World of Engineering Management (ENGM 90014)

SUBJECT GUIDE
SEMESTER 1, 2016
INTRODUCTION
This subject examines the structure and basic building blocks of high performing organisations from a senior
management perspective and focuses on the role of engineers in building winning organisations. It covers
tools and techniques to conduct both an analysis of the external environment and the strategies to align the
appropriate internal skills and capabilities.
The subject includes:

The role of leadership in strategy formulation and its balance with execution;
Overcoming the barriers to implementation of strategic plans;
Business integration and managing technology; and
Entrepreneurship and innovation in modern business.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this subject the student is expected be able to:
1. Summarise the frameworks and concepts commonly used to analyse an organisations external
environment and to build the corresponding internal resources and capabilities
2. Appreciate the fundamental issues involved with integrating and coordinating activities in different
organisational structures
3. Articulate the leadership and management role of the engineer in technology based enterprises
4. Summarise the characteristics of long term high performing organisations
5. Present options for effective negotiation and conflict resolution
6. Understand how successful teams work and develop, or improve, team-work skills.
GENERIC SKILLS
This subject aims to have students:

Understand the nature of general management, the role of the leader in organisational development
and the dynamics that underpin effective leadership and how engineering can influence and be
influenced by these principles

Appreciate the importance of both technical and social issues including people management,
teamwork and negotiation and conflict resolution and their relevance in an engineering context
Articulate the roles and attributes of leadership and teams in negotiating change and how to work
effectively in a cross-functional team environment
Understand how functional management disciplines can be integrated into processes and projects in
organisations
Appreciate current ideas and models of change management and continuous improvement.

READINGS
1

World of Engineering Management

There is no required textbook for the subject. Required and supplemental readings are available on LMS.
TIME REQUIREMENTS
All 8 lectures and 4 tutorials are of 3 hour duration and run each week of the Semester. The course will start
on Wednesday, March 2 and will be taught at the University of Melbourne main campus. Each lecture
session will consist of a mix of lectures, class discussion and exercises. We will also split into smaller
groups for a major group simulation, discussions and case study analysis. In addition to the 36 hours of
classes, you should devote roughly twice this amount of time to reading, preparing for classes and
completing your individual and group assignments.
STUDYING THE SUBJECT
The following are some simple pointers to assist you with this course:
1. Much of the learning in this course will occur as a result of your active participation in exercises,
networking with colleagues and subsequent debriefing and discussion.
2. The weekly sessions are therefore an essential part of the learning process. Students are expected to
attend all sessions. In the case of unavoidable absence, students should inform the lecturer in
advance of the session to be missed.
3. Make sure you read the relevant articles/chapters each week and be prepared to be called upon to
discuss them.
4. In all your assignments, use the information provided during sessions. Apply the theories, reflect on
the required material, and critically discuss any issues that may arise.
Appropriate articles from the published literature will be provided as pre-reading. Some of the articles will
be used to support lecture material and provide additional perspectives for discussions and personal study.
Case studies will be used to reinforce learning and encourage class participation where appropriate
throughout the subject. These cases are about practical situations that engineering managers have to face and
deal with effectively. All material including slides, cases articles and syndicate presentations will be posted
on LMS at least one week prior to the Session. Remember to refer to the LMS prior to each weeks sessions
for any further instructions. Lecture capture is not available for this subject.
The topics to be covered in the twelve sessions of this one-semester course are listed below.

World of Engineering Management

SESSION PROGRAM
Lectures - Wednesdays 11 am to 2 pm/Room Location: Faculty of Business and Economics 205 (Theatre 3)
Tutorials - Stream 1 on Wednesdays 8 am to 11 am/Location: MBS Conference Centre (168 Leicester St)
- Stream 2 on Wednesdays 11 am to 2 pm/Location: MBS Conference Centre (168 Leicester St)

Date

Session

Topic

Lecturer

Wednesday March 2

Lecture: Introduction and Overview

High Performing Organisations

Graeme

Wednesday March 9

Lecture: Linking Strategy Formulation with

Execution, Organisational Structures

Graeme

Wednesday March 16

Wednesday March 23

Wednesday March 30

Non Teaching Period no classes

Wednesday April 6

5 (Stream 1)
5 (Stream 2)

Tutorial: Strategy Workshop and Cases

Wednesday April 13

Wednesday April 20

7 (Stream 1)
7 (Stream 2)

Wednesday April 27

8 (Stream 1)
8 (Stream 2)

Wednesday May 4

Lecture: Introduction to Strategy

Lecture: Key Strategy Frameworks

Lecture: Operations Management Processes

and Measuring Performance
Time Based Management
Intro to Simulation in Sessions 7 and 8
Tutorial: Simulation

Tutorial: Simulation (continued)

Lecture:
Key Messages
Managing Projects Platform Systems

Lecture: Entrepreneurship, Innovation and

Leadership
Group Assignment Reports Due May 11

Geeta
Geeta

Geeta

Graeme

Graeme

Graeme

Graeme

Wednesday May 11

10

Wednesday May 18

11

Lecture: Teamwork, Conflict Management

and Negotiation

Geeta

Wednesday May 25

12 (Stream 1)
12 (Stream 2)

Tutorial: Workshop and Cases on Weeks 10

and 11 Material.
Summary and Revision
Individual Assignments Due June 3

Geeta

Geeta

World of Engineering Management

Final Exam Date TBD Exam Period: Monday June 6 to Friday June 24 2016.
University Calendar Link: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/unisec/PDates/acadcale.html

ASSESSMENT
Type of Assessment
1 x Group Assignment (4,000 words equivalent)

1 x Individual Assignment of 2,000 words due

Session 12
Individual participation
Final exam

Handbook Details

Assessment %

Time commitment of
approximately 35-40 hours.
Intended Learning Outcomes 1 to 6
are addressed in the group
assignment.
Time commitment of
approximately 25-30 hours.
Intended Learning Outcomes 1 to 6
are addressed in the case analysis.
Attendance and participation
throughout semester

30%

3 hour exam; 15 minutes reading

40%

20%

10%

GROUP ASSIGNMENT (30%)

This assignment covers Sessions 7 and 8 of the program.
Working in a team is one of the key elements of this subjectas it is of many business situationsand as
the subject progresses you should notice a sharpening of your group problem-solving and management
skills. Note that a syndicates performance will depend not only on its ability to address the specifics of the
assignment but also on its ability to make independent decisions about any elements of the assignment not
specified in the instructions and to self-manage its own strengths and weaknesses as a team. The syndicate
team is an opportunity for you to apply the concepts, theories and models learned in class and to develop
your leadership skills.
It is expected that all members of a syndicate team will make an equitable contribution to the completion of
the group assignment, and on this basis, will receive the same mark. If there are problems of unequal
contribution in your syndicate team that your group cannot resolve, please discuss with the lecturers well
before the due date. In such cases, lower grades may be awarded to non-contributing members of the
syndicate team at the lecturers discretion.
Students will be divided into teams to participate in a simulation that runs in Session 7 and then to apply
appropriate strategies to analyse the problem, develop a plan of action and implement an improved solution
in Session 8. Attendance at these Sessions is compulsory. The entire group project exercise will require 6
hours to complete in the class room and will be assessed based on the quality of charting and problem
definition, demonstrated project outcomes and team performance. Additional work outside the class room is
expected. This simulation will count for 20% of the total group assignment.

World of Engineering Management

The remaining 10% requires a 1,000 word written report by the group summarizing key messages and
lessons learned from the simulation. The report should be forwarded via email and you will receive more
details about this assessment in class.
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT (20%)
This assignment covers Sessions 3 to 5 and Session 10 of the subject. The format of this assignment is an
individual paper, not exceeding 2,000 words, and will comprise a comparative case analysis of materials
covered in lectures and tutorial sessions. Due by 11:59pm on June 3. More details about this assignment
will be provided shortly.
References and appendices are not included in the word count. If you use appendices, you cannot assume
that these will be read in detail. Please ensure that you reference appropriately. Assignments that vastly
exceed the word limit will be penalized. You must indicate your word count on your assignment before
submitting it. We have included some tips and advice on writing an essay-based assignment in the LMS to
get you thinking early about your approach. The actual individual assignment question/s will be provided in
due course.
Marking Criteria The marking rubric is available on the LMS, under Assessment, and comprises four key
factors:
1. Quality of analysis
2. Identification of key issues/points, appropriately answers assignment questions
3. Effective communication and presentation of issues, points, analysis and arguments
4. Selection, application and integration of course concepts, models and theories
Citation & Referencing:
Failure to reference appropriately in your assignment may be considered plagiarism, and the University
takes a strong stand against plagiarism. To avoid any problems in this area, please ensure that you are
familiar with how to cite other peoples work appropriately. All written assignment submissions should be
properly referenced using consistent references, e.g. APA or Harvard referencing standard. This is made
easier by using the built-in referencing in Word, or reference software such as EndNote (available free to
students here: http://endnote.unimelb.edu.au/).
Marking Criteria
The marking rubric is available on the LMS, under Assessment, and comprises four key factors:
1. Quality of analysis
2. Identification of key issues/points, appropriately answers assignment questions
3. Effective communication and presentation of issues, points, analysis and arguments
4. Selection, application and integration of course concepts, models and theories
Citation & Referencing:
Failure to reference appropriately in your assignment may be considered plagiarism, and the University
takes a strong stand against plagiarism. To avoid any problems in this area, please ensure that you are
familiar with how to cite other peoples work appropriately. All written assignment submissions should be
properly referenced using consistent references, e.g. APA or Harvard referencing standard. This is made
easier by using the built-in referencing in Word, or reference software such as EndNote (available free to
students here: http://endnote.unimelb.edu.au/).
Submission Method:
You will need to submit your individual assignment online via the LMS. You can do this by accessing the
Assignment Submission function under the Assessment tab on the navigation menu of the ENGM90014
LMS page. If you submit it online early enough, you can check your similarity rating and citations using the
5

World of Engineering Management

embedded Turnitin software and make any necessary changes before resubmitting. (Note: up to 30% match
rate is normal and expected, especially if you are using quotes.) If you are having problems, send via email.
As you will be submitting your assignment electronically, you will need to complete a plagiarism declaration
form that is generated automatically by the system at the point of submission. There is, therefore, no need
for a cover page.
Late Submissions:
In order to ensure equality for all students, assignments must be completed within specified time limits.
Assignments that are not submitted on time are regarded as not submitted. Late assignments will only be
graded if the student has applied for special consideration and that application is considered acceptable.
Applications for special consideration/extensions must be generally be made before the submission date, and
will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. (See special consideration details in subject guide.)

INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATION MARK (10%)

The quality of your class participation makes a contribution both to your learning and that of your peers.
Students are expected to prepare for classes, participate enthusiastically in all class activities, and make a
quality contribution to class discussions (e.g. by asking thoughtful questions, contributing insightful
comments and sharing relevant experiences). Active engagement with course ideas and concepts (i.e.,
thinking about how they apply and why, generating questions or examples) helps you learn and apply the
material. For these reasons, participation is an important class component. As a class member, you are
responsible for helping to create a positive, learning environment.
Class Attendance. On-time attendance at all sessions (including tutorials) is expected. Note that new
material (that may not be contained in the readings) will be covered during class and will be examined. You
are responsible for obtaining this material if you are absent or late to class. If, for a legitimate reason, you
have to miss a class, arrive late, or leave a class early please contact a lecturer prior to the class to give your
reasons. A class register will be available to be signed in the first 15 minutes of class. It is your
responsibility to sign this register yourself (no one else can sign for you).
Class Discussions/Activities. In allocating class participation marks, we will consider quality participation
in both small and large group discussions. Participation does not mean sharing every single idea that occurs
to you or dominating the discussion. As a general rule quality of contribution will always be rated higher
than quantity of contribution. Students who make a quality contribution to class learning demonstrate the
following:

Insight by asking questions and making statements that facilitate the class discussion and build on
others comments
Advocacy by contributing succinctly and clearly to informed debate through comments that are
based on facts, logic, experience and case analysis
Relating skills by contributing to a positive environment that enhances the learning and participation
of others
Knowledge and understanding of course material by making contributions that apply or illustrate
the course theories, models and concepts

FINAL EXAMINATION (40%)

World of Engineering Management

This examination is an opportunity to consolidate your learning and show what you have learnt. The end of
Semester exam is written, open book, and of three hours duration excluding a 15 minute reading time. You
will be asked to draw on theories, models and concepts from the entire course in your answers. There will
be a brief exam review in Session 12.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION
Students who have been significantly affected by illness or other serious circumstances during the semester
may be eligible to apply for Special Consideration. The following website contains detailed information
relating to who can apply for Special Consideration and the process for making an application:
http://students.unimelb.edu.au/admin/special

SUBJECT LECTURERS
Prof. Graeme Cocks
Room 12 at Melbourne Business School
Phone: 9349 8475
Email: g.cocks@mbs.edu
Dr. Geeta Mirchandani
Room: 9.063, Level 9, 198 Berkeley Street (The Spot)
Phone: 8344 4481
Cell: 0413 086862
Email: geeta.mirchandani@unimelb.edu.au