The series is ongoing.
Publish Date – 3 January 2017
In the first note in this series, Norman Train stresses the importance of making clear from the outset what an engineer will – and will not – do in return for their fee.
In the second note in this new series, Norman Train offers guidance on areas where the boundaries of the service to be provided by a structural engineer need to be defined in the fee proposal in order to avoid ambiguity.
Publish Date – 1 February 2017
In the third note in this series, David Shields provides a brief guide to the formation of a professional services contract and the obligations this entails.
Publish Date – 1 March 2017
Colin Toms offers a guide to the efficient management of design office resources in order to deliver projects on time, on budget and to a high standard.
Publish Date – 3 April 2017
Colin Toms provides advice on matters that an engineer should plan for once construction begins on site.
Publish Date – 2 May 2017
Publish Date – 1 June 2017
Publish Date – 3 July 2017
This month, our series turns its attention to cash flow. Peter Smith looks at the steps firms can take to ensure that invoices are paid promptly and how to address problems with late payments and debts.
Publish Date – 1 August 2017
Publish Date – 1 September 2017
Publish Date – 2 October 2017
Publish Date – 20 November 2017
Publish Date – 1 February 2018
In the latest note in the series, Peter Smith gives readers tips on how to prioritise and manage their time effectively.
Publish Date – 1 March 2018
Publish Date – 1 April 2018
Publish Date – 1 May 2018
Publish Date – 1 June 2018
Publish Date – 1 August 2018
Jonny Yusuf looks at communication as a professional engineer, offering advice on how we might communicate more effectively.
Publish Date – 3 September 2018
Publish Date – 1 October 2018
Michael Greenhalgh discusses the types of client a UK-based structural engineer may encounter, and considers the expectations they may have for the service to be provided.
Publish Date – 19 November 2018
Publish Date – 2 January 2019
Andy Yates provides an introduction to construction standards. While the article focuses on British Standards in the UK, the principles discussed are applicable to any jurisdiction.
Publish Date – 1 March 2019
Steve Williams discusses the basic principles around specifications, the different types available and the advantages of following them correctly.
Publish Date – 1 April 2019
Steve Williams explains why over-reliance on specifications from previous designs imports risks to projects. Steve discusses how to reduce or eliminate those risks, to improve quality, efficiency and safety.
Publish Date – 1 May 2019
Kevin Corbett and Stephen Gregson provide guidance on steps members should take to report an allegation of serious wrongdoing.
Publish Date – 1 June 2019
Stephen Gregson stresses the importance of clearly defining responsibilities and interfaces when designing building facades.
Publish Date – 1 July 2019
A short guide to maternity and paternity legislation in the UK, and the benefits of being a modern, inclusive employer.
Publish Date – 2 September 2019
Matt Byatt offers advice on how to intervene successfully when witnessing an unsafe act or procedure.
Publish Date – 2 October 2019
Rob Paul advises readers how to understand the commercial risk attached to a project and discusses steps that can be taken to mitigate this risk.
Publish Date – 18 November 2019
Rob Paul discusses factors which can affect a firm’s reputation and steps that can be taken to improve this.
Publish Date – 3 February 2020
Norman Train takes a three-part look at quality management systems, beginning with an overview of how modern processes have developed.
Publish Date – 3 March 2020
Publish Date – 1 April 2020
Publish Date – 1 June 2020
Publish Date – 1 August 2020
Publish Date – 16 October 2020
Publish Date – 16 November 2020
Publish Date – 4 January 2021
Publish Date – 8 November 2021
Publish Date – 3 April 2023
Publish Date – 1 August 2025
Publish Date – 4 March 2026