Engineer Versus Computer–A Strategy of Persuasion

The electronic computer has not received strong acceptance by civil engineers at the working level. Resistance tends to stiffen if the engineer and computer become separated by time and distance. To overcome resistance and bring about a change in attitude calls for extensive persuasion. Total engineering systems are popular, but are directed at the highly motivated professional engineers. Training, proper selection of equipment, and a close working relationship between the engineering computer specialist and the engineer-user will help to minimize resistance. Engineering computer systems should be developed by professional engineers working as systems analysts who coordinate efforts with the user and the computer programmer.