The role of computer networks in aerospace engineering - Libraries and the Internet: Education, Practice & Policy

Finally, engineers also use computer networks for a variety of communication purposes (Beckert, 1990; Borchardt, 1990; DeMeyer, 1991; Stevens, 1987; Perry, 1992). For instance, they can exploit computer-based message systems to call on the expertise, ideas, and advice of other members of their community and to locate resources. Electronic mail and various computer conferencing applications are also used to schedule and coordinate work or even conduct meetings, since they can be used to contact project team members, managers, people in other departments or divisions, and consultants in outside organizations. Electronic mail and bulletin boards are sometimes used to facilitate communication with customers and funders as well.

There is a growing body of empirical research that examines the characteristics, use, and effects of computer-mediated communication (Bikson & Eveland, 1990; Hiltz, 1988; Rice, 1980; Steinfield, 1986a, 1986b; Sproull & Kiesler, 1991). Few studies attempt to describe these variables in terms of particular kinds of work, except by comparing broad job categories--for example, managers, professionals, and clerical workers (Rice & Shook, 1990). With the recent proliferation of electronic networks, a number of empirical efforts dedicated to exploring the use of electronic networks for communication by scientists and engineers have been undertaken (Bizot et al., 1991; Eveland & Bikson, 1987; Feldman, 1987; Gerola & Gomory, 1984; Hesse et al., 1993; Hiltz, 1984; McClure et al., 1991; Schatz, 1992; Sproull & Kiesler, 1986; Foulger, 1990). There seems to be agreement that electronic communication is used for administrative, technical, and social purposes. Much of this work seems compatible with findings about the nature of engineering communication and its relationship to engineering work and productivity, although virtually no studies have dealt exclusively or extensively with engineers. The capabilities and characteristics of electronic communication, in other words, seem to "match," to some extent, the nature and requirements of engineering work, knowledge, and communication. But new questions and issues have been raised and a number of conflicting findings have been presented. All in all, very little is known about the characteristics, use, and impact of electronic communication from the engineer's point of view.

The aerospace industry possesses a number of characteristics that make it a natural environment for the implementation of electronic networks. It is a high technology industry, already highly computerized. It involves significant R&D, which is an especially communication-intensive activity. Further, its end products are highly complex, calling for a great deal of work task coordination and the integration of information created by diverse people. In describing the business and technology strategy in place at British Aerospace, Hall (1990) emphasized the need for increased computing and communications capabilities in aerospace firms aiming to design, develop, make, and market complex systems while maintaining a technical competitive edge and reducing unit costs. He noted that a number of typical information technology opportunities were particularly relevant to the aerospace industry, such as "improved productivity, better competitive edge, reduced timescales, closer collaboration, more streamlined management, better commonality of standards across sites, more operational flexibility, [and] constructive change of workforce skill levels..." (pp. 16-30).