ENGR 140 – Engineering Economics – Fall 2005
Instructor:
Dr. Kurt Ohlinger (Office: Modoc 1001H; 278-4407);
kurt.ohlinger@owp.csus.edu
Web page: http://www.csus.edu/indiv/o/ohlinger
Lecture:
Monday/Wednesday, 9:00 – 9:50 AM, Riverside 1012 – Section 1
Office Hours: Monday/Wednesday, 10:15 – 11:00 AM, Modoc 1001H
Other times, by appointment, Modoc 1001H
Text:
Blank, L. and A. Tarquin (2005), Engineering Economy, 6th Edition, McGrawHill, New York.
Prerequisite: ENGR 17 or ENGR 30 or MET 30
Course description: Nearly all engineering decisions have their basis in economics. This course
is designed to teach students the fundamentals of engineering economics and its application to
decision making.
Course procedure: The course material is organized into units. Class time will be utilized for
presentation of the course content and example problems and to answer questions. At the
beginning of each unit, reading and homework assignments will be made. Quizzes will be given,
in class, on each homework due date. One mid-term exam and a final exam will be administered.
Course Objectives: By the end of the semester, students will be able to:
1. Interpret, organize, and conduct economic analyses for basic engineering
design proposals.
2. Understand the usefulness and differences among Present Worth, Annual
Equivalence, Rate of Return, and Benefit-Cost methods of economic analysis.
Topics Covered:
Grading:
Introduction to Engr. Economics
Time Value of Money
Nominal & Effective Interest Rates
Present Worth Analysis
Annual Worth Analysis
Rate of Return Analysis
Replacement & Retention Decisions
Inflation
Grades will be based on:
Quizzes
Homework
Mid-term exam
Final exam
1
25%
20%
20%
35%
100%
ENGR 140 – Engineering Economics
Quizzes/Exams: There will be one, in-class mid-term exam, a comprehensive, two-hour final,
and approximately 10 quizzes. Missed quizzes or exams will result in a grade of zero for the
missed test. Exams may be made up only under special circumstances, which will be evaluated
on an individual basis (inquire before the exam date). Quizzes may not be made up.
Exam Schedule:
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
TBA – week 7 or 8.
Friday, Dec 16, 2005 (8:00 – 10:00 AM)
Homework: Assignments will be due at the beginning of the assigned period. A good (full
credit) problem solution should be neatly presented on engineering paper and should feature the
following elements:
1) Problem setup: All given information should be listed.
2) Assumptions: List any assumptions necessary to solve the problem.
3) Cash Flow Diagrams: Cash flow diagrams are key to solving Engineering Economics
problems and should be developed and presented for every problem solution.
4) Equations: The governing equations relevant to the solution of the problem should be
written in algebraic form BEFORE substituting in any numbers.
5) Solution: Present all work in a manner that can be understood by an engineering
colleague. If the solution involves a programmable calculator, spreadsheet, or graphical
technique, briefly describe the logic behind your solution. Include sample calculations.
6) Answers: Clearly indicate answers. Include the correct number of significant figures and
the relevant units for each answer.
Homework will be collected for grading. The overall homework grade will be based on the
homework scores throughout the semester. There will always be a quiz on the homework
material given on the homework due date.
Attendance: Class attendance is expected and will significantly influence your level of success in
the course.
Academic Honesty : Cheating and plagiarism are breaches of professional ethics (see the ASCE
Code of Ethics, sections 3b, 5e, and 6a), and University rules. You are advised to check the
University Policy Manual (see URLs below) if you are unclear about the definitions and
potential penalties associated with these actions, including "zero" grades in the class or on
individual assignments. Although you are encouraged to collaborate in assignments to learn
from each other, there is a fine line between collaborating and copying. Collaborating involves
two or more people working together, with all brains working, and resulting in individual writeups. Copying involves fewer-than-all brains working and write-ups that are identical, implying
that one is an original and the others are copies. If in doubt, talk to the instructor.
Plagiarism: http://www.csus.edu/admbus/umanual/Uma00150.htm
Student Discipline: http://www.csus.edu/admbus/umanual/ums16150.htm
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