Re: How do I build a career in engineering (hardware design) ??

Apologies if this appears twice - posting problems.


I'm in need of a little moral input :)

This thread is as good as any to ask in and I don't exactly
want to parade this issue by starting a new thread.

You may recall a post I made a few days ago in this thread:

Quote
As an aside; whilst this thread has been in progress and
I have been arguing that quality systems are very overrated
I have discovered that a (electronic) product I own whose
sole function is that of life saving in dire situations and is
designed and manufactured by a company who proudly
proclaim ISO9002 and a TQM Programme, and said
product has been in production for at least five years,
has a major design flaw which could easily render it
useless on that single occasion it may be required to
perform it's task. Looks like a quality system didn't work
in this case. I'll provide full details at a later date.
End quote

I have had discussions with the company concerned at
very senior management level and their attitude is that
whilst they are aware of the problem they do not consider
it likely to occur [often?] in reality. Also they consider their
set of do's and don'ts instructions covers it anyway. Whilst
I agree they do mention the point it is only in passing and
I don't believe anyone (including me and I'm a technical
type) would recognise how sensitive the device is to this
issue. Sorry to be obscure - if anyone want details please
e-mail me.

I want the company to make clear in their documentation
how big an issue this is and also to take out some
advertisements in relevant magazines etc alerting existing
users to this issue. They have agreed to the former (but
watered down) but will not do the latter.

Question:
Should I go the media with this issue given all the implications
of that action? My feeling is to do so but I would appreciate
input from others.

Mike Harding

PS. My e-mail address has a spam block