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Instructors: Alex Dietrich, Kristen Egan, and Christy Bozic
Suggested prior knowledge: None
Prerequisites: None
Semester(s) Offered: See course list

Course Description

This course is designed for engineering students aspiring to work in leadership and management roles. It offers a unique blend of engineering principles and management strategies, equipping participants with the skills to effectively lead teams and projects within the engineering sector.

A key focus of the course is on bridging the gap between a student's specific engineering discipline and the broader world of business and industry. Participants learn how to apply their technical expertise in a business context, understanding how engineering decisions impact and are influenced by business strategies through various methods including conversations with industry Subject Matter Experts. Covering essential topics such as strategic resource management, financial oversight, and the role of an engineering manager, the course emphasizes the importance of integrating engineering practices with business operations.

Participants will also explore legal, ethical, and organizational considerations pertinent to engineering management. Effective communication and collaboration are covered throughout to ensure graduates understand the criticality of clearly articulating complex ideas as well as the ability to collaborate with stakeholders across any discipline. This course offers a comprehensive overview for engineers looking to connect their technical skills with industry demands, preparing them for successful careers in the engineering field.

Skills and Knowledge Gained

• Strategic Resource Management: Students will learn the importance of effectively allocating and managing resources, including budgeting, scheduling, and optimizing the use of materials and human resources.
• Project Management: This course introduces students to project management techniques tailored for the engineering field. They will learn the steps in planning, executing, and monitoring engineering projects effectively, handling complexities such as time constraints, resource limitations, and technical challenges, while ensuring alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Business and Financial Acumen: Participants will gain insights into the financial and risk aspects of engineering projects, learning how to make informed business decisions that align with both engineering goals and financial objectives.
• Legal and Ethical Decision-Making: The course will provide an understanding of legal issues and ethical dilemmas that can arise in engineering management, preparing students to navigate these challenges responsibly.
• Effective Communication: Students will enhance their ability to communicate complex engineering concepts clearly and effectively to a diverse range of stakeholders, including non-engineering professionals.
• Systems Engineering: Students are introduced to the principles and practices of systems engineering, teaching students how to approach engineering projects holistically, integrating various subsystems and components to create efficient, effective solutions.

Why should you take this course?

This course offers students leadership and technical skills to empower aspiring engineering managers in effectively bridging the gap between their academic training and industry expectations.

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