The economics of mathematical engineering
Engineers observe some rudimentary principles of economics, usually without knowing their names. As indicated above, there is specialization and a division of labor: proofs are left to the mathematicians and programming of analysis software to the programmers. Cost avoidance is another. Math is costly-car crash analyses, while generally much cheaper than actual crash tests, still require expensive talent and industrial-strength computers. Project managers try to minimize analysis costs and to calm the passions of analysts who may have fallen in love with their models and want to do "just one more run." And thirdly, projects have firm and objective goals. Even in government-funded engineering projects where market discipline is absent, Paradoxically, economists seem attached to economic principles than engineers.