MNAB312 – Fields of Engineering Management & Decision Making
Part 1 – The Fields of Engineering Management
Learning Objectives
• Understand the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Identify the functions of engineers in society.
• Define Engineering Management.
• Explain the process of management.
• Describe how to become a successful engineer manager.
1. United Nations SDGs
• A set of global goals addressing social, economic, and environmental challenges.
• Engineers contribute by creating innovations and solutions to achieve these goals.
2. Functions of Engineers
Historical Contributions:
• Stone-bladed ax, irrigation systems
• Pyramids of Egypt
• Roman roads
• Chinese paper and gunpowder
• Steam engines, weaving machinery
• Cars and household appliances
Current Areas of Contribution:
• Food production for growing population
• Pollution control (air, water, noise)
• Waste management & recycling
• Energy and mobility solutions
• Crime detection
• Communication technology
Specific Roles:
1. Research – Understanding nature & developing theories
2. Design & Development – Turning ideas into products
3. Testing – Ensuring product workability
4. Manufacturing – Overseeing production
5. Construction – Managing building projects
6. Sales – Providing technical expertise to customers
7. Consulting – Offering professional advice
8. Government – Regulating and monitoring industries
9. Teaching – Educating future engineers
10. Management – Leading teams to achieve goals
3. Engineering Management
Definition: Combines technical knowledge with the ability to organize people, materials,
machinery, and money.
Levels of Management Skills:
• Level 1: Minimal engineering jobs (retail)
• Level 2: Moderate engineering jobs (transport)
• Level 3: High engineering jobs (construction)
4. Process of Management
1. Determine objectives
2. Plan methods & resources
3. Decide on approach
4. Identify manpower needs
5. Assign tasks
6. Motivate staff
7. Monitor progress
5. Becoming a Successful Engineer Manager
Preconditions:
• Ability: Achieve goals effectively (do the right thing) & efficiently (use minimal
resources)
• Motivation: Desire to lead, compete, take charge, and accept responsibility
• Opportunity: Access to managerial roles in a supportive environment
Qualifications:
• Engineering degree (sometimes master’s)
• Professional license
• Work experience
• Supervision training
• Specialization in engineering management
Part 2 – Decision Making
Learning Objectives
• Define decision making
• Explain the decision-making process
• Describe approaches to problem-solving
• Understand PERT & CPM
1. What is Decision Making?
Definition: Identifying and choosing the best course of action from alternatives.
• “Heart of all management functions” (Nickels, 1987)
• Responsibility grows with management level.
2. Decision-Making Process (David H. Holt, 1987)
• Rational approach: Step-by-step identification, analysis, and selection of the best
option.
3. Approaches in Problem Solving
A. Qualitative Evaluation – Based on intuition & judgment
Used when:
• Problem is simple or familiar
• Costs are low
• Decision must be made quickly
B. Quantitative Evaluation – Analytical, data-driven
Techniques:
1. Inventory Models
o Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) – Minimizes total costs
o Production Order Quantity – EOQ for manufacturing
o Back Order Model – For planned shortages
o Quantity Discount Model – Discounts for large orders
2. Queuing Theory – Minimizing wait time & service cost
3. Network Models
o PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) – Uses three-time estimates
o CPM (Critical Path Method) – Uses single time estimate
4. Forecasting – Predicting future trends from data
5. Regression Analysis – Studying variable relationships to forecast outcomes
6. Simulation – Modeling real systems to predict outcomes
7. Linear Programming – Finding optimal solutions within constraints
8. Sampling Theory – Using samples for quality control/research
9. Statistical Design Theory – Making decisions with incomplete information