| ATTRIBUTE | Complex Engineering Problems have characteristic WP1 and some or all of WP2 to WP7 |
| Depth of Knowledge Required | WP1: Can’t be resolved without in-depth engineering knowledge at the level of one or more of WK3, WK4, WK5, WK6 or WK8 which allows a fundamentals-based, first principles analytical approach |
| Range of Conflicting Requirements | WP2: Involve wide-ranging or conflicting technical, engineering and other issues |
| Depth of Analysis Required | WP3: Have no obvious solution and require abstract thinking, originality in analysis to formulate suitable models |
| Familiarity of Issues | WP4: Involve infrequently encountered issues |
| Extent of Applicable Codes | WP5: Are outside problems encompassed by standards and codes of practice for professional engineering |
| Extent of Stakeholder Involvement and Conflicting Requirements | WP6: Involve diverse groups of stakeholders with widely varying needs |
| Interdependence | WP 7: Are high level problems including many component parts or sub-problems |
| In addition, in the context of the Professional Competencies |
| Consequences | EP1: Have significant consequences in a range of contexts |
| Judgement | EP2: Require judgement in decision making. |