Multi-disciplinary experiences

Despite the impracticality of the subject and the indifference of university officials toward it, American scientists made fundamental contributions to geochemistry in the early twentieth century. This paper seeks to determine why. The answer, I maintain, is not to be found in institutional arrangements or in market forces, but rather in the multiplicity of intellectual traditions represented in the United States, in the openness of the American scientific community to cross-disciplinary intellectual exchange, and in the willingness of American scientists to undertake experiments in multi-disciplinary collaboration. 

In spite of the strong economic importance of friction and wear and the resulting scientific effort, our understanding of the fundamental processes is still rudimentary. This results from the complexity of these topics. In addition, this complexity demands a multi-disciplinary approach to tribology. In recent years the development of new experimental methods such as the surface forces apparatus, the atomic force microscope, and the quartz microbalance made it possible to study friction and lubrication at the molecular scale. However, this new wealth of information does not alter the fact, that there are no fundamental equations to describe wear or calculate friction coefficients. Engineers still have to rely largely on their empirical knowledge and their extensive experience. 

With a PhD and relevant post-doctoral experience, ideal candidates for these positions will have excellent practical skills and a broad-based knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry. Creative ability in planning and executing assignments in a multi-disciplinary environment is essential. An ability to work in teams as well as good written and oral communication skills are also important attributes. 

A HAZOP Study Team is best when it is a multi-disciplinary group formed to bring a broader base of experience to the review. A HAZOP may not be suitable for the small modification of a few extra valves or a new run of pipe, but it is desirable for the mediumsized and larger modifications. 

Our multi-disciplinary team of cmporate responsibility and assurance specialists possesses the requisite skills and experience within financial and non-financial assurance, corporate responsibility strategy and management [...] ... 

Borrego and Newswander (2008 124) use the term "cross-disciplinary collaborations which can manifest either in (1) multidisciplinary approaches or (2) truly interdisciplinary approaches. They describe multi-disciplinary collaboration as an experience where die joint work on a common problem leaves the parties involved unchanged whereas interdisciplinary collaboration interact in ways that may later on even result in new fields or disciplines. The authors also point out that mutual engagement and learning are important elements of integrative approaches that enhance successful collaborations across disciplines. Davis (1995) stresses that "truly interdisciplinary courses can help develop comprehensive perspectives (cf op.cit, 125, quoting Lattuca et al. 2004). 

Joan Kariuki Kungu is a research fellow at the African Centre for Technology studies. She has over eight years experience in multi-disciplinary research on environment, natural resources and sustainable development. She holds an MA in Development Studies with specialty in Environment for Development from the University of Nairobi, and a BSc in Environmental Science from Kenyatta University. She has particular interest in policy research for sustainable management of natural resources. She coordinated the Kenyan team s research on industrial productivity and health sector performance. 

Experience aspects These are more global than customarily dealt with by any discipline. Such aspects may also involve inter-, multi-, trans-, and anti-disciplinary consideration of what is right and good (ethics), knowledge (epistemology), and the structure of reality (metaphysics),... 

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