Engineering Management

Introduction to Management Challenges for Engineers

PLANNING, ORGANIZING, LEADING, AND CONTROLLING

"When engineering management is done right, you're focusing on three big things. Those studying
to become engineering managers learn how to effectively utilize technical, financial, and human
resources. They also hone their conceptual skills such as critical thinking, analytical thinking, and
problem-solving.

Learn to Manage Projects and People

Companies and organizations are invested in hiring engineers who can integrate technical
expertise, savvy business acumen, and effective interpersonal communication skills. Those who can
do this are prime candidates for positions in management. Successful engineering managers
understand that they must take an integrated view of management to streamline operational
activities, meet deliverables on time, and achieve organization goals.
The first step in understanding management is to be aware of the five basic functions of
management which are planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling:
Planning
To reach a goal, a plan must be put into place. Deciding which steps are a part of the plan is
the manager’s duty. Conceiving a plan and communicating it clearly is essential.
Planning helps a business identify its goals. Preparing for the future allows business leaders to
consider the impact they would like the company to have and to find a way to get there. When a
team works together to set goals, it allows everyone to be on the same page, working toward a
common, shared purpose

What Are the Basic Project Planning Steps?

1. Create and Analyze Business Case.
2. Identify and Meet Stakeholders for Approval.
3. Define Project Scope.
4. Set Goals and Objectives.
5. Determine Deliverables.
6. Create Project Schedule and Milestones.
7. Assignment of Tasks.
8. Carry Out Risk Assessment
Organizing
Having materials, resources, and finances available, and well-organized is essential.
Organization leads to efficiency which saves time, money, and energy.
What is Project organizing?
A project organization is a structure that facilitates the coordination and implementation of
project activities. Its main reason is to create an environment that fosters interactions among the
team members with a minimum amount of disruptions, overlaps and conflict

What are the 7 key elements of organizational structure?

These elements are departmentalization, chain of command, span of control, centralization or
decentralization, work specialization and the degree of formalization. Each of these elements
affects how workers engage with each other, management, and their jobs to achieve the
employer's goals
Staffing
Recruiting, selecting, and positioning employees is the first part of staffing. Making sure the
right person is assigned to the right job is integral to completing a goal. Managers must remember
that they have a responsibility to lead, as well.
Communication and motivation are necessary for building highly functioning teams. staffing
may include budgets, production requirements and employee and management staff work
experience

What is staffing in simple words?

Staffing refers to the process of finding the right employee with appropriate qualifications or
experience and recruiting them to fill a position, role, or job. ... The staffing model refers to data
that measures work activities, how many labor hours are needed, and how employee time is spent.
Determining Required Skills
The primary consideration of the staffing plan for project management is to determine the
specific skill sets required for completing project deliverables. The staffing plan entails drawing up a
time schedule for specific skill requirements based on the project schedule and task plan
Staffing is the most important part of project management. It is the staff who will complete
the project work. Staff will also consume most of the project cost. Hence it is extremely important
to be very precise in planning and acquiring the right staff at the right time for the right duration

A staffing plan is a series of steps that are taken to confirm that an organization has two very
important things determined:
1) the exact number of roles and positions within the company and
2) workers with the right skill sets filling these positions

What is the staffing process?

The staffing process is a systematic attempt to implement die human resource plan by
recruiting, evaluating, and selecting qualified candidates for the job-positions in the organization.
Thus, like planning and organization, staffing is also an important function of management
7 steps for creating staffing strategies that work
1. Determine your business goals. ...
2. Establish your current people landscape. ...
3. Analyze people patterns. ...
4. Identify staffing and people needs. ...
5. Create a future staffing projection. ...
6. Develop a strong employer brand and workplace culture. ...
7. Review the plan regularly

Manpower requirements - The very first step in staffing is to plan the manpower inventory
required by a concern to match them with the job requirements and demands. Therefore, it
involves forecasting and determining the future manpower needs of the concern
Steps involved in Staffing Process
1. Manpower Planning
2. Recruitment
3. Selection
4. Placement
5. Training
6. Development
7. Promotion
8. Transfer
9. Appraisal
10. Determination of Remuneration

1. Manpower Planning
Manpower planning can be regarded as the quantitative and qualitative measurement of
labor force required in an enterprise. Therefore, in an overall sense, the planning process involves
the synergy in creating and evaluating the manpower inventory and as well as in developing the
required talents among the employees selected for promotion advancement
2. Recruitment
Recruitment is a process of searching for prospective employees and stimulating them to
apply for jobs in the organization. It stands for finding the source from where potential employees
will be selected.
3. Selection
Selection is a process of eliminating those who appear unpromising. The purpose of this
selection process is to determine whether a candidate is suitable for employment in the
organization or not. Therefore, the main aim of the process of selection is selecting the right
candidates to fill various positions in the organization. A well-planned selection procedure is of
utmost importance.
4. Placement
Placement means putting the person on the job for which he is selected. It includes
introducing the employee to his job.
5. Training
After selection of an employee, the important part of the programmed is to provide training
to the new employee. With the various technological changes, the need for training employees is
being increased to keep the employees in touch with the various new developments.
6. Development
A sound staffing policy provides for the introduction of a system of planned promotion in
every organization. If employees are not at all having suitable opportunities for their development
and promotion, they get frustrated which affect their work.
7. Promotions
The process of promotion implies the up-gradation of an employee to a higher post involving
increasing rank, prestige, and responsibilities. Generally, the promotion is linked to increment in
wages and incentives, but it is not essential that it always relates to that part of an organization.
8. Transfer
Transfer means the movement of an employee from one job to another without increment in
pay, status, or responsibilities. Therefore, this process of staffing needs to evaluate on a timely
basis.
9. Appraisal
Appraisal of employees as to how efficiently the subordinate is performing a job and to know
his aptitudes and other qualities necessary for performing the job assigned to him.
10. Determination of Remuneration
This is the last process which is very crucial as it involves in determining remuneration which
is one of the most difficult functions of the personnel department because there are no definite or
exact means to determine correct wages.
Benefits of Staffing Process
The benefits of an effective staffing function are as follows-
• Staffing process helps in getting right people for the right job at right time. The function of
staffing helps the management to decide the number of employees needed for the organization
and with what qualifications and experience.
• Staffing process helps to improved organizational productivity. Therefore, through proper
selection of employees in the organization, it can increase the quality of the employees, and
through proper training, the performance level of the employees can also be improved.
• It helps in providing job satisfaction to the employees and thus keeps their morale high. With
proper training and development programmer, the employees get motivation and their efficiency
improves and they feel assured of their career advancements.
• It maintains harmony in the organization. Therefore with an overall performance of proper
staffing in an organization, the individuals are not only recruited and selected and but as a result,
their performance is regularly appraised and promotions made on merit which fosters harmony
and peace in the organization for the accomplishment of overall objectives of an organization.
Leading
It is common knowledge that not all managers are leaders and all leaders are not managers. It
is incumbent upon managers to learn and practice solid effective leadership skills. Being authentic
and connecting with people on an individual basis are first steps in being an effective leader.

1. Vision
Leaders often have the best intentions, but they get caught up in managing the day-to-day
tasks, putting out fires instead of working to unite their people under a shared vision.
Lack of direction leaves team members feeling confused about purpose. They know they are
working hard, but it is difficult for them to see their impact. They do not know which initiatives to
prioritize. As a leader, you not only need a clear vision, but you also need to communicate it well.
How to get it:
If you are struggling to create and communicate your long-term vision, step back and
think about what that vision is.
If you are in middle management, meet with the people above you to help you
understand big picture goals. If you are on top, step back and write down a plan. Too many
leaders fly by the seat of their pants without assessing goals on monthly, quarterly, and yearly
basis.
2. Effective Communication
Employee communication is the keystone of effective leadership. At its core, communication
is about expressing yourself so that the things you think and the things you say are closely aligned.
You need to communicate:
• Priorities
• Long term goals
• Gratitude
• Strategy and executional information
How to get it:
Work to understand your employees’ different communication styles. That way, you will
be able to tailor your own communication in the most effective manner.
Also – if you feel like you are not a great communicator, try putting things in writing.
Plan what you are going to say before a meeting instead of winging it.
3. Organization
When we think about being organized, we envision a clean workspace and color-coded post it
notes, but organization extends to executional items such as project timelines.
Organization is easy for some, impossible for others. Thankfully, there are resources
specifically designed to help all of us improve. Check out the list of helpful business tools to
promote productivity and growth.
How to get it:
Struggling to keep things together? Papers flying everywhere. Email inbox overloaded?
Sit down with a team member who is especially organized and have them help you set up
systems.
Once you have systems in place, you will be better able to stay organized and keep your
team on the same page.
4. Functional Skills
It is hard to respect management who cannot get stuff done. Someone who cannot “do” is
problematic – it is like having a ship captain who never learned how to sail.
If a leader does not have the skillset to understand the industry, and the ability to make
things happen, they are probably not a great leader. This does not mean that leaders need to be
knee deep in the nitty-gritty; they simply need to effectively delegate and create timelines to
ensure that goals are met.
How to get it:
Take a class on leadership and management, or other courses that focus on the
functional skills you lack. Find an in-person class in your region or an online course that
focuses on skills such as delegation, difficult conversation, and project timelines.
5. Confidence
You are the boss, so you cannot let yourself get used by your staff. Confidence is not just a
trait, but a practiced skill. Confidence comes from knowing yourself well. If you understand your
strengths, you can leverage them for success. You can be transparent with your team when it
comes to your weaknesses, asking for help so you can move along.
How to get it:
Take a personality test like Myers-Briggs or DISC assessments. These may help you
understand your strengths and weaknesses in an objective way. It is also a good idea to try
things outside your comfort zone. If you are a quiet person, take an improved class. If you are
loud, meditate.
6. Fairness
Nothing frustrates employees more than blatant favoritism. Sure, there will be members of
your team that you like more than others, but expressing your true feelings is poison to a team
who must come together. Favoritism is juvenile, and it can poison a team.
How to get it:
If you really favor some team members more than others, you need to create
boundaries to put your professionalism in check. When you go out to lunch, invite everyone.
As a manager, you need to make professional friends and contacts, not BFFs.
7. Respect
Being a good leader does not mean getting everyone to unanimously nod their heads every
time you open your mouth. Disagreements are inevitable, but a good leader can treat others with
respect and kindness, no matter the situation.
How to get it:
If you feel yourself getting worked up in a meeting, take a deep breath, walk out the
door, and take a break. Time will calm you down so that when you do discuss hot button
issues, you can do so with respect.

8. Adaptability
Change is the only constant in our lives, and teams look to their leaders when the seas get
stormy and the caves get dark. As a leader, you must adapt and take changes in stride, thriving in
transition.
How to get it:
When changes come, force yourself to be optimistic, even if you are worried. Connect
with the right people, but honest about your skepticism, and be ready to change how you go
about things. When someone suggests leading meetings in a new way, do not balk. Carefully
consider why you feel the way you do and be open-minded about a new way of doing things.
9. Ability to Think Strategically
It is frustrating to work at a place where the leaders take on itty bitty projects without a lot of
strategy. We look to leaders for guidance on everything, and when we feel that they are not being
deliberate, we panic.
Basically, people want to understand how you are going to accomplish company goals. You
must be able to think and act strategically to be successful as a leader.
How to get it:
According to the Harvard Business Review, people lack strategy because they are not
taking the time to reflect. Build strategic time into your workday. You need time to reflect on
situations so that you can connect ideas together to show your team you can make things
happen.
10. Team Orientation
Yes, you are a leader, but you are also part of the team. You must think like a team member,
and always put the team before your own needs. Sometimes that means taking flack for an
employee’s mistake or going to bat when a report asks for a promotion or more compensation.
How to get it:
Think of yourself as a team member before thinking of yourself as a leader. Be willing to
do things you dislike for the sake of the team. Never act like you are better than your team
members just because you are in a position of power.
11. Navigation of Difficult Conversations
Stressful conversations are inevitable. Laying someone off, talking about an issue that came
up in the office, or critiquing bad performance—all these causes a lot of stress.
Leaders are good at having these conversations. They can speak with grace, ask for input, and
make people feel like they are safe, even when the content is difficult.
How to get it:
Try reading
Being a manager is hard– there are so many skills you need to be successful. Thankfully,
with a little bit of elbow grease, you will be able to work on these skills to become the
best leader in your organization.
Controlling
Effective engineering managers look for constant improvement. Controlling costs, schedules,
and production plans are all essential to managing a project well and finishing within or under
budget. Controlling that which can be controlled, and responding quickly and efficiently, to those
things that do not go according to plan, are all within the purview of an engineering manager.

Learn New Skills

Engineering managers are skilled in their technical area of expertise, as well as business,
law, ethics, technology, and leading teams. Below is a partial list of what engineer managers
do:
• Drive decisions based on a working knowledge of stocks and bonds in capital markets
• Maintain a working knowledge of domestic and foreign industry trends
• Employ technological tools of the trade such as enterprise resource planning, customer
relationship management and supply chain management software
• Demonstrate a holistic view of the organization including relationships with suppliers and
customers and work towards using those to achieve company goals
Engineering Managers Are in Demand
According to experts, the field of engineering management is expected to grow nine percent
through 2021. We can most likely see increases in research and development, architectural
engineering, biomedical, and environmental engineering. Competition will be high for acquiring
these positions so it is likely that companies will place a higher priority on candidates with
advanced technical knowledge, excellent interpersonal communication skills, and expert business
management and financial skills. Jessica McKellar, successful startup founder and software
engineer writes:
"When civil engineering management is done right, you're focusing on three big things. You're
directly supporting the people on your team; you're managing execution and coordination across
teams; and you're stepping back to observe and evolve the broader organization and its processes
as it grows."
Those studying to become engineering managers learn how to effectively utilize technical,
financial, and human resources. They also hone their conceptual skills such as critical thinking,
analytical thinking, and problem-solving. Engineering managers in training are not only advancing
their career, they are contributing to the goals of their organization in ways that are both
sustainable and impactful to the clients they serve and the population at large.
What is project management for construction?
Project management is the art of directing and coordinating human and material resources
throughout the life of a project by using modern management techniques to achieve
predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, quality, and participation satisfaction.

What are the 5 stages of project management?

Developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the five phases of project
management include conception and initiation, planning, execution, performance/monitoring,
and project close.

What are 3 critical skills a project manager needs to succeed?

Here are the three “must-have” skills for every successful project manager:
• Communication and interpersonal skills. ...
• Ability to negotiate and resolve conflicts. ...
• Building commitment within the team. ...
• Concluding thoughts on team leader skills
What are the 10 knowledge areas of project management?

• Project Integration Management.

• Project Scope Management.
• Project Schedule Management.
• Project Cost Management.
• Project Quality Management.
• Project Resource Management.
• Project Communications Management.
• Project Risk Management
What Are Project Management Skills?
• Planning the project from conception to implementation.
• Mapping out a timeline.
• Executing each phase.
• Creating, allocating, and managing the budget.
• Communicating among all stakeholders.
• Troubleshooting any issues.
• Delivering (and often maintaining) the product or service

Why is project management important in construction?

• Effective construction project management benefits owners by increasing the potential for
successful project completion—on time, within budget, and free of financial or legal complications.
Project management can also provide clear lines of accountability
What are the principles of construction management?
The Five Construction Principles have been established so that the five elements: environmental
protection, safety, speed, economy, and aesthetics, conform with a balanced regular pentagon

What is difference between construction management and project management?

While the construction manager oversees on-site operations, such as personnel, materials, and the
construction budget, project managers oversee ALL phases of the project, from marketing to
administrative needs. ... The project manager, on the other hand, is more responsible for the
project budget and the timeline.