Record Details
The computer, the computer user group, and the civil engineer
ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | The computer, the computer user group, and the civil engineer |
| Names |
Cunningham, Gerald Robert
(creator) Peterson, John (advisor) |
| Date Issued | 1967-06-02 (iso8601) |
| Note | Graduation date: 1968 |
| Abstract | An attempt to determine the relationship between the computer, the computer program exchange organization and today's practicing civil engineer has just been completed. A questionnaire was used to obtain information and opinions from 850 selected practicing civil engineers. Based on those questionnaires reaching their addresses, a return rate of 81.7 percent was achieved in this investigation. From data supplied in the returned questionnaires, several significant points could be noted. Almost 60 percent of those responding indicated that the computer was used for civil engineering purposes within their firm. Although actual computer usage was only slightly in the majority, the overall opinion regarding a favorable attitude toward increased computer usage was on the order of 35 to 1. The engineer also expressed an approximate 12 to 1 favorable attitude toward the computer user group concept. But when asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the present day computer user group role within the civil engineering discipline, the attitude became unfavorable with an almost 2 to 1 response against these organizations being rated as successful. Several points of praise and criticism were made regarding the present day user groups. Much of the engineers' criticism appear to have justification based on contacts established with several of the current user groups. Although the engineer was generally critical when discussing the user group, he pointed to five primary areas where he desired to see improvements made. Whether these suggested improvements would or could be implemented is subject to question. There also are several recent outside influences which could negate any present improvements.in this area. The new hardware and software systems currently under development, the rise of the time sharing concept, the growth of the service bureau concept, the entrance into the computer applications field of the so- called computer consultant and the possible introduction of the professional society into this area may well remove the practicing civil engineer from present day computer user group activities. |
| Genre | Thesis/Dissertation |
| Topic | Electronic digital computers |
| Identifier | http://hdl.handle.net/1957/47364 |
