Engineering Management – Study Summary
Module 1 – The Field of Engineering Management
Engineers design solutions for society (bridges, machines, tools) and must also manage people
and resources. They combine technical skills with management functions such as planning,
organizing, leading, and controlling.
Functions of Engineers: research, design, testing, manufacturing, construction, sales, consulting,
government, teaching, management.
Engineering Management: combines technical knowledge with organizational skills to reach
goals.
Success Factors: ability, motivation to manage, and opportunity.
Module 2 – Management: Yesterday and Today
Ancient Management: Egypt (pyramids), China (Great Wall), and Venice (shipyards) were early
forms of project management.
Classical Theories:
• Scientific Management (Taylor) – “One best way” for efficiency.
• Administrative Management (Fayol) – Organize and structure the whole organization.
• Bureaucratic Management (Weber) – Rules, hierarchy, fairness, but can cause red tape.
Modern Theories:
• Systems Thinking – Organization is a set of connected parts.
• Contingency Theory – “It depends”; adapt to the situation.
• Total Quality Management (TQM) – Everyone ensures quality; continuous improvement.
• Strategic Management – Long-term planning guided by mission and vision.
Module 3 – Decision Making
Decision-making is identifying and choosing the best course of action.
Steps: 1. Identify the problem
2. Analyze the environment
3. Develop alternatives
4. Evaluate options
5. Choose the best solution
6. Implement
7. Evaluate results
Approaches:
• Qualitative – intuition, experience.
• Quantitative – models (EOQ, PERT, CPM, simulation, regression, etc.).
Module 4 – Planning
Planning means deciding what, who, when, and how to do tasks.
Steps: 1. Set goals
2. Develop strategies/tactics
3. Determine resources
4. Set standards
Levels: Top – Strategic | Middle – Intermediate | Lower – Operational.
Types of Plans:
• Functional – marketing, production, finance, HR.
• Time-Based – short-term (<1 year), long-term (>1 year).
• Frequency – standing (policies, procedures, rules), single-use (budgets, programs, projects).
Module 5 – Organizing
Organizing is structuring people and resources to achieve goals efficiently.
Purpose: assign tasks, authority, and accountability.
Formal Tools: organization chart, manuals, and policy guides.
Hierarchy: top-down command flow (like a pyramid).
Types of Organizational Structures:
• Functional – grouped by specialization.
• Product/Market – grouped by product or client type.
• Matrix – dual reporting (functional and project managers).