Engineering Management Defined

Engineering Defined

• It is a profession applying mathematical and natural science knowledge gained through study, experience, and practice.
• The purpose is to develop ways to utilize materials and natural forces economically for the benefit of mankind with judgement.
• An engineer applies mathematical and scientific knowledge for mankind.

Management Defined

• It encompasses activities like planning, decision-making, organizing, leading, and controlling.
• These activities are directed at an organization's human, financial, physical, and informational resources.
• The aim is to achieve organizational goals efficiently and effectively.
• It involves directing actions to achieve a goal efficiently and achieving goals through people and resources.
• Management blends specialized knowledge, art, and science, and doesn't always require formal education.

Engineering Management Defined

• It involves direct supervision of engineers and management functions in a technological organization.
• An engineering manager possesses engineering principles, skills, and abilities to organize and direct people/projects.
• Aims at making engineers more effective technically: understanding managerial viewpoints, coordinating teams, and adding value.
• Aims at preparing engineers for managerial roles: managerial functions, success factors, leadership, business perspectives.

Management Origins

• 3000 BC: Sumerians used written rules for governance.
• 2500 BC: Egyptians used management practices to build pyramids.
• 2000 BC: Babylonians had laws and policies for governance.
• 1500 BC: Chinese used governing systems for cities and states.
• 1000 BC: Greeks.
• 500 BC: Romans used organizational structure for communication and control.
• AD 500: Organizational structure for government and arts.
• AD 1000: Venetians had organization design and planning concepts to control seas.

Management Process Elements

• Planning: Setting goals and figuring out how to achieve them.
• Decision Making: Choosing a course of action from available options.
• Organizing: Arranging activities and resources logically.
• Leading: Getting people to work together for the organization's interests.
• Controlling: Monitoring progress and acting correctively when needed.

Engineering Management Field

• Engineers need to know what is expected of them and how to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.
• Engineers are typically not trained to deal with people and often require development of people-based skills.

Historical Engineering Achievements

• 6000-3000 BC: Stone bladed axe.
• 3000-600 BC: Egyptian pyramids.
• 600 BC - 400 AD: Roman roadbuilding.
• 100-1600 AD: Chinese production of paper and gunpowder.
• Production of the steam engine.
• 1601-1799 AD: Spinning and weaving machinery.
• The manufacture of cars.

Premises for Engineers

• To produce more food for a fast-growing population.
• Solutions include new crop strains, sea farming, genetically modified food, better distribution, improved techniques, enriched foods, pest control, and more land cultivation.
• To supply the increasing demand for energy.
• Factors increasing energy demand include population growth and advances in technology.
• Global energy use is approximately 220 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, with North America and Europe as the largest consumers.
• Energy solutions include renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
• Solid waste disposal and materials recycling.
• The reduction of noise in various forms.
• Eliminating air and water pollution.
• Supplying the need for mobility.
• Preventing and solving crimes.
• Meeting the increasing demand for communication.

Engineering Functions

• Research: Learning and codifying knowledge about nature into theories.
• Design and development: Turning a product concept into a product, improvement of designs in product development.
• Testing: Checking if new products/parts are workable.
• Manufacturing: Overseeing production and being responsible for the product.
• Construction: For construction engineers, being in charge of construction staff and the build quality.
• Sales: Helping customers with technical needs.
• Consulting: Advising individuals/organizations.
• Government: Performing tasks in regulating and monitoring institutions.
• Teaching: Teaching courses; can include becoming deans/presidents.
• Management: Managing groups of people.

Engineer's Place in Organizations

• Level One: First-line managers (foremen/supervisors)
• Level Two: Middle managers (chief engineers/division heads)
• Level Three: Top-level management (presidents/executive vice presidents)

Manager Types and Responsibilities

• First-Line Managers: Directly supervise non-managers, carry out objectives, plan short-term, assign tasks.
• Middle Management: Works via other managers, plans for intermediate range, establishes policies, coordinates supervision toward long-range enterprise goals.
• Top Management: Define organizational character, mission, objectives, review long range plans, evaluate department performance, and assesses readiness for executive positions.