This document discusses engineering economics and rational decision making. It introduces engineering economics as a way for engineers to properly formulate, estimate, and evaluate the economic outcomes of alternatives when making decisions on projects with limited capital funds. Rational decision making is explained as a nine step process that involves recognizing problems, defining goals, identifying alternatives, selecting criteria, modeling outcomes, and choosing the best alternative. The document recommends the 9th or 10th edition of the textbook "Engineering Economic Analysis" by Donald G. Newman, Ted G. Eschenbash, and Jerome P. Lavella as a resource to understand these economic concepts important for engineers.