Philosophy

People!

The Idaho Engineering Works (IEW) exists because instructors at the University of Idaho believed that the design philosophy of the Lockheed Skunk Works could be applied to a senior level design course. The Skunk Works was notorious for creating unique, innovative and awe inspiring designs that propelled the aerospace industry in wonderful new directions by doing what no one had done before. Examples of the Skunk Works creative ability can be seen in the SR-71 Blackbird, the F-117a Stealth Fighter, and several other impressive aircraft. You might ask what made the group of people so productive and innovative? The answer is a philosophy based on people helping, teaching , mentoring and guiding people.

Much like the Lockheed Skunk Works, the IEW is founded on this same philosophy. Every senior in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Idaho is required to take a two-semester long course in design. The seniors are gathered into instructor-selected groups of three or four and given an industry-sponsored project to work on. The projects involve customer relations, teamwork, idea generation, original design, manufacturing, shop experience, and presentation skills. Through the two semesters graduate mentors aid the students in their missions. A mentor is assigned to each group, and given the responsibility of helping that group through the senior design experience. The mentors bring rich experience to the projects, often having experienced the same senior design course in the past. To maintain a successful group dynamic the IEW mentors must make the senior design experience enjoyable, and foster a sense of responsibility in the seniors so that they may become the next generation of IEW members.

The philosophy of the IEW is fundamentally based on the people involved in it. IEW membership is not solely limited to the mentors involved with senior design. Instructors and seniors are also involved with this group to bring a sense of wholeness to the organization. IEW is constantly adapting to changing needs. All of the members come together to provide input and modify the structure within the IEW to serve the seniors, mentors, instructors, and college environment. In the IEW everyone matters and everyone has a voice. The group is sustained by its unselfishness and its willingness to put others first. When talking with IEW members you will notice a general concern for the well being and productivity of those around them, rather than concern for themselves.

Aside from the their mentoring and instructing duties the members of the IEW are constantly working on projects, presentations, courses and the group improvement. During these activities the IEW members come together to help one another reach goals—attacking problems as a unified group, leaving no one out and concerned for all members. This group attitude provides a positive work environment. No group challenge is too overwhelming, not goal too hard to reach because the group works together towards resolution. Strength of the IEW is tremendous, due to the people involved and the differences that make them unique and skillful.

Philosophy statement by Nick Peck (4/2000)