What are the best strategies for Electrical Engineers to make difficult decisions?

One thing I’ve found really helpful, is the risks mitigation before making any difficult decision.. So after identifying the problem & besides doing the necessary analysis (i.e. SWOT, fishbone ..etc), Analyse the risks resulting in your proposed decision & try to mitigate these risks & calculate them as accurate as possible so as to sort out the best decision with minimal risks

The secret is you must know how stuff works then it is easy to get to the root cause. These days we want to throw papers and systems to the problem and we miss the point with a 100 miles. lets take an example if a person got an electrical shock or an arc flash happened 9 out of ten times the reason is always the same that person did not test or lock out and made safe. Machine problems are the same only a couple of things can go wrong with a motor. Always keep this in mind NEVER put yourself or others at risk when fixing a problem or looking for the root cause

For Electrical Engineers to make difficult decisions, it is key to appreciate the fact that electrical engineering is never an end in itself. It is rather a tool among others, to bring benefits to people and improvements to the way things are done. Thus, the electrical Engineer should appreciate diverse areas of knowledge. He/she should have a breadth of knowledge traversing various engineering disciplines, the business environment, people issues etc. With such a breadth of knowledge, making decisions will be based on a variety of experiences and skills resulting in better decisions.

- firstly the team involved must to be open to understanding the real problem. Avoiding pre solutions or alternatives is one way to really understand the problem. - asking 3 to 7 why for the problem could help. - if the problem involves many things it should be nice to split the problem in smaller pieces and understand one per time. After this you must find for commonly causes and identifying the right sequence of interlinked facts.

In my experience a good start is to take a step back and think about the actual aim. Often times we get stuck in details, while forgetting to first test the basics of any idea. If we can prove that the idea works in the simplest way, we can then break down the workload by setting out the next achievable steps which ultimately lead to a final solution.

- Brainstorm widely - Hold structured brainstorming sessions with an interdisciplinary group to spark creative ideas. Leverage design thinking principles and set a goal for number of alternatives. - Research extensively - Thoroughly research journals, patents, white papers, reference designs, etc. to find as many potential solutions as possible that have proven successful in related applications.

One thing I found useful is to discuss your problem with someone who is from another discipline. Surprisingly, in a lot of cases, I have gotten very good ideas. Although they might be lacking in-depth knowledge on the subject matter, they are also free from presumption on the subject matter. This makes it possible for them to think objectively and freely. We call it "outsider advantage".

Remember, there is often more than one way to solve a problem, and it’s important not to be biased to your own conclusion by doing the following - challenge your assumptions and Don't take your initial assumptions about the problem for granted - Think outside the box and don't be afraid to explore unconventional and innovative - Seek diverse perspectives as different perspectives can spark new solutions you may not have considered - Stay positive and persistent and focused on finding a solution

Quando lidamos com projetos de máquinas, temos de pensar nas diversas áreas envolvidas: engenharia elétrica e mecanica, montagem elétrica e mecanica, engenharia e aplica??o de software. E essa multidisciplinaridade faz com que seja indispensável envolver a equipe toda, para que os diversos pontos de vista possam ajudar a gerar alternativas. Manter a calma e rastrear todos as pistas apontadas pela equipe, pode te ajudar a identificar e isolar a raiz do problema em quest?o, e criar uma solu??o adequada.

En el proceso de toma de decisiones, la generación de alternativas es crucial, y aquí, tanto el IEEE como la IEC son fundamentales. Reconocemos su relevancia como fuentes confiables en ingeniería eléctrica. El IEEE, con su sólido proceso de revisión y eventos, fomenta la exploración de opciones innovadoras. La IEC, con normas internacionales colaborativas, proporciona un marco amplio de alternativas. Su participación no solo asegura información confiable, sino también la creación de alternativas sólidas alineadas con estándares internacionales.

Considering criteria like feasibility, effectiveness, cost, time, risk, and quality provides a comprehensive perspective. The mention of decision-making tools such as the decision matrix, cost-benefit analysis, and Pareto chart adds a practical dimension to the evaluation process. Testing or simulating alternatives further aids in understanding their real-world performance, contributing to the elimination of non-viable or undesirable options in a methodical decision-making process.

Identifying the constraints through knowing budget, time, and resource limitations would absolutely impacting the solution choices. Then conduct a research on the existing solutions. Along with the consideration of the scalability for future needs and insuring the long-term effectiveness. Addiinally, taking into consideration the energegy efficiency throught utilizing sustainable solutions. Prior to applying specufic solution, a consultancy with expert would be an interesting assist to finalize the problem, taking into consideration experts in risk assistment and cost benefit regulatory compliance

Predictive analysis for proactive risk management, staying ahead with technology forecasting, using decision trees for systematic mapping, prioritizing reliability through FMEA, embracing dynamic decision-making with real options analysis, integrating ethical considerations with structured frameworks, gaining practical insights through rapid prototyping, prioritizing user-centric solutions with design thinking, objectively evaluating alternatives using MCDA, establishing real-time feedback loops, enhancing analytics with decision support systems, safeguarding innovations with intellectual property awareness, staying connected for industry insights through professional networking, and optimizing resources with dynamic resource allocation.

When you have several possible alternatives or solutions, the best way to consider which is the correct solution or the best alternative is to consider on effectiveness, duration, cost and safety.

Its important that we setup a benchmark KPI's so that the progress and deployement action plan can be measured and further progress can be be defined. Some important KPI's like feasibility study, available resources or we can say Resource management, cost management, time management, Risk assessment, quality management provides a comprehensive perspective. The PMP tools such as the Stakeholder decision matrix, cost analysis, Pareto chart, Project flow chart, adds a powerful meaning to the process. Testing or simulating assesment brings more enhancement and impact to deployement of Actual performance vs Planned strategies

As engineers we feel that offering the lowest power consumption, the highest throughput, the best in class performance, or the lowest possible cost is our primary objective. However, a good problem solver would circle back to the identified problem, specially if it is a client solution (research level designs can be different) to understand how much of the client requirement are we able to satisfy, or even exceed. That would be the primary metric. One may also keep in mind qualitative factors that can contribute to the success/failure of a solution such as taking a call to provide a test bed within their solution for upcoming products in consultation with the marketing teams.

Once you have identify the best alternative, you will have to defend it. As engineer your best tools will be all your research and assumption that lead you to it. Proof that your decision was made for a reason that can be justify. Remember that stakeholder or client input will be important, since they know what they want it, our work is bring to the table the best alterative and make easier for them make a decision.

Súper importante el paso de elegir la mejor opción y para lo cual es importante la confianza en la decisión que se ha tomado. La solución debe ser realista, medible y uno debe tener certeza el motivo por el cual se ha elegido y el sustento respectivo(análisis técnico, financiero, etc). Asimismo, si se tiene colegas que pueden ayudar a validar la solución y dar su feedback suma.

Vertical market failure occurs when transactions within the industry value chain are too risky, and alternatives to integration are too costly or difficult to administer. To mitigate such risks, "Taper integration" and "Strategic Outsourcing" are the two alternatives. Taper Integration is a way of orchestrating value activities in which a firm is backwardly integrated, but it also relies on outside market firms for some of its supplies, and / or is forwardly integrated but also relies on outside market firms for some of its distribution.

What I found mostly rewarding is overachieving. Find the best solution to solve a narrow time frame problem, put it into practice, gather as much feedback from the field preferably first hand, to look for details hard to find. Then keep adjusting and increase quality. In a fast paced environment where there is no much place or time for R&D you will get a very solid solution in 3-4 consecutive steps.

When we are implementing alternative method we have consider all safety's provided for the equipment and test before taking in to service and clearly intimate all people decision taken by client/team...

El aplicar la decisión no debe ser de una forma descontrolada, debe establecerse un cronograma, el presupuesto que considere los recursos necesarios, que permita establecer indicadores de avance de las actividades a realizar y a controlar. De igual modo se debe controlar el presupuesto y al cual se le debe hacer seguimiento periódico. La implementación debe tener visible la matriz de riesgos, donde a estos se les haga seguimiento. Es posible que a medida que se avance algunos riesgos se controlen o desaparezcan, pero también nuevos riesgos pueden aparecer.

- OKR is a good tool to implement initiatives. - crating the habit to follow the key results in a structured and regular manner could help to quick and easily reaching the turning point.

Hi, See generally in present time people couldn’t able to take quick decisions and so it moves from one seat to another, i believe it always better to do closure with team while gathering of whosoever involved in that particular task to resolve and close the issue within time frame with considering effective solutions.

Once, the best option is selected, make a risk assessment, time and resource requirements. And when the project is kickoff perform a detail planning and put deadlines by considering a degree of delay based on the previous studies.

It is very crucial in this step 6 to be not attached to a decision that was already made. Be attached to the outcomes and the result. Keep yourself disentangled in a way to allow you room to maneuver while pivoting when needed!

You need to be methodological. Write down possibilities and constraints. Normally i write possible solution and arrive at best by method of elimination.If there are possibilty for 400MW generator in hydro generator but water would sustain for 200mw why to invest on 400MW

Entender que a decis?o de como atuar dentro do problema é algo sensacional, essa decis?o te faz entender que todo seu conhecimento valeu muito a pena.

- Revisit initial analysis - Re-examine original decision models, simulations, ratings matrices, and test result data to compare actual performance metrics versus initial estimates and assumptions. - Solicit end-user feedback - Speak directly with electrical solution stakeholders to garner their experiences with reliability, functionality, ease of use and overall satisfaction. Note any deltas from expectations.

Debemos ser suficientemente críticos con nosotros mismos, pero no crueles. La ingeniería, lejos de lo que se pueda pensar, no es una ciencia exacta y finita, debe conjugar ciertos valores de flexibilidad y resiliencia. Dos personas en la misma situación deberían tomar, de manera objetiva, la misma decisión, pero dos personas en dos situaciones ligeramente diferentes podrían tomar decisiones muy alejadas entre si. El punto de vista del observador y su contexto determinan el éxito o fracaso de un proyecto. Los KPI e indicadores de desempe?o son datos muy rígidos, que en muchos casos no son el mejor indicador de éxito, como sí lo puede ser la satisfacción de los usuarios

Often times you can initially break a decision down into two categories: A 2-way door and a 1-way door decision. Frequently schedule is more important than money. 2-way door decisions are decisions where you can easily walk back and pivot if a better solution becomes apparent further along in a project. A good example is whether to feed a piece of equipment with conduit or metal-clad cable. Sure, one is probably better, but the time spent analyzing the choice is time wasted for other more important decisions. 1-Way door decisions are choices that MUST be made right the first time because the wrong choice has project-breaking implications. These are the decisions worthy of agonizing over. An example is generator sizing. Big Gen = big $.

KISS strategy; Keeping It Simple & Stupid, worked for me most of the time. Sometimes, you complicate the situation by overanalyzing it. When things get complicated, I always prefer to go back to basics and use a different lens to analyse the situation.

make decision for totally eliminate the problem.. replace with new system/design.. dont afraid to implement new technology/design.

I believe the "Lesson Learnt" and "Case Study" will be a good practice once the project is completed. Here we can evaluate what all went good as per planned KPI's, what went not so good or underperformed as planned. Most importantly, what made the Stake holders happy & brought full satisfaction. A comparison study for Cost Analysis, Deliverables, Resource management Analysis, Material and Logistic management and Project execution time vs Planned KPI will be very fruitfull for future successful of similar project / problem.

- Collecter des informations pertinentes. - Analyser les options et les risques. - Consulter des experts. - Prioriser en fonction des objectifs. - Solliciter les avis des parties prenantes. - Apprendre des expériences passées. - être flexible et envisager des solutions alternatives.