Which of the following is a primary purpose of an engineering portfolio?

The primary purpose of an engineering portfolio is to showcase skills and projects accomplished. Portfolios serve as a visual and documented representation of an engineer's work, demonstrating their practical abilities, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By including examples of completed projects, designs, and other relevant work, an engineering portfolio allows professionals to present their experience and competencies to potential employers or clients. This tangible evidence of skills is crucial in the engineering field, where hands-on applications and successful project outcomes are highly valued.

The other choices do not capture the essence of what an engineering portfolio aims to achieve. For instance, serving as a financial record is not relevant to the showcasing of skills and competencies. Documenting failure cases only limits the narrative to setbacks without highlighting successful outcomes, which is essential for demonstrating growth and learning. Finally, focusing solely on theoretical knowledge does not provide the practical perspective that employers seek in engineering roles. A well-rounded portfolio integrates both theoretical understanding and practical application, which is vital for showcasing an engineer's overall capabilities.