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.)

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

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

Production of Gunpowder (100 A.D. to 1600 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 areasRESEARCH – 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 company’s 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 OrganizationLevel 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 scheduleSTRUCTURAL 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.

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

8/F GEDISCO TOWER

534 Asuncion St., Binondo, Manila

Tel. 241-92-51

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 of his job, which is management.

THE PROCESS OF MANAGEMENT Management is a process consisting of planning, organizing, directing (or leading), and controlling.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ENGINEER MANAGER’S JOB

Depending on the type of products or services a firm produces, the engineer manager must have the following qualifications:

1. A bachelor’s 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 individual’s 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