The Prospect Of Project Management Instruction In Undergraduate Engineering Education
- Conference
- Location
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Chicago, Illinois
- Publication Date
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June 18, 2006
- Start Date
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June 18, 2006
- End Date
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June 21, 2006
- ISSN
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2153-5965
- Conference Session
- Tagged Division
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Engineering Management
- Page Count
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8
- Page Numbers
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11.1321.1 - 11.1321.8
- DOI
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10.18260/1-2--955
- Permanent URL
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https://peer.asee.org/955
- Download Count
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552
Paper Authors
Keith Plemmons
orcid.org/0000-0002-9576-5801
Dr. Plemmons is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. He obtained a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the Citadel in 1980, M.S. from Clemson University in 1991, and earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Clemson University in 1995 with a focus in Construction Management. He is a registered Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience in the public and private sectors. His experience includes major design and construction projects in Japan and the United States. Dr. Plemmons is a Project Management Professional as certified by the Project Management Institute.
Abstract
NOTE: The first page of text has been automatically extracted and included below in lieu of an abstract
The Prospect of Project Management Instruction in Undergraduate Engineering Education
Abstract
This paper explores the need for engineers, especially young engineers, to graduate with demonstrable knowledge and performance competencies in the area of project management. Trends are explored and used to address the prospect for project management instruction in engineering undergraduate education. A Project Management Competency Development Model is proposed to provide a framework for structuring the knowledge areas and learning processes for undergraduate engineering students. This model responds to needs identified from major constituents, applicable references, and educational requirements from various engineering disciplines.
The Impetus for Change Engineers in all stages of career and professional development want to be successful in this competitive world, where global outsourcing is just one the many challenges facing them. In response, ASEE President, Ron Barr, summarizes the opinions of many academic and industry professionals: “We have to produce American engineers who are not only obviously technically well- grounded but more talented at things like creativity, leadership, communication, and professionalism so that when a company hires an American engineer it expects him or her to lead that company or an international group of engineers.” 1 Market conditions, which drive the engineering industry, indicate a need for industry-ready engineering graduates. Current business drivers include the virtual teams, global projects, the internet, outsourcing, off-shoring, advanced technology, developing countries, restricted travel and immigration, and international teams. Walesh addresses the ramifications of current events in a very critical statement 2: “Technical competency, although necessary, is not sufficient for young engineers or other technically educated professionals who wish to quickly realize their potential in the consulting business, industry, or government. They must supplement technical competency with basic management proficiencies and leadership understanding if they are to be productive. Unfortunately, management concepts, knowledge, and skills typically are not introduced in undergraduate engineering and related curricula, and virtually nothing is taught about leadership. As a result, young professionals must learn management and leadership skills by doing, often inefficiently and at high monetary cost to the employer, putting the young professional’s career at risk.” Until recently, newly hired engineers were normally placed in training programs and encouraged to follow professional development programs associated with grade descriptions, experience, and
Plemmons, K. (2006, June), The Prospect Of Project Management Instruction In Undergraduate Engineering Education Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--955
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