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Session 1454

How to Assess the Effectiveness of Engineering Programs in Invention, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

E. L. Wang, J. A. Kleppe University of Nevada, Reno

Abstract

A special capstone course for senior electrical and mechanical engineering students has been developed at the University of Nevada, Reno. The class also includes MBA students from the College of Business Administration. All phases of new product development including innovation, patent law, product liability, business, sales, marketing and venture capital are covered. This paper presents some techniques for assessment of this multidisciplinary class that have been developed over the past several years. It has been concluded that it is extremely difficult for a student or group of students to form and/or operate a business successfully without strong, dedicated, long-term support of a mentor. The graduates of this program do, however, quickly become key elements in the companies that they join. They bring to the table learned entrepreneurial skills that can be applied to most any business, company, or product development team.

I. Introduction

The Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Departments at the University of Nevada, Reno are participating in a program on entrepreneurship education. As part of this program, a multi- disciplinary senior-level capstone undergraduate course (MECH 452/EE491) is taken by all mechanical and electrical engineering undergraduates.

Both EE 491 and MECH 452 are offered once per year during the spring semester and traditionally have enrollments of approximately 30-40 students each. While innovation and entrepreneurship has been part of EE 491 since the early 1980’s 1, 2, they were introduced in MECH 452 only as recently as 1996. The two courses shared lectures in 1997 and have been completely integrated since 1998 3.

In addition to the engineering students, MBA students enrolled in an independent study course (BADM 793) also participate in EE 491/MECH 452. The MBA students assume the role of business mentors and provide aid in the development of marketing studies. Each MBA student selects one E-Team to focus on to develop a full-fledged business plan for. The selection process is treated like a venture capital screening process whereby the MBA students read each E- Team’s reports and proposals and selects one based on merit of the proposal and perceived potential for success.

While the instructional material focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, the goal of the course is not necessarily to produce entrepreneurs, but rather engineers better prepared to enter

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Kleppe, J. A., & Wang, E. L. (2000, June), How To Assess The Effectiveness Of Engineering Programs In Invention, Innovation And Entrepreneurship Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8429