Inside Front Matter

The philosophy is to provide a series of complementary texts which can be tailored to the actual courses being run – allowing the flexibility for course designers to take into account ‘local’ issues, such as areas of particular staff expertise and interest, while being able to demonstrate the depth and breadth of course material referenced to a framework. The series is designed to cover material in the core texts which approximately corresponds to the first year of study with module texts focusing on individual topics to second and final year level. While the general structure of each of the texts is common, the styles are quite different, reflecting best practice in their areas. For example Mechanical Engineering Systems adopts a ‘tell – show – do’ approach, allowing students to work independently as well as in class, whereas Business Skills for Engineers and Technologists adopts a ‘framework’ approach, setting the context and boundaries and providing opportunities for discussion.

Another set of factors which we have taken into account in designing this series is the reduction in contact hours between staff and students, the evolving responsibilities of both parties and the way in which advances in technology are changing the way study can be, and is, undertaken. As a result, the lecturers’ support material which accompanies these texts, is paramount to delivering maximum benefit to the student.

It is with these thoughts of Voltaire that I leave the reader to embark on the rigours of study:

‘Work banishes those three great evils: boredom, vice and poverty.’

Further information on the IIE Textbook Series is available from

[email protected]

www.bh.com/iie

Please send book proposals to: [email protected]

Other titles currently available in the IIE Textbook Series