn this episode, I talk to John M. Keller, P.E., PMP, executive director of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority about the crucial topic of resiliency in the transportation systems. We discuss the challenges the industry faces, its impacts on budgets, the importance of coordination at all levels, the need to be proactive, and the steps transportation agencies need to take now to ease climate change impacts in the future.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Transportation Systems

Transportation Systems

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask John:

  • What are the major challenges the transportation industry is currently encountering in terms of building resilience?
  • Concerning our projects, does resilience relate to their capacity to effectively confront and overcome adversity?
  • How can we effectively address the financial challenges and budgeting aspects associated with resilience planning and implementation?
  • Why is it important to act on resiliency and prioritize it today?
  • What steps can design engineers take to explore new market opportunities for themselves in the realm of resiliency efforts?
  • What steps need to be taken for effective long-term coordination between local, state, and federal governments to ensure the implementation of resilient initiatives?
  • How can we plan for the future more effectively instead of just reacting to situations as they arise?
  • What advice do you have for transportation industry professionals seeking to enhance their resiliency efforts?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Exploring the Resilience of Transportation Systems in the Face of Challenges:

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TECC 304: The Art of Listening and Unlocking Corporate Problem-Solving Success

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Corporate Problem-SolvingIn this episode, we talk to Tony Chatman, speaker, author, and corporate relationship expert who has been helping organizations achieve their goals through listening and leadership about how engineers can define and tackle problems in a corporate setting, and the crucial role of listening in effective corporate problem-solving. He also talks about his book, “The Force Multiplier,” and how engineering leaders can use it to transform their teams into high-performing units.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Corporate Problem-Solving

Corporate Problem-Solving

Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Art of Listening and Unlocking Corporate Problem-Solving Success:

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Managing People During Growth and Expansion

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This is a guest blog by Ted F. Januszka, P.E.

As we near the half-way mark of 2023, our industry faces a huge challenge with respect to staffing and workforce retention. Simply put, there are not enough engineers in the U.S. to meet the current civil infrastructure demands of the A/E/C industry. I am not going to opine on the importance of workforce development and emphasis of STEM in our schools; however, I want to present another challenge: How do you manage and maintain current staff while growing and attracting new team members?

People management is a topic that has been discussed, studied, and yes, now blogged about for some time. At Pennoni, a 100% employee-owned consulting engineering firm, our employee-owner team members are the #1 asset of our company. This is indeed the case with most engineering firms today, something I recently discussed in a podcast on the topic!

Pennoni is continuing to expand, and our District of Columbia office is one of our newest locations. Located at 80 M Street, this office was opened in the fall 2022! Pennoni has been successfully working with District Department of Transportation (DDOT) since 2014 and during this period, our workload with DDOT has gradually increased. Coming out of the pandemic, we believed it was time to fully commit to DDOT with boots on the ground within the district. At Pennoni, we are committed to our clients and believe there are wonderful opportunities to continue these awesome relationships in the district. We plan to use this opportunity to develop new opportunities with other clients and agencies in Washington, D.C.

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AECT 018: Exploring the Cutting-Edge World of Digital Inspection and Non-Destructive Testing

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Digital InspectionIn this episode, we dive into digital inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT) with Hamed Layssi, PEng, Ph.D., the co-founder of FPrimeC Solutions Inc. We explore digital inspection applications, innovative NDT methods for evaluating concrete structures, and NDT’s role in new construction projects.

***You can view the video version of this episode here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Digital Inspection

Digital Inspection

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Hamed:

  • How has digital inspection revolutionized the field of non-destructive testing (NDT), and what notable advancements have been made in recent years?
  • How has the market changed in terms of available products and industry advancements since early 2002?
  • Can you provide an overview of innovative non-destructive testing (NDT) methods and concrete inspection techniques, and how they work?
  • Can you explain the difference between non-destructive testing (NDT) and traditional inspection, including both digital and non-digital approaches?
  • Are there cases in structure inspection where the involvement of a licensed engineer is essential, while other tasks can be performed by skilled technicians who do not require licensing, similar to the distinction between medical technicians and doctors?
  • Can you provide insights on the applications of non-destructive testing (NDT) in new construction and how it is utilized in that context?
  • Are there core principles of NDT that can be universally applied regardless of whether it’s for new construction or inspection of existing assets?
  • Is the key to the successful implementation of NDT more reliant on the engineer’s use and interpretation of the technology rather than the technology itself?
  • How can the presentation of NDT data be improved to enhance understanding for laypeople and asset owners?
  • What upcoming developments or advancements in the NDT field are you particularly enthusiastic about within the next three to five years?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Digital Inspection and Non-Destructive Testing:

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