Conference Session

New Topics in Engineering Economics

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Leslie Pagliari, East Carolina University; Gene Dixon, East Carolina University; Paul Kauffmann, East Carolina University; Merwan Mehta, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Economy

Technology at Old Dominion University. His previous position at ODU was in the Department of Engineering Management. Prior to his academic career, he worked in industry where he held positions as Plant Manager and Engineering Director. Dr. Kauffmann received a BS degree in Electrical Engineering and MENG in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech. He received his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Penn State and is a registered Professional Engineer.Merwan Mehta, East Carolina University Merwan Mehta, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor at East Carolina University. He has for over twenty years experience as a machine tool design engineer, manufacturing engineer, manager, and consultant. His

Conference Session

Innovation in Teaching Engineering Economics

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ahmad Sarfaraz, California State University-Northridge; Tarek Shraibati, California State University-Northridge

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Economy

concepts, to usingthose concepts in real-life problem solving situations, to analyzing under what conditions thoseconcepts apply (or do not apply), and ultimately to making decisions.Based on the findings of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) 2, it is now widelyaccepted that increasing student engagement is a critical role of engineering educators in oursociety. This study stresses that student engagement should not be addressed in just a singlecourse in a student’s academic career, but rather it should become the pattern of his or herinvolvement in a variety of activities. It is believed engineering colleges have a vital role toimplement effective strategies to increase engagement of students in learning. National expertshave also

Conference Session

Innovation in Teaching Engineering Economics

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

J. Cunha, University of Alberta

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Economy

risk analysis.The initial experience with the course indicated that economic and decision analysis tools caneffectively be used to create opportunities for students to solve actual engineering problemswhile developing deeper learning and preparedness for a career in the industry.The results presented in the individual projects indicated that students had acquired the skillsintended in the new course. However, in order to better support this conclusion, the effectivenessof the course needs to be assessed in future classes so as to have a more robust database. Thecourse is being taught again (Winter, 2006) but not on time to have its results published in thispaper.Bibliography1. Needy, K. L., Nachtmann, H., Lavelle, J. P., & Eschenbach, T

Conference Session

New Topics in Engineering Economics

Collection

2006 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Ristroph, University of Louisiana-Lafayette

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Economy

this paper establishes its technological feasibility. Logistical problems of preparingunique questions and solutions have been solved, and enhancements for professors have beendeveloped including formatting and notation, graphics, and automated grading and help for stu-dents. It is something that engineering education needs and should have, but it takes time, andspending too much time on teaching can be harmful to a professor’s career unless there is admin-istrative support.One simple, very real reason why some managers of engineering education emphasize researchat the expense of teaching excellence is that research is easier to measure. Department chairsconducting performance reviews quickly learn that evaluating the quality of teaching can