March 2004

feature articles

the trail to the leading edge
Detective work in San Antonio led to understanding the loss of Columbia. By James D. Walker and Donald J. Grosch

the breaks of progress
Finding out what went wrong is the first step in getting to the next level. By Barbara Wolcott

a catch in time
Systems give warning before they fail. The trick is to listen—and learn. By James R. Chiles

taming the technological frontier
A student of disaster recommends teamwork and openness as a recipe to avoid serious breakdown. By Jean Thilmany

simplifying complexity—again
No matter how many hands are on the job, technology aims to keep the work flowing. By Alan S. Brown


— plus, this month —
the premier issue of

engineering
management


editorial
Success and Luck; Expressly for Managers

going soft
Good engineers don't necessarily make good managers. But fear not—You can learn to lead.

a decade down the line
ASME gets a major organizational makeover to face the world 10 years from now.

a certifiable manager
An ASME program, expected to begin next year, addresses the particular needs of engineering managers.

cell manufacturing
The hard part is to get the people in step with the program.

tools for all jobs
Technology must suit the business, especially if you have to be light on your feet.

the biggest customer
A standing contract can set up an engineering firm as a supplier to the federal government.



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© 2004 by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers