Planning challenges

These waste materials, termed secondary wastes, pose a significant planning challenge in regard to considerations such as the operational parameters that process equipment must satisfy, the storage capacity needed for the materials, and whether offsite disposal is advisable. These considerations in turn affect how long and in what manner the facility will need to be operated, including the amount of time needed for closure. 

An important concern to chemists is synthesis the challenge of preparing a particular compound m an economical way with confidence that the method chosen will lead to the desired structure In this section we will introduce the topic of synthesis emphasiz mg the need for systematic planning to decide what is the best sequence of steps to con vert a specified sfarfmg mafenal fo a desired producf (fhe target molecule)... 

New product development programs present another type of challenge to the researcher. Often the researcher has no guidelines for evaluating the new product and must formulate a unique plan for developiag enough iaformation to constmct a matrix that would show the risks and rewards of the project. Reference 6 presents 10 commandments for new-product development. 

If you have conducted adequate research prior to authoring the plan, this section will not provide an insurmountable challenge. However, if the required information is not readily available or not understood, the information should reflect what you have found. 

If you decide on a formal presentation, consider having the full PSM team participate. Similarly, written communications concerning the plan (if, for example, it is broadly distributed for comment) should originate with the team. This will not only acknowledge their contribution but will also tangibly demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of the challenge you have undertaken. 

The recent rise in the use of expolosives in terrorist activity poses new challenges to industry and law enforcement. This challenge is being met by the use of sophisticated chemical detection devices to screen for bombs and more rigorous explosive inventory safeguards and controls. Plans have also been proposed to tag explosives with isotopes to make them easier to trace if misused. 

Chemical engineering faculty need to consider these challenges in planning for tomorrow s more broadly based curriculum. 

Finally, the diagnostic instrument may be administered before commencing a particular topic in order to gauge students prior rmderstanding of the associated concepts. At the same time, the use of the instrument as a formative assessment tool will enable the teacher to take appropriate measttres to challenge ary students conceptions that may become evident dttring the lesson or plan for remediation with small groups of students that experience difficulties. 

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