Title: A short course on modelling engineering systems using spreadsheets

Authors: David Cress, James Murtha

Addresses: Associate Professor, Dept. of Petroleum Engineering, Marietta College, Marietta, OH 45750-3031, USA. ' Professor, Dept. of Petroleum Engineering, Marietta College, Marietta, OH 45750-3031, USA

Abstract: The authors describe a continuing education workshop for engineers and scientists, offered in variants lasting from one to three days. Participants use commercial spreadsheet programs to model simple engineering systems, solving a variety of generic problems that should transfer readily between the branches of science and engineering. The popularity of the workshops stems from the participants| recognition of the utility of spreadsheets as a tool for engineers. The object-oriented nature of spreadsheets encourages a structured approach to problem solving. The data-flow structure of the programs helps users to take a close look at the variables involved in problems or models, even while they are building them.

Keywords: microcomputer modelling; microcomputer applications; spreadsheet applications; numerical techniques; workshops; short courses; engineering systems; continuing education; continuing engineering education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.1991.030358

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 1991 Vol.1 No.2, pp.180 - 189

Published online: 15 Dec 2009 *

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