Introduction
The discourse analysis of the Journal of Engineering and Technology Management is the utilization of theoretical and practical aspects of engineering to produce high quality and innovative products. As an international journal that acts as a database for many engineers and engineering students across the world, articles published in the journal are expected to demonstrate a high level of innovation and relevance to several engineering fields. It is important to note that research journals should adopt and implement the best approaches to communicating ideas in respective disciplines. This paper discusses the similarities and differences among the articles in the journal. In addition, the essay focuses on the use of rhetoric and other aspects aimed at communicating engineering-based information to readers. Five articles are considered in this essay.
Analysis
In the first article (Thamir, Atiyah & Ali, 2013), the authors aimed at preparing alloys of copper and aluminium using the principle of slow precipitation with respect to aging. The results of the study could be used during importing or exporting of materials made of copper and aluminium metals with the aim of determining their attributes. The effect of cd-additions was tested by subjecting the metal alloys to the natural conditions of aging. It was established that the amount of cd-additions correlated positively with aging kinetics. In the second article (Hasan & Salih, 2013), the concept of cogeneration for improving the efficiency of energy use is considered.
Essentially, the study was conducted on the premises of a theoretical concept of back-pressure in turbines aimed at producing energy for various applications. In order to determine the efficiency of turbines, steam pressure was regulated through the use of MathCad software. First and second laws of energy efficiency were applied in the study to assess the effectiveness of cogeneration, fuel expenditure and thermodynamic losses. The study authors concluded that the adoption of the suggested approach was key to realizing high levels of energy efficiency in turbines.
The third article (Al-Saffar, Al-Hassani & Hussein, 2013) reports a study that aimed at preparing Ni-Ti samples using the concept of powder metallurgy. Different pressures and amounts of metal components were used. Porosity was assessed in the metal alloy samples using the scanning microscopy, whose photos indicated that the majority of samples contained a significant level of porosity. In fact, the study authors asserted that porosity could negatively impact microhardness of the prepared metal alloy samples. However, it was concluded that the best values of microhardness were recorded in samples that were produced with about 5% of Ta metal component. Thus, the study was important in increasing the knowledge about the best approaches to producing high quality metal alloys.
In the fourth article (Al-Azzawi, Al-Saoudi & Rahil, 2013), the use if base and sub-base layers are discussed with regard to sharing mechanical stresses in pavements. In order for the two types of layers to offer sufficient support, they must be constructed using compaction approaches, which should significantly increase the degree of compaction. The study authors confirmed that a circular model footing could be utilized to achieve high density layers of pavements.
In the fifth article (Hashoosh, Al-Khazraji & Moosa, 2013), a two-step anodinization approach to producing aluminium foil was addressed. The goal of the approach was to produce a high quality foil that could be applied in both industrial and domestic settings. The study determined the best plating method and measurements for yielding high quality porous anodic alumina (PAA) products in industrial settings.
It is worth to note that the five articles are characterized by identical structures and voice, which are aimed at ensuring that the right information is communicated. The research articles are used as reports of scientific findings. The studies were designed and conducted by groups of researchers. All the articles contain clear study backgrounds, aims, study designs, methods, analyses, results, discussions, and conclusions. The study authors use the introduction of the study articles to introduce engineering concepts and terms.
For example, Thamir and colleagues (2013) introduced the aspects of hardening, precipitation and retardation in the introduction part of their report. In order to ensure that they followed the standard procedures, all the reports analyzed in this paper adopted the appropriate protocols to conduct research. The protocols are important in guiding researchers with regard to data collection, analyses and presentation, among others. It is important to note the general voice that is dominant in the five research reports. In fact, it is apparent that all the study authors have adopted formal voice, which is presented in a third person point of view that is internationally accepted as the best approach to expressing scientific ideas. For example, “Present work results can be utilized during the importing or exporting of such alloys at solution treatment conditions” (Thamir, 2013, p. 2998).
Through such an approach, other scientists can comment on the works done by other researchers. By expressing scientific findings from a first person point of view, a research could be critiqued on the premises of giving personal views, which could be inclined toward one part of a study. In the discourse of the Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, all articles should conform to the rules of voice and structure with regard to scientific writing.
In order to provide readers with information about authors, the articles contain information about researchers’ names, educational levels and the universities in which they teach and conduct research. Conflict of interest is an issue in research. However, at the end of all the articles, there is a column dedicated to providing the roles of each study author in respective studies. In addition, researchers indicate that they do not have competing interests in the study findings.
The reports have utilized clear tables, charts, figures and pictures to present both raw data and results. The pictorial presentations are excellent ways of increasing visibility of data and improving the attention of readers.
Rhetoric appeal is consistent in the five articles analyzed in this essay. Most importantly, the reports make use of logos that are supported by logic, data, figures and quotes. All these are aimed at persuading the audience. Logos are present in all the reports. For example, “the average interpore distance of (PAA) prepared was found to be (99) nm. The thickness of (PAA) was found to be (59.5) μm” (Hashoosh et al., 2013, p. 3065).
It appears that the Journal of Engineering and Technology Management can only accept manuscripts for publishing on the grounds that they adhere to the standard structure, themes, voice and rhetoric with regard to study topics. In addition, manuscripts must have relevant data to support conclusions with regard to engineering innovations, theoretical and practical perspectives.
Conclusion
The Journal of Engineering and Technology Management adopts standard conventions that are aimed at ensuring a high level of uniformity with regard to scientific reporting with regard to engineering. The content in the five reports analyzed in this paper is innovative and appropriate for engineers and engineering students in diverse engineering fields. The argument that the journal adopts a uniform platform of scientific writing and presentation is supported by the presence of the same conventions throughout the discourse.
References
Al-Azzawi, O. A., Al-Saoudi, N. K., & Rahil, F. H. (2013). Deformation Characteristics of Base and Subbase Layers under Monotonic & Cyclic Loading, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 31(19), 3052-3060. Web.
Al-Saffar, S. M., Al-Hassani, E. S., & Hussein, R. A. (2013). Characterization of Niti Super Elasticity Shape Memory Alloys, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 31(18), 3035-3051. Web.
Hasan, M. R., & Salih, M. J. (2013). Modeling and Simulation of the Cogeneration Plant Equipped with Back-Pressure Turbine Operates at Various Control Programs of Exit Steam Temperature, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 31(17), 3007-3034. Web.
Hashoosh, A. A., Al-Khazraji, K. K., & Moosa, A. A. (2013). Preparation and Characterization of Porous Anodic Alumina membrane, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 31(20), 3061-3066. Web.
Thamir, A. D., Atiyah, A. A., & Ali, S. (2013). Retarding of Precipitation Hardening of Al-Cu Alloy by Cadimium Addition, Journal of Engineering and Technology Management, 31(16), 2997-3006. Web.