ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

CHAPTER 1: FIELD OF ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

THE FIELD OF ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

Engineers are expected to perform a variety of tasks depending on their specialization and job level. It is important to the engineer that he knows what is expected of him so that he may be able to perform his job effectively and efficiently. His next concern will be to identify the skills required but which he does not have. As engineers are not trained to directly deal with people, it is expected that their weakness will most often be on people-based skills.

THE FUNCTIONS OF THE ENGINEER

Since prehistoric times, mankind has benefited from the various tools, equipment, and projects developed by ENGINEERS!!

LIKE!! !

Stone bladed axe (6000 to 3000 B.C.)

Production of Gunpowder (100 A.D. to 1600 A.D.)

The Pyramids Of Egypt (3000 to 600 B.C.)

Roadbuilding by the Romans (600 B.C. to 400 A.D.)

Production of STEAM ENGINE and WEAVING MACHINE (1601 A.D. to 1799 A.D.)

Manufacturing of CARS and HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES (MODERN TIMES)

Specifically, the functions of engineering encompass the following areas

RESEARCH where the engineer is engaged in the process of learning about nature and codifying this knowledge into usable theories. DESIGN and DEVELOPMENT where the engineer undertakes the activity of turning a product concept to a finished physical item.

 TESTING where the engineer works in a unit where new products or parts are tested for workability. MANUFACTURING where the engineer is directly in charge of production personnel or assumes responsibility for the product. CONSTRUCTION where the construction engineer is either directly in charge of the construction personnel or may have responsibility for the quality of the construction process.

 SALES where the engineer assists the companys customers to meet their needs, especially those that require technical expertise. CONSULTING where the engineer works as consultant of any individual or organization requiring his services. GOVERNMENT where the engineer may find employment in the government performing any of the various tasks in regulating, monitoring and controlling the activities of various institutions, public or private.

 TEACHING where the engineer gets employment in a school and is assigned as a teacher of engineering courses. MANAGEMENT where the engineer is assigned to manage groups of people performing specific tasks.

WHAT IS ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT ?

It is refers to the combining activity technical knowledge with the ability to manage Human and Non-Human resources.

Types of Organization and the management Skills Required of Engineers

The Engineer in Various Types of Organization

Level 1 those with minimal engineering jobs like retailing firms. Level 2 those with a moderate degree of engineering jobs like transportation companies Level 3 those with a high degree of engineering jobs like construction firms

A Typical Advertisement for an Engineer Manager as a Lower Level Executive (Supervisor)

FABRICATION SUPERVISOR (1) - Male, BSCE/BSME graduate, not more than 35 years old - At least 5 years experience in steel fabrication - Willing to work on shifting schedule STRUCTURAL DETAILERS (6) - M/F, B.S in Engineering , below 35 years old - Knowledge in steel connections standard and steel fabrication (shop drawings)
Apply at: STEEL CENTRE PHILS., INC. Amang Rodriguez Ave., Bo. Manggahan, Pasig city

A Typical Advertisement for an Engineer Manager as a Middle Level Executive

PRODUCTION MANAGER - Male, 35-45 years of age - Mechanical Engineering/Industrial Engineering graduate or any related course - With 4 to 6 years working experience in handling production preferably in a steel industry - Extensive experience in maintenance program - Cost-cutting oriented person.
8/F GEDISCO TOWER 534 Asuncion St., Binondo, Manila Tel. 241-92-51

Interested parties, please apply in person with bio-data and resume, 2x2 picture and other credentials at

Typical Advertisement for Engineer Managers as Top Executives

GENERAL MANAGER
-

Male, 35-45 years old Preferably a graduate of Industrial or Mechanical Engineering Highly skilled in the field of general management Sales oriented Fluent in spoken and written English

The qualified applicants will receive an attractive compensation package and benefits.

MANAGEMENT DEFINED

Since the engineer manager is presumed to be technically competent in his specialization, one may now proceed to describe more thoroughly the remaining portion o his job, which is management.

THE PROCESS OF Management is a process consisting of planning, MANAGEMENT

organizing, directing (or leading), and controlling.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ENGINEER MANAGERS JOB

Depending on the type of products or services a firm produces, the engineer manager must have the following qualifications: 1. A bachelors degree in engineering from a reputable school; 2. A few years experience in a pure engineering job; 3. Training in supervision; 4. Special training in engineering management.

HOW ONE MAY BECOME A SUCCESSFUL ENGINEER MANAGER

Kreitner indicates at least three general preconditions for achieving lasting success as a manager. They are as follows:

ABILITY
Managerial ability refers to the capacity of an engineer manager to achieve organizational objectives effectively and efficiently. Effectiveness, according to Higgins, refers to a description of whether objectives are accomplished, while efficiency is a description of the relative amount of resources used in obtaining effectiveness.

To illustrate:

MOTIVATION TO MANAGE
A management researcher, John B. Miner, developed a psychometric instrument to measure objectively an individuals motivation to manage. The test is anchored to the following dimensions: 1. Favorable attitude toward those in positions of authority, such as superiors. 2. Desire to engage in games or sports competition with peers. 3. Desire to engage in occupational or work-related competition with peers. 4. Desire to assert oneself and take charge. 5. Desire to exercise power and authority over others. 6. Desire to behave in a distinctive way, which includes standing out from the crowd. 7. Sense of responsibility in carrying out the routine duties associated with managerial work.

High scores in the foregoing dimensions are associated with high motivation to manage.

OPPORTUNITY
Successful managers become possible only if those having the ability and motivation are given the opportunity to manage. The opportunity for successful management has two requirements: 1. Obtaining a suitable managerial job, and 2. Finding a supportive climate once on the job.

THE END