Chapter 1 – The Field of Engineering Management

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

this is where the construction engineer (a civil engineer) is either directly in charge of the construction personnel or may have responsibility for the quality of the construction process.

Level One

those with minimal engineering jobs like retailing firms.

Level Two

those with a moderate degree of engineering jobs like transportation companies.

Level Three

those with a high degree of engineering jobs like construction firms.

Engineering Management

refers to the activity combining technical knowledge with the ability to organize and coordinate worker power, materials, machinery, and money.

Management

the creative problem solving-process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling an organization's resources to achieve its mission and objectives.

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.

Efficiency

a description of the relative amount of resources used in obtaining effectiveness.

Motivation to Manage

measured by John B. Miner's psychometric instrument, anchored on dimensions such as favorable attitude toward those in positions of authority, desire to assert oneself and take charge, and desire to behave in a distinctive way, which includes standing out from the crowd.

John B. Miner

a management researcher who developed a psychometric instrument to measure objectively an individual's motivation to manage.

Opportunity

successful managers become possible only if those having the ability and motivation are given the opportunity to manage. It has two requirements: obtaining a suitable managerial job, and finding a supportive climate once on the job.