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Agyekum, B, Kissi, E, Yamoah Agyemang, D and Badu, E (2018) Examining barriers for the utilization of non-traditional cost estimating models in developing countries. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 814–27.

Aouad, R and Amara, I (2018) Influence of the cutting condition on the wear and the surface roughness in the steel AISI 4140 with mixed ceramic and diamond tool. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 828–36.

Chen, Y and Yang, Z (2018) Validity and reliability of rating scales for subjective breathing resistance of wearing respirators. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 837–49.

De Silva, N, Rathnayake, U and Kulasekera, K (2018) Under-reporting of construction accidents in Sri Lanka. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 850–68.

Kulkarni, S, Edwards, D J, Parn, E A, Chapman, C, Aigbavboa, C O and Cornish, R (2018) Evaluation of vehicle lightweighting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with focus on magnesium substitution. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 869–88.

Nawfal, S and Ali, F (2018) The acceleration of 3D graphics transformations based on CUDA. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 925–37.

Ndokwana, A and Fore, S (2018) Economic assessment of bioethanol production from maize in South Africa. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 973–94.

Owusu-Manu, D, Edwards, D J, Kukah, A, Parn, E A, El-Gohary, H and Hosseini, M R (2018) An empirical examination of moral hazards and adverse selection on PPP projects. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 910–24.

Romanello, G (2018) Stability analysis of mobile cranes and determination of outriggers loading. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 938–58.

Senaratne, S, Mirza, O, Lambrousis, G and Fernandez-Soncini, A (2018) Structural applicability of steel fibre-recycled aggregate concrete in construction. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 959–72.

Witmer, A (2018) Contextual engineering assessment using an influence-identification tool. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 889–909.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: Design; Culture; Rural development; International construction; Contextual engineering;
  • ISBN/ISSN: 1726-0531
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2018-0091
  • Abstract:
    This paper aims to introduce a new thought process and associated predictive tool to assist designers of infrastructure for unfamiliar rural societies in understanding the specific non-engineering influences that can lead to greater effectiveness of engineered infrastructure. Design/methodology/approach Using sociological principles, a simple checklist tool has been designed to assess specific societal conditions that may influence intervention outcomes. The tool, when weighted by regional predispositions, allows the designer to incorporate five non-engineering influences into technical design of engineered infrastructure. Findings Early deployment of the tool indicates that the predictive process helps to adapt technical designs to societal contexts. It also enhances consultant understanding of the client’s values and needs to achieve a collaborative technical solution. Research limitations/implications Long-term outcomes have not been assessed, so additional time is needed to confirm the value of context in design performance. Further evaluations will refine the technical guideline process as well. Practical implications Merging sociological understanding with technical design allows engineers to assimilate client values and indigenous beliefs into an infrastructure, preventing rejection due to incompatibility with local context. Originality/value The concept of contextual engineering, which melds technical approach with societal influences, is the original contribution of the author, as is the predictive tool.