The art of estimation

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

International Journal of Engineering Education

ISSN

0949-149X

Volume

22

Issue

2

First Page

273

Last Page

278

Publication Date

4-20-2006

Abstract

The ability to perform estimation is an asset, for example, when dealing with problems with limited or unavailable data. Engineering students, in general, are inadequately prepared to perform rough estimation. A possible reason for this shortcoming is that the emphasis in engineering curricula is on detailed analysis and not enough attention is given to developing students' estimation skills. This paper outlines the importance of estimation and lists attributes that are necessary to carry out reasonable estimation. Furthermore, it provides a list of activities and exercises, appropriate for use in the lower division courses, to engage students in estimation scenarios and to launch them on a path to developing this skill. © 2006 TEMPUS Publications.

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