Introduction
Engineering activities are increasingly important in the business world, not just in terms of the products and services they create, but also their impact on markets, societies, and the environment. They are key to the development of new technologies and the improvement of existing ones. Engineering activities, such as very light jets (VLJs), can be significantly impacted by the business environment, with both positive and negative repercussions for society and the environment, for which engineers must take responsibility to mitigate.
Engineering Market Supply & Demand
The business environment can significantly impact the market for engineering activities. Shifts can significantly impact a business’s market position regarding regulations and legal requirements. For example, in the VLJ market, regulations such as the FAA’s Part 23 certification process have significantly impacted the supply and demand of VLJ aircraft (Wittmer et al., 2021). The certification process has created a barrier to entry for many companies interested in entering the market, driving up the cost of production and thus making it more difficult for companies to compete and for customers to purchase VLJs.
Another way the business environment can affect the market for engineering activities is through the availability of resources. The availability of resources, such as capital, labor, and materials, can directly influence the production and sales of engineering services. A case in point is the availability of financing for purchasing VLJs, which can directly impact demand for the aircraft (Wittmer et al., 2021). If funding is unavailable or too expensive, customers may be unable to purchase VLJs, potentially leading to a decline in the market for such aircraft.
Engineering Impact and Responsibility
The very light jet (VLJ) has had a profoundly positive impact on society in terms of transportation. The VLJ can travel faster than traditional planes, resulting in shorter travel times. It also has a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional planes, as it uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions (Gołębiewski et al., 2022). This has made it a more sustainable mode of transportation, benefiting both people and the environment.
The VLJ, while offering many advantages, also has certain drawbacks. It produces significantly more noise than regular planes, which can disturb those living in areas of frequent air traffic (Gołębiewski et al., 2022). Furthermore, the VLJ’s safety is not as good as its more established counterparts, and several crashes and malfunctions have been reported. Finally, its fuel efficiency is inferior to that of other forms of transportation, such as trains and buses, resulting in higher emissions.
Engineers are responsible for engineering performance. They must guarantee that their designs are secure, functional, and eco-friendly (Gołębiewski et al., 2022). Additionally, they must ensure that their work does not damage people or the environment. Moreover, they should be mindful of the impact of their designs on society and the environment and take action to mitigate any adverse effects.
Conclusion
Overall, the business environment of engineering activities has a direct impact on the market’s supply and demand, and the impact of a VLJ on society and the environment is considerable. Engineers must take responsibility for their performance and ensure their designs are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly. By doing so, engineers can contribute to a more sustainable future.
References
Gołębiewski, M., Galant-Gołębiewska, M., & Jasiński, R. (2022). Flight simulator’s energy consumption depending on the conditions of the air operation. Energies, 15(2), 580. Web.
Wittmer, A., Muller, R., & Bieger, T. (2021). Aviation systems: Management of the integrated aviation value chain. Springer International Publishing.