Engineering Studies, Careers, and Transitions

Month: May 2017

Bob Ross – Report Mastermind

For those who may not have been around in the late 1980s/early 1990s, Bob Ross was the host of a TV show called The Joy of Painting. The wonder of his technique was that it would establish a basic framework on a canvas in a vague level of detail to start, and then by the end of the half hour show, he would have rapidly developed it to a finished painting. It made for relaxing viewing since Bob had a soothing voice and would usually choose tranquil landscapes.

Check out a few episodes

As well as being better for your soul than watching most modern news media, Bob’s show/technique has some applicability to what might seem to be a completely different sphere – that of technical reports. Let’s consider a few ways you can apply Bob Ross skills to an engineering practice.

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Factors in Considering Thesis Topics in Renewable Energy

MSc students at the Iceland School of Energy where I’ve taught often ask for suggestions about appropriate thesis topics. Sometimes we find challenges in research or industry that we stockpile and could in theory parcel out for purposes such as these. Yet instead of individual suggestions, let’s discuss an overall process to gather, winnow and select topics in a way best suited for the candidate.

This will make more sense later – thanks JLB

There are four general principles one can consider when choosing a topic that requires investment of months or years of effort, and will have a bearing on life later. These principles are:

  1. Motivation
  2. Specificity
  3. Fit
  4. Flexibility

Let’s discuss.

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