Civil Engineering Terminology

It is Said: An extensive report is being prepared on a fresh approach to the problem.
It Means: We just hired three guys... We'll let them kick it around for a while.

Said: A number of different approaches are being tried.
Means: We don't know where we're going, but we're moving.

Said: Developed after years of intensive research.
Means: It was discovered by accident.

Said: Modifications are underway to correct certain minor difficulties.
Means: We threw the whole thing out and are starting from scratch.

Said: Preliminary operational tests were inconclusive.
Means: The darn thing blew up when we threw the switch.

Said: Test results were extremely gratifying.
Means: It works, and boy are we surprised !

Said: The design will be finalized in the next reporting period.
Means: We haven't started this job yet, but we've got to say something.

Said: The entire concept is unworkable.
Means: The only guy who understood the thing just quit.

Said: We need close project coordination.
Means: We should have asked someone else.
Alternate: Let's spread the responsibility for this.