Physical Science, Measurement and Instrumentation, Management and Education, IEE Proceedings A

In the armed forces, the aim is the planning and execution of military operations. Top posts are therefore filled by those with operational skills and experience, and, despite the massive use of high technology, the engineer´s role is one of support. Corresponding criteria should apply in industry, but the mission is less easy to define. One fundamental must be continuing profitability, and in the case of high value capital equipment for exports, on which the prosperity of the UK must depend, this implies detailed and accurate assessment of the market. Taking an ATC radar as an example, the contributions the engineer should make are discussed, and it is shown that usually his specialist skills and judgement are critical along the whole route, from design to sale. The equivalent of the military operation is where the technical, marketing and sales functions meet, and it is here above all that the expertise of the engineer is essential. This is the front line he should be in, and he should see these three activities as all equally necessary steps on his path to a top post.<>