Peer Review

Question 1

What are the 4 different review categories in the context of reviewing the work of another engineer?

Answer 1

• peer review
• design review/ technical review
• regulatory review
• the expert witness

Question 2

Purpose of the peer review:

Answer 2

Comment on:

• if work meets objectives
• other potential options
• if option evaluation is rigorous and fair
• validity of assumptions
• validity of conclusions
• process towards completion
• validity of recommendations
• the objectives set out for the work
• adherence to regulations
• fitness for purpose

Question 3

Benefits of peer review:

Answer 3

• more acceptable outcome for the client

- aid the design process and avoid problems

Question 4

Ethics of peer review

Answer 4

• abide by the code of ethics
• avoid usurping the role of the designer
• report on criteria and restrictions only
• respect intellectual property
• avoid using hindsight to comment

Question 5

The scope of peer review services include:

Answer 5

• review of completed work (no influence in development of work)
• project peer review (involved in the development of the work)
• competence peer review

Question 6

Who appoints a peer review?

Answer 6

Typically the client.

Question 7

Peer reviewer enters into a written contract with the client which should include:

Answer 7

• purpose
• objectives
• scope
• relevant documents
• lines of communication
• reporting schedule
• limit of the peer reviewers reliability
• who apart from client will use review and for what purpose

Question 8

Explain design review/ technical review

Answer 8

Review to check assumptions, design method, arithmetical accuracy and the conclusions.
Typcially undertaken in-house at defined stages of work.

Question 9

Explain the regulatory review

Answer 9

Review to assess whether the design complies with regulations, consent requirements and laws. It does not assess the design objectives, process, options, assumptions or method.
- no direct relationship between peer reviewer and designer.

Question 10

Explain the expert witness role:

Answer 10

The expert witness is a servant of the court and their advice must be unbiased, particularly towards the party paying for the witness’s preparation and attendance
Peer reviewer is asked by legal counsel to advise the court on specified aspects of work undertaken by another designer.
- no direct relationship between the expert witness and the designer

Question 11

Peer reviewers reported on 3 things in the group project. They were:

Answer 11

• strengths
• weaknesses
• priority action