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engineering management

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2 views

EM_lec01_student_notes

engineering management

Uploaded by

A L I
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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ENSC 20042 – ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

Student Notes

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INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

Engineering Management is the discipline that blends engineering principles with business strategies. It equips engineers with
leadership, project management, and decision-making skills. In the real world, civil engineers may lead teams for constructing
highways, bridges, or flood control systems. Managing timelines, budgets, and ensuring quality while addressing public safety and
regulations are all part of this field.

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WHAT IS ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT?

Engineering Management is about applying engineering methods while also managing people, projects, and business outcomes. It
acts as a bridge between technical work and strategic execution.

Key Points:
- Engineers often transition to leadership roles.
- They must manage design, personnel, and resources effectively.

Example:
A civil engineer leading a road-widening project must coordinate surveyors, budget allocation, traffic flow during construction, and
stakeholder communication.

Takeaway:
Engineering Management gives you the tools to lead with technical insight and strategic thinking.

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WHY IS ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT IMPORTANT?

Prof. Neil Gabriel Bonto


1. Ensures projects meet goals, budget, and safety standards.
2. Helps engineers evolve into decision-makers and influencers.
3. Enhances innovation and long-term impact of engineering solutions.

Example:
Designing a water distribution system for a municipality involves managing both technical design and community engagement.

Takeaway:
Management skills are essential to turn engineering plans into sustainable realities.

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KEY ROLES OF AN ENGINEERING MANAGER

- **Project Management** – Define scope, schedule, cost, and monitor progress.


- **People Management** – Delegate, train, and maintain team morale.
- **Technical Oversight** – Ensure engineering accuracy and code compliance.
- **Strategic Planning** – Align projects with broader organizational and social goals.

Example:
In building a flood control system, the manager must consider long-term impact, safety risks, and environmental effects.

Takeaway:
Effective managers ensure the right things get done the right way, by the right people.

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SKILLS REQUIRED FOR ENGINEERING MANAGERS

1. **Technical Competence** – Deep knowledge in engineering disciplines.


2. **Communication** – Clear reporting and stakeholder coordination.
3. **Leadership** – Inspiring and guiding teams.
4. **Time & Budget Management** – Delivering on constraints.
5. **Problem Solving & Risk Mitigation** – Preventing project failures.

Prof. Neil Gabriel Bonto


Example:
A site engineer resolving a delay caused by unexpected soil conditions needs quick decision-making and coordination with
geotechnical consultants.

Takeaway:
Your success depends on how well you balance people, processes, and problems.

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ENGINEERS VS. ENGINEERING MANAGERS

| Engineers | Engineering Managers |


|------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Solve technical challenges | Lead teams and manage outcomes |
| Focus on tasks and tools | Focus on people and performance |
| Work independently or in teams | Supervise across functions |

Takeaway:
A manager amplifies impact by enabling others to succeed.

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PROJECT LIFECYCLE IN ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

1. **Initiation** – Define purpose (e.g., new bypass road).


2. **Planning** – Determine timeline, materials, permits.
3. **Execution** – Construction phase with ongoing supervision.
4. **Monitoring/Control** – Quality checks, issue resolution.
5. **Closure** – Final inspection, documentation, handover.

Example:
In a drainage project, failure to monitor properly could lead to post-construction flooding.

Prof. Neil Gabriel Bonto


Takeaway:
Lifecycle awareness ensures consistency, quality, and client satisfaction.

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Engineering Management transforms you from a task-doer into a visionary leader. For civil engineers, that might mean planning
sustainable urban developments, leading infrastructure resiliency programs, or heading multidisciplinary construction teams.

Takeaway:
To shape the world, engineers must also learn to lead it.

Prof. Neil Gabriel Bonto

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