Engineering Management Lecture 2

Sunday, May 18, 2025 8:42 PM

Engineering Management Past and Present: Brief History

• Engineering management has a long and storied history, dating back to the early 1800s. At this time,
armies relied heavily on engineers to build bridges, roads, and other infrastructure needed for battle. In
those early days, engineering management was known as ‘military engineering.’

• In 1824, the United States Military Academy at West Point opened its doors, and one of its first graduates
was Thaddeus Lowe, who would go on to become a renowned military engineer. Lowe is credited with
developing the concept of engineering management and is considered the father of the field.

• Over the years, engineering management has evolved and grown to meet the needs of modern businesses
and organizations. Today, it is a vital field that plays a crucial role in the success of any company or
Organization

RECALL (FROM LEC 1)

• Getting things done through people
• The process of achieving organizational goals by engaging in the four major functions of planning &
decision making, organizing & staffing, directing/leading, and controlling
• Identifying a "force"/ group of people whose job is to direct the effort and activities of other people
towards a common organizational objective.
• The performance of conceiving and achieving desired results by means of group effort consisting of
utilizing resources , that will determine the success and failure

ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT IS….

• The process of designing and maintaining an environment in which, individuals, working together in
groups , efficiently accomplish organizational goals/objectives.
○ Management applies to any kind of organization
○ It applies to all managers to all organizational levels
○ The aim of all managers is the same; to create to surplus

FUNCTIONS OF MANAGEMENT
Planning & Decision • Involves selecting goals and objectives, as well as the actions to achieve them; it
making requires decision-making, that is choosing the "best" from among alternatives.
Organizing • Involves establishing an intentional structure of roles for people to fill in an
organization.
• The process of allocating and arranging human and non-human resources so that
plans can be carried out successfully.
Staffing • Involves filling, and keeping filled, the positions in the organization structure.
• • Process by which managers select, train, promotes, and retires subordinate.
Directing or Leading • Influencing people so that they will contribute to organizational and group goals
Controlling • Measuring and correcting individual and organizational performance to ensure
that events conform to plans
• Facilitates the accomplishment of plans.
 • The process of regulating organizational activities so that actual performance
conforms to expected organizational standards.

TOP Strategic Managers who are ultimately responsible for the entire organization.
Typical titles include CEO, COO, CFO, "President", "Executive Vice President",
"Executive Director", "Senior Vice President", or "Vice President".
MIDDLE Tactical Managers located beneath the top levels of the hierarchy who are directly
responsible for the work of managers at lower levels.
• Titles include "Manager", "Director of", "Chief", "Department Head", and "Division
Head
FIRSTLINE Operational Managers at the lowest level of the hierarchy who are directly responsible the
work of operating (non-managerial) employees.
Often have titles that including word "Supervisor".

WHAT DOES AN ENGINEERING MANAGER DO?

• An engineering manager oversees all aspects of engineering projects and ensures they are completed on
time, within budget, and to the required standard. They manage the team of engineers working on the
project, as well as any contractors or suppliers.

• Engineering managers also have a strong understanding of financial statements and project management
and can communicate effectively with other stakeholders, including clients and senior management.

• An Engineering Manager plays a crucial role in planning, coordinating, and overseeing engineering
projects. Let's delve into the responsibilities and qualifications for this position:
• Responsibilities:
1. Project Planning and Execution: • Engineering Managers oversee the development and
execution of projects. They ensure that projects are
completed on time and within budget
2. Budget Management: • They propose and manage budgets for engineering projects,
ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively.
3. Team Supervision: • Engineering Managers supervise multiple teams, providing
clear instructions and guidance to engineering staff
○ 4. Research and Development: • They conduct research for new designs, products, and
processes while maintaining technical accuracy
5. Talent Development • Determining the need for training and talent development is
also part of their responsibilities
6. Contractor Management • They hire contractors and build teams to support project
execution¹
7. Upper Management Support • Engineering Managers ensure that products have the
support of upper management

• Daily Roles and Responsibilities

○ An engineering manager is responsible for ensuring all aspects of an engineering project are
completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard. Tasks and responsibilities an
engineering manager could expect to perform on a daily basis include:
 Engage in research to design and develop products
 Coordinate training and team development
  Hire contractors and assemble teams
 Get management on board with your product ideas
 Instruct engineering teams clearly and concisely
 Produce new designs, products, and processes through research and development
 Oversee and verify team members' work for technical accuracy
 Work alongside other managers and staff to complete company goals

• One Becoming a successful Engineering Manager involves a combination of skills, experience, and
personal qualities.

1. Education and • Obtain a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Specializations can include
Technical electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, software engineering, or civil engineering.
Background: • Consider pursuing a master's degree in engineering management, technical management,
or business administration. These degrees provide valuable insights into both technical
and managerial aspects.
2. Gain Relevant • Work as an engineer or technical professional to gain hands-on experience. Understand
Experience: the technical challenges, project management, and team dynamics.
• Aim for at least five vears of experience in engineering or a related field. This experience
will help you understand the practical aspects of engineering projects.

3. Develop • Communication: Effective communication is crucial. As an Engineering Manager, you'll

Leadership and need to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical
Soft Skills: stakeholders.
• Team Building: Learn how to build and lead teams. Understand team dynamics, conflict
resolution, and motivation techniques.
• Decision-Making: Develop the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Adaptability: The engineering landscape evolves rapidly. Be open to learning and adapting
to new technologies and methodologies.
4. Learn Project • Familiarize yourself with project management principles. Understand concepts like scope,
Management: schedule, budget, and risk management.
• Consider obtaining certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or
CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management).
5. Networking • Connect with other professionals in the field. Attend conferences. workshops, and
and Mentorship: industry events.
• Seek mentorship from experienced Engineering Managers. Learn from their experiences
and insights.
6. Understand • Engineering Managers need to align technical decisions with business goals. Understand
Business Context: the financial implications of engineering projects.
• Learn about business strategy, market dynamics, and customer needs.

Embrace Continuous Learning: Stay updated on industry trends, technological advancements, and
management practices.

Read books, take online courses, and participate in webinars.

Remember that becoming a successful Engineering Manager involves a balance of technical expertise,
leadership skills, and a passion for driving innovation.