Description
The aim of this unit is to continue building up on the knowledge gained in Unit 4: Managing a Professional Engineering Project, to provide students with the professional standards for engineers and to guide them on how to develop the range of employability skills needed by professional engineers.
Among the topics included in this unit are: engineering strategy and services delivery planning, the role of sustainability, Total Quality Management (TQM), engineering management tools, managing people and becoming a professional engineer. On successful completion of this unit students will be able to construct a coherent engineering services delivery plan to meet the requirements of a sector-specific organisation or business. They will display personal commitment to professional standards and obligations to society, the engineering profession and the environment.
This unit is assessed by a Pearson-set assignment. The project brief will be set by the centre, based on a theme provided by Pearson (this will change annually). The theme and chosen project within the theme will enable students to explore and examine a relevant and current topical aspect of professional engineering.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this unit students will be able to:
1. Evaluate the risk evaluation theories and practices associated with the management of projects for the production of current and developing technology.
The engineering business environment:
Organisational structures and functional elements
Strategic planning and deployment
Engineering strategy and services delivery planning
The role of sustainability
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Logistics and supply chain management
New product development strategies
Legal obligations and corporate responsibility
Engineering relationships:
The relationship between engineering and financial management, marketing,
purchasing, quality assurance and public relations
2. Produce an engineering services delivery plan that meets the requirements of a sector-specific organisation.
Engineering management tools:
Problem analysis and decision-making, risk management, change management, performance management, product and process improvement, project management and earned value analysis
3. Develop effective leadership, individual and group communication skills.
Managing people:
Describe the most effective leadership styles
Techniques to effectively manage teams
Steps to follow for delivering effective presentations.
Meeting management skills
Communication and listening skills
Negotiating skills
Human error evaluation
Coaching and mentoring
4. Develop personal commitment to professional standards and obligations to society, the engineering profession and the environment.
Becoming a professional engineer:
Engineering social responsibility
Importance of being active and up to date with the engineering profession, new developments and discoveries
Methods of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)