A letter survey was made of engineering colleges to obtain basic information about economics courses presented to engineering students. Main questions addressed the general type of courses offered to engineering students, the textbooks most commonly used, the typical viewpoint or philosophy of these courses, and the extent to which advanced electives were available to the engineering students. Results of 105 responses are presented in summary form. Some implications of the economics education presented to engineering students are analyzed. The appropriateness of the typical course content, as revealed by the responses, is questioned and supplementary readings are suggested for independent studies, by interested students. Broader philosophical issues are also addressed.

Civil engineers and surveyors are not by law insurers of the correctness and accuracy of their work. They can, however, be held liable in damages for negligence, mistakes and misrepresentations in the performance of their work. Liability can extend to parties with whom the engineer did not have a contract, but who can be reasonably foreseen to rely on the work. Damages may include compensation for out of pocket expenditures and, if the action is determined to be taken with a willful and wanton disregard for property rights, punitive damages may be assessed. Liability is determined by considering the standard of care and competence expected of a civil engineer, the legal liability to those affected by the engineer's work but not in a contractual relationship, legal liability to non‐contracting parties when the engineer has guaranteed the accuracy of his work, and the affect of statutes of limitation.

Engineering research has a major impact on human welfare; additionally, public expenditures for this research are significant. These represent important reasons for examining the potential for fraud in engineering research. The potential for fraud exists in all phases of the research process from the proposal‐writing phase to the reporting of research results. Examples of potentially fraudulent activity in engineering research are analyzed for the purpose of creating a dialogue on the subject and hopefully identify and institute measures that will at least minimize the potential for such fraud.

Over the years, the Federal Government through the National Flood Insurance Program has attempted to address the issue of flood plain management. Questioning the extent to which the enforcement of Federal regulations has reduced flood losses, the Government has begun to institute legal actions called subrogation in an attempt to recover insurance proceeds paid and better encourage sound flood plain management. The legal actions brought thus far, already totaling over $120 million, allege that various communities, builders, developers, engineers and architects, by their actions or inactions, have caused or contributed to various drainage and flooding conditions for which the National Flood Insurance Program has been called to reimburse the losses of flood victims. Engineers, particularly those who work with developers, builders, or those who design flood control projects should be aware of the subrogation action and the basis upon which, they too, could face legal liability.

A study was conducted to determine the effect of televised lecture presentations on student performance in an engineering class. Three groups of students were involved in the experiment. One group received the live lecture, the second group received the same lecture on television transmitted live to an adjacent classroom, and the third group saw the lecture two hours later on videotape. A questionnaire was distributed weekly to assess student reaction to the project and common tests were administered. The results revealed that there was no difference in student performance as measured by four common one hour examinations and a three hour final. Although there was a slight preference for live lectures, 70 percent of the students indicated they would take another course taught primarily through television.

Engineers often are key participants in required public participation processes. A case in point is the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement which usually involves engineers as representatives of governmental agencies or as professional consultants. A less common but equally important role for the engineer is as a member of an advisory committee or as a voluntary participant in public hearings. A case study of a recently completed EIS process involving the expansion of Albuquerque, New Mexico's wastewater collection and treatment facilities suggests a number of ways that engineers in each of these roles might improve their effectiveness. Increased voluntary participation by citizen engineers is recommended as an effective means to improve the public participation process as well as to enhance the reputation of the engineering profession.

Several engineering firms and divisions successfully use four “fast track” methods for developing managers more rapidly in times when they have very high turnover, rapid growth, decentralization, and branch office development. These methods provide for more rapid development of managerial and business skills to the benefit of individuals and the firm. They also help firms retain their high potential people, the first to leave if not sufficiently challenged. These methods are described in some detail, including what makes them work well (or fail), pitfalls for individuals assigned, and how to keep the firm out of trouble. New research findings on the four stages of professional development for engineers and scientists are covered, as well as the five types of support necessary for rapid professional development. The methods are applicable to firms and divisions ranging in size from 20 to 1,000 professional and technical employees.

Ever since the first Roman engineer used water power to free his horses from grinding corn, engineers have been involved in developing environmentally‐clean energy sources. John Smeaton, the first civil engineer, brought the water wheel to its most refined form. J. B. Francis developed his turbines, and many others have contributed to the energy resources in this country. The question is: Are civil engineers going to be involved in the future development of energy in the environment? At present, we are the field that other, more dynamic fields of engineering break away from. In the technological world, it is apparent that the “liberally educated” humanists will not get the technological education that is necessary to make rational decisions in this area. Will we develop the skills necessary to help? The type of engineer that will be required for futuristic designs will require an extremely broad education and understanding of the principals in many fields. Perhaps only the civil engineer has this background.

The Federal Government increasingly imposes user fees to raise funds. This paper contends the trend is being exploited by railroad lobbyists to impair competing transportation modes. This paper exposes these tactics and places waterway and rail subsidies in proper perspective. It is concluded that the future welfare of the river industry hinges on the outcome of the user charge battle. If increased taxes are forced on water carriers without equal treatment being extended to all modes, the results could be devastating to waterway carriers, shippers and even the nation, which needs efficiencies in export movements to help offset costly oil imports.

There are many definitions of professionalism; however, competency in the job and service to others are the core requirements. There is no dispute that job knowledge is the cornerstone of all professions; without the expertise there can be no profession. On the other hand, there are other dimensions of being a professional that should not be overlooked in any professional education or development program. These dimensions are not as easily defined and quantified as the technical aspects of a profession. However, they are just as important. Absolute integrity is the first such dimension addressed. There must not only be the integrity to be honest but also the integrity to give one's best effort at doing a job. A willingness to work and to make things come true is the second such dimension. Thirdly, a true professional must have a sincere concern for people, for only through other people's effort, do they complete major and significant projects. That concern for people and the ability to get things done through others simply translates into leadership. As individuals develop professionally in a career field, they should not neglect the nontechnical aspects of their development. As they progress into positions of higher responsibility, those dimensions assume greater importance in their overall ability to make things happen.