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Towards a New Philosophy of Engineering

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Towards a New Philosophy of Engineering Chapter 7 – Case Study : Sydney’s Water System… Chapter 7 : Case Study – Sydney’s Water System 7.1 Introduction The purpose of the case study is to consider and test three key propositions of this thesis in the context of a real problem situation. First is to demonstrate that the problem typology described in Chapter 3, regarding the Type 3 problem, can be identified and, importantly, that there is value in recognising this type of problem. Second is to demonstrate the benefit of using the problem-structuring approach developed in Chapter 6, through its practical application to a real Type 3 problem. In this case the problem is consideration of the planning process for the development of the water supply system in a large metropolis (the metropolis being Sydney, Australia). And third is to compare this novel approach with established methodologies used in major planning initiatives to determine whether the problem-structuring approach developed here provides any clearly identifiable advantages over existing approaches. If so, the aim is then to propose a more comprehensive, effective approach to the process of major infrastructure planning. In order to achieve these three aims, the case study is presented in two distinct parts: first, is the application of the problem-structuring approach prospectively in order to guide the planning process; and second, is to use the problem-structuring approach retrospectively to critique alternative approaches. 7.2 Case Study structure Part A is a prospective application of the problem-structuring approach in its entirety. This part of the case study was based on a project managed by the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering at the University of Sydney. The project focuses on options for developing the water system for the metropolis of Sydney, Australia. Both the system (the greater metropolis of Sydney) and the relevant subsystem (the metropolitan water system) were defined. The boundaries of the system were examined and tested using a boundary critique process. Once the system definition was completed, a comprehensive (but preliminary) narrative was prepared to give the reader the background to the problem situation and, importantly, to develop the argument that the problem in question is, indeed, a Type 3 problem. A qualitative, multidimensional system model was prepared, using the trilemma systems mapping approach developed in Chapter 6. Then, 251 Chapter 7 – Case Study : Sydney’s Water System… the response of the model to a plausible, hypothetical disturbance was explored. Critique of the system model was carried out by a large group of participants, representative of the entire domain of interests. A number of narratives was prepared, reflecting different perspectives and worldviews of the domain interests. Part A is intended to address the first two propositions noted above: namely, to establish that the Type 3 problem typology exists and to demonstrate practical application of the problem-structuring approach by developing a system model for the Type 3 problem as a starting point for formalised (and accepted) decision analysis techniques. Part B achieves the third aim of the case study in comparing this approach with established methodologies. In addition, it demonstrates a further important application of the approach. Having developed a robust system model of the problem, this was used retrospectively to critique other established approaches to strategic planning. In this case, the system model developed in Part A was used to critically examine a major planning exercise, which was undertaken by the New South Wales (NSW) State Government to plan urban and major infrastructure development. The outcome of this examination confirmed the extensive criticism in the media, in Parliamentary debate, and by the NSW Ombudsman of the approach taken by the government. 7.3 Case Study: Part A – The Sydney Metropolitan Water System Analysis 7.3.1 The Warren Centre “Metropolitan Water Options” project 7.3.1.1 Project Background In September 2004, a panel discussion was presented at the Engineering Leadership 2004 conference in Sydney, in which the author participated. The subject of this discussion was the leadership role of engineers in identifying good solutions to the very complex socio-economic-technical problems which confront modern society. The challenges relating to a sustainable water supply for metropolitan Sydney was used as an example. One conclusion reached from the case study and panel discussion was that it is no longer enough for engineers simply to practise their discipline; rather they need to engage with the problem in a broader sense: as citizens. This conclusion led the author to reflect upon whether a new set of philosophical principles for engineering practice would be required to enable such a change to be affected. 252 Chapter 7 – Case Study : Sydney’s Water System… After the conference, the author convened a meeting of representatives of three institutions, the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering at the University of Sydney, Engineers Australia (EA), and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE). The purpose of this meeting was to determine whether there was interest in establishing a project with two aims: first, to engage the broader community on the complexities of Sydney’s water system; and, second, to provide a white paper which might be used by various groups as a reference for policy-making. After several meetings, the Warren Centre agreed to manage the project within its portfolio, and EA, and ATSE agreed to provide in-kind support for the project. Later, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW also formally became a supporter of the project. 7.3.1.2 Project Vision The vision for the project was to engage a diverse, representative group of citizens from the Sydney community, with both interest and expertise in issues relating to Sydney’s water system, and a desire to communicate with a broader Sydney community. The main focus of the project would be to develop a methodology which would facilitate engagement of a very diverse group of interests and to prepare a comprehensive set of documents as a means of informing the broader community. It was envisioned that this would culminate in a forum, open to the general public, at which this material would be criticised and debated. More precisely, the project had three aims: 1. Using metropolitan Sydney as a detailed case study, make specific but wide- ranging recommendations to resolve the current problems with the water system; 2. Develop a methodology that can be applied to any metropolitan water system; and 3. Explore ways in which highly complex, infrastructure problems, such as water, energy, resource development, etc might be approached generally. The outcome of the entire process would be summarised in a report which would be submitted the NSW State government, with the expectation that this would influence policy development. The steering committee, co-chaired by a director of the Warren Centre and by the author, agreed that the project would be approached in two stages. The first stage would be to assemble a group of volunteers to work on the project and, concurrently, to seek 253 Chapter 7 – Case Study : Sydney’s Water System… funding from the Federal and State governments, corporations, industry associations, and not-for-profit organisations. This group would structure the problem in order to define the major issues, to engage with a wide representation from the domain of interests, and to prepare an initial system model to be used in wider community engagement. The second stage would be widespread community consultation, culminating in the public conference. The case study presented here covers the initial, problem-structuring stage of the project; that is up to the conclusion of Stage 1. 7.3.2 Using the problem-structuring approach as the basis for project engagement In this part of the case study, the problem-structuring approach will be demonstrated in its application as the basis for the Warren Centre project methodology. As noted above, this project tackled the challenge facing the metropolis of Sydney, Australia, in developing a sustainable water system. Considered here are the catchment (including technologies such as desalination), storage, distribution, demand management, sewerage, stormwater drainage, effluent management, recycling and water-borne waste disposal. The general problem-structuring approach is represented diagrammatically in Figure 7.1 and a step-by-step description of the process appears in Appendix 7.1. 7.3.3 Initial problem statement The problem is stated as follows: “The challenge of providing a sustainable water system for the metropolis of Sydney”. 254 Chapter 7 – Case Study : Sydney’s Water System… Problem-Structuring Approach Proposition of problem system System/sub-system definition and boundary critique Background narrative to establish/confirm problem typology Trilemma analysis and multidimensional cognitive mapping of the “As Is” system Scope of Case "As-Is“ dimensional/system critique Study Qualitative evaluation Disturbance system response Dimensional/system critique of Dimensional/system critique of ”Most Likely” system response “Desirable Future” system response Worldview narratives Broad engagement with constituency of interests Figure 7.1 – The problem-structuring approach 7.3.4 Proposition of problem system 7.3.4.1 System/subsystem definition The system is defined as being the metropolitan area of Sydney, including its current
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