3

A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development

Module
In

ES 111B

ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

College of Engineering and Technology

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
 Module No 1.

The field of Engineering Management

Decision Making
Planning Technical Activities
Organizing Technical Activities

1st Semester AY 2022 - 2023

ENGR. MARIA FE V. ADIER

ENGR. SAMUEL A. ESPARTERO
ENGR. JOHN BRYAN C. VILLAPA
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SUBJECT CONTENTS

Chapter 1:

a. The field of Engineering Management

b. Decision Making
c. Planning Technical Activities
d. R0rganizing Technical Activities

Chapter 2:

a. Staffing the Engineering Organization

b. Communicating
c. Motivating
d. Leading

Chapter 3:

a. Controlling
b. Managing production and Service Operations
c. Managing the Market Function
d. Managing the Finance Function
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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic such as: The field of engineering management, decision
making, Planning Technical activities and Organizing Technical Activities.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pre-test first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue
amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

Hi! I’m Blue Bee, your WPU Mascot.

Welcome to Western Philippines University!

Shape your dreams with quality learning experience.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

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Table of Contents

Title Page

INTRODUCTION 6
Chapter 1
The field of engineering management;
decision making; planning tecnical activities
and organizing technical activities
Overview 7
Learning Outcomes 7
Pre-test 7
Lesson 1: The field of engineering management
A. Learning Outcomes 8
B. Time Allotment 8
C. Discussion 8
D. Activities/Exercises 20
E. Evaluation/Post-test 22
References 68
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INTRODUCTION

Engineering management is one of the vital roles in running an engineering

firm. Before the construction firm starts its operation, there must be personnel to
handle the major functions that control the ins and outs of the company. Aside from
the top management there are lower functions that the company must rely on.
Without the workers the company will not grow on its own.
The experience person in managing a construction engineering, even supply of
materials, supply of manpower, procurement of supply and materials, consulting and
managing, or even an EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) has an
advance thinking on how to run the project.
One of the principles of the company success is to take cares the
personnel/workers under the control of every discipline, because the workers is the
future of the company. The one the company gets growing is the workers who
contributed their utmost service to keep the company’s known to its expertise and
trustworthy.
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Chapter 1: The field of engineering management, decision making,

Planning Technical activities and Organizing Technical Activities.

Overview

This subject covers twelve primary topics which are merge into three chapters.
These specific topics are: The field of engineering management, decison making,
planning technical activities, organizing technical activities, staffing the engineering
organizations, communicating, motivating, leading, conttrolling, managing
production and service operations, managing the marketing function and managing
the finance function.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this subject, the student will be able to:
1. Understand the field of engineering management.
2. Know and apply the different fubctions of management.

Pre-test

1. Define engineering management.

2. What are the functions in engineering management? Give at least 5 functions.
3. What are expected of engineers in general?
4. What qualifications must an engineer manager have?
5. Why is proper diagnosis of the problem important?
6. What are the approaches in solving problems?
7. What is the purpose of Bayesian analysis?
8. Why is planning an important activity for engineer managers?
9. What is a budget?
10. What are the barriers in planning?
11. Why is it important for an engineer manager to acquire skills in organizing?
12. What is the purpose of the formal organization?
13. What are the types of organizational structures and how may they be
distinguished?
14. What are committees? How may they be classified?
15. How can you say that you are a good leader?
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Lesson 1: The field of Engineering Management

A. Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to:
1. Know the functions of the Engineer
2. Define Engineering Management
3. Determine the process of management
4. Know the requirements of the Engineer manager
5. Know how one may become an successful Engineer manager

B. Time Allotment

2 hours ( 1 session)

C. Discussion

The field of engineering management

Engineers are expected to perform a variety of tasks depending on their

specialization. It is important to the engineer that he knows what is expected of him
so that he may be able to perform his job effectively and efficiently. His next concern
will be to identify the skills required but which he does not have. As engineers are
trained to directly deal with the people, it is expected that their weakness will most
often be on people-based skills. This difficulty will be more apparent once they are
assigned to occupy management positions. It follows that if the engineer manager
would want to do his well, some exposure to engineering management activities
becomes necessary.

The functions of the engineer

Since prehistoric times, mankind has benefited from the various tools,
equipment, and projects developed by engineers. Among these are the following:

1. The stone bladed axe which was a very useful tool; and the irrigation system
used to promote crop growing - - - 6000 to 3000 BC.

2. The pyramids of Egypt - - - 3000 to 600 BC;

3. Road building by the Romans - - - 600 BC to AD

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4. The production of paper and gunpowder by the Chinese - - - - - 100 AD to

1600 AD

5. The production of steam engine and the spinning and weaving machinery - - -
- 1601 AD to 1799 AD, and

6. The manufacture of cars and household appliances - - - - - - modern times.

A listing of all useful tools, equipment, and projects developed and produced by
engineers will be sufficient to produce volumes of books. These contributions
indicate that engineers have become an indispensable segment of the world’s
profession. This expectation will continue for a long time.

Even as engineers are currently producing solutions to many of the difficulties

faced by mankind, much is still expected of them. Their outputs, new or
improvements of old ones are very much needed in the following specific problem
concerns:

1. The production of more food for a fast growing world population;

2. The elimination of air and water pollution;
3. Solid waste disposal and materials recycling;
4. The reduction of noise in various forms;
5. Supplying the increasing demand for energy;
6. Supplying the increasing demand for mobility;
7. Preventing and solving crimes; and
8. Meeting the increasing demand for communication facilities.

Specifically, the functions of engineering encompass the following areas:

1. Research - where the engineer is engaged in the process of learning about

nature and codifying this knowledge into usable theories.

2. Design and development – where the engineer undertakes the activity of

turning a product concept to a finished physical item. Design for
manufacturability and value engineering teams (a feature of some companies)
are charged with improvement of designs and specifications at the research,
development, design, and production stages of product development.

3. Testing – where the engineer works in a unit where new products or parts are
tested for workability.

4. Manufacturing – where the engineer is directly in charge of production

personnel or assumes responsibility for the product.

5. Construction – this is where the construction engineer (a civil engineer) is

either directly in charge of the construction personnel or may have
responsibility for the quality of the construction process.
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6. Sales – where the engineer assists the company’s customers to meet their
needs, especially those that require technical expertise.

7. Consulting – where the engineer works as consultant of any individual or

organization requiring his services.

8. Government – where the engineer may find employment in the

government performing any of the various tasks in regulating, monitoring,
and controlling the activities of various institutions, public or private.

9. Teaching – where the engineer gets employment in a school and is

assigned as a teacher of engineering courses. Some of them later become
deans, vice presidents, and presidents.

10. Management – where the engineer is assigned to manage groups of people

performing specific tasks.

The engineer in various types of organization

From the viewpoint of the engineer, organizations may be classified according to the
degree of engineering jobs performed:

1. Level One – those with minimal engineering jobs like retailing firms.
2. Level Two – those with a moderate degree of engineering jobs like
transportation companies.
3. Level Three – those with a high degree of engineering jobs like construction
firms.

Figure 1.1 Types of Organization and the Management Skills Required

of Engineers
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Management Skills Required at Various Levels

Among the types of organizations, the engineer will have a slim chance of becoming
the general manager or president of level one, unless of course, he owns the firm. The
engineer manager may be assigned to head a small engineering unit of firm, but
there will not be too many firms which will have this unit.

In level two firms, the engineer may be assigned to head the engineering division.
The need for management skills will now be felt by the engineer manager.

Level three firms provide the biggest opportunity for an engineer to become the
president or general manager. In this case, the engineer manager cannot function
effectively without adequate management skills.

WHAT IS ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT?

Engineering management refers to the activity combining “technical

knowledge with the ability to organize and coordinate worker power, materials,
machinery, and money.”

When the engineer is assigned to supervise the work of even a few people, he
is already engaged in the first phase of engineering management. His main
responsibility is to lead his group into producing a certain output consistent with the
required specifications.

The top position an engineer manager may hope to occupy is the general
managership or presidency of any firm, large or small. As he scales the management
ladder, he finds that the higher he goes up, the less technical activities he performs,
and the more management tasks he accepts. In this case, it is but proper that the
management functions taught in pure management courses be well understood by
the engineer manager.
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Figure 1.2 A Typical Advertisement for a Pure Engineering Job

(without management responsibilities)

GE

The name the world trusts has placed its trust in us

Fuji-haya electric
An affiliate of Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., of Japan

For immediate hiring

Licensed electrical engineers

Technical services group
(Canlubang-based)

Design Engineers (2)

The successful candidate will handle projects design and coordination for
switchgears manufacturing and substation installation.

Application Engineers (2)

The successful candidates will prepare lay-out drawings of switchgears

distribution/lighting panel boards, etc., and bill of components. He/She will transact
with customers regarding revisions and approvals.

Qualifications for Engineering Positions:

 With at least one year work experience; overseas experience will be an
advantage
 With adequate understanding of and actual operating skills in CAD and
windows software
 With effective English communication skills and interpersonal skills to
efficiently handle transactions in various levels
 Preferably with a driver’s license

Applicants are requested to apply in person with their comprehensive resumes, 1 x 1

photo, and college transcripts at the 2ndFlr. Matrino Bldg., 2178 Pasong Tamo St.,
Makati City. For inquiries, please call Odette Panganiban at 892-88-96. Interviews
will be held from 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 NN, Monday to Saturday. Deadline for
application is Saturday, 02 March 1996.
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Figure 1.3 A Typical Advertisement for an Engineer Manager as a Lower

Level Executive (Supervisor)

ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S LEADING STRUCTURE SPECIALISTS NEEDS

THE FOLLOWING FOR ITS EXPANSION

FABRICATION SUPERVISOR (1)

---- Male, BSCE/BSME graduate, not more than 35 years old

---- At least 5 years experience in steel fabrication
---- Willing to work on shifting schedule

STRUCTURAL DETAILERS (6)

---- M/F, B.S. in Engineering, below 35 years old

---- At least 5 years experience in steel fabrication
---- Willing to work on shifting schedule

PROJECT ENGINEERS

---- Male, licensed Civil Engineer, with at least 5 years experience on steel
erection and willing to be assigned outside Metro Manila

WELDING FOREMAN

---- Male, at least high school graduate and with at least 5 years experience as
welding foreman

Apply at:
STEEL CENTRE PHILS., INC.
Amang Rodrigues Ave., Bo. Manggahan, Pasig City
Or send comprehensive resume to:
P.O. BOX 3702, MANILA
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Figure 1.4 A Typical Advertisement for an Engineer Manager as a Middle

Level Executive

A PROGRESSIVE COMPANY IS LOOKING FOR TALENTED AND

DYNAMIC INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE WILLING TO FILL UP THE
FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

PRODUCTION MANAGER

- Male, 35-45 years of age

- Mechanical Engineering/Industrial Engineering graduate or any related

course

- With 4 to 6 years working experience in handling production preferably in a

steel industry

- Extensive experience in maintenance program

- Cost-cutting oriented person

Interested parties, please apply in person with bio-data and resume, 2 x 2 picture and other
credentials at:

8/F GEDISCO TOWER

534 Asuncion, St., Binondo, Manila
Tel. 241-92-51
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Figure 1.5 Typical Advertisements for Engineer Managers as top

Executives

WE ARE FAST GROWING GROUP OF COMPANIES IN NEED OF A

QUALIFIED AND HIGHLY MMOTIVATED

GENERAL MANAGER

- Male, 35 - 45 years old

- Preferably a graduate of Industrial or Mechanical Engineering
- Highly skilled in the field of general management
- Sales oriented
- Fluent in spoken and written English

The qualified applicant will receive an attractive compensation package and benefits.

Interested applicants may send their resume with a latest photo to the PERSONNEL
DEPARTMENT, BOX 193 – MAIN ’96 C/O MANILA BULLETIN

GENERAL MANAGER

A very progressive chemical manufacturing company seeks a mature and highly

qualified candidate to assume the above post.

Directly reporting to the Vice President, the ideal candidate must be:

- Male, 35 – 45 years old

- Graduate of Chemical Engineering I a prestigious college or university
- Aggressive and result oriented
- With leadership and management skills
- Excellent communication skills

We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits. Interested applicants are

requested to send their resume with a recent photo to:

THE HRD DEPARTMENT

BOX 192 – MAIN ‘96
c/o MANILA BULLETIN
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Figure 1.6 An Advertisement for an Engineering Manager

FOR IMMEDIATE HIRING

ENGINEERING MANAGER

This person will be responsible for the effective management of the engineering and
maintenance department.

We are looking for a licensed Mechanical Engineer, preferably with an MBA or

graduate school degree.

He must carry with him at least five years experience in the operation, trouble
shooting and preventive maintenance system of all mechanical, refrigeration and air-
conditioning equipment preferably gained from a food business industry or in a
manufacturing firm in a managerial capacity.

We offer a very competitive compensation package and a car plan to the qualified
candidate.

Interested parties, may send their comprehensive resume, application letter and a
passport sized ID to:

BOX NO. 153 CUBAO ‘96

c/o MANILA BULLETIN
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Management defined

Since the engineer manager is presumed to be technically competent in his

specialization, one may now proceed to describe more thoroughly the remaining
portion of his job, which is management.

Management may be defined as the “creative problem solving-process of

planning, organizing, leading, and controlling an organization’s resources to achieve
its mission and objectives.

The process of management

Management is a process consisting of planning, organizing, directing (or

leading), and controlling.

Explained in a simple manner, management must seek to find out the

objectives of the organization, think of ways on how to achieve them, decide on the
ways to be adapted and the material resources to be used, determine the human
requirements of the total job, assign specific tasks to specific persons, motivate them,
and provide means to make sure that the activities are in the right decision.

The specific activities in the management process are discussed more

thoroughly in the succeeding chapters.

Requirements for the engineer manager’s job

Depending on the type of products or services a firm produces, the engineer

manager must have the following qualifications:

1. A bachelor’s degree in engineering from a reputable school; in some cases,

a master’s degree in engineering or business management is required;
2. A few years experience in a pure engineering job;
3. Training in supervision;
4. Special training in engineering management.

These qualifications will be of great help to the engineer manager in the

performance of the various management functions.

How one may become a successful engineer manager

Successful engineer managers do not happen as a matter of chance, although

luck is a contributory factor. It is very important for the engineer manager to know
the various factors leading to successful management.
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Kreitner indicates at least three general preconditions for achieving lasting

success as a manager. They are as follows:

1. Ability
2. Motivation to manage, and
3. Opportunity

Ability

Managerial ability refers to the capacity of an engineer manager to achieve

organizational objectives effectively and efficiently.

Effectiveness, according to Higgins, refers to a description of “whether

objectives are accomplished”, while efficiency is a description of the relative amount
of resources used in obtaining effectives.”

To illustrate:
If a civil engineer was asked by his superiors to finish a 100-kilometer
road cementing project within eight months, he is said to be effective if he
finished the job within the required period. On the other hand, his efficiency is
measured by the inputs (labor and materials) he poured into the project in
relation to the actual output (the 100 kilometer road). If the same output is
made with less input, the more efficient the civil engineer becomes.

Motivation to Manage

Many people have the desire to work and finish specific tasks assigned by
superiors, but not many are motivated to manage other people so that they may
contribute to the realization of the organization’s objectives.

A management researcher, John B. Miner, developed a psychometric

instrument to measure objectively an individual’s motivation to manage. The test is
anchored to the following dimensions:

1. Favorable attitude toward those in positions of authority, such as

superiors.
2. Desire to engage in games or sports competition with peers.
3. Desire to engage in occupational or work-related competition with peers.
4. Desire to assert oneself and take charge.
5. Desire to exercise power and authority over others.
6. Desire to behave in a distinctive way, which includes standing out from the
crowd.
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7. Sense of responsibility in carrying out the routine duties associated with

managerial work.

High scores in the foregoing dimensions are associated with high motivation
to manage.

Opportunity

Successful managers become possible only if those having the ability and
motivation are given the opportunity to manage. The opportunity for successful
management has two requirements:

1. Obtaining a suitable managerial job, and

2. Finding a supportive climate once on the job.

Newspaper advertisements abound with needs for engineer managers. It is a

little difficult to determine if the firms requiring their services provide a supportive
climate for effective and efficient management. A supportive climate is characterized
by the recognition of managerial talent through financial and nonfinancial rewards.

SUMMARY

Engineers are known for their great contributions to the developments of the
world’s civilization. There are many areas where their presence is necessary like
research, design and development, testing, manufacturing, construction, sales,
consulting, government teaching, and management.

Engineers may be found contributing their share in the various levels of

organization.

Engineering activities need to be managed and engineers are sometimes

placed in positions where they have to learn management skills.

Management is concerned with planning, organizing, leading, and controlling

an organization’s resources to achieve its mission and objectives.

There are certain qualifications required of the engineer manager.

One may become a successful engineer manager if the preconditions of ability,

motivation to manage, and opportunity to manage are met.
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D. Activities/Exercises
Note: Use separate blank paper for this activity and it must be your hand writing.
This is graded exercise.

Part A. Essay/Discussion
1. Why engineers are considered an important segment of the society?
2. What are expected of engineers in general?
3. In what current concerns are engineering outputs needed?
4. In what areas are engineers currently involved?
5. How many organizations be classified according to the engineering jobs
performed?
6. Which organizations level requires the highest management skills for engineer
managers?
7. What is engineering management?
8. How may one define management?
9. What qualifications must an engineer manager have?
10. How may one become a successful engineer manager?

Part B. Research

1. Prepare a list of ten engineers who became president or general manager of a

large company.

2. Interview an Engineer manager/project engineer and the like via online about
his/her successful story. Make your own questionaire and have it checked by
your instructor.
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Case 1. ALMA ELECTRONICS: I’ll Dream of you

Mr. Andy Mallari opened a small shop selling transistor radios in 1979. His
store was located at one corner (General Luna St.) of the entire stretch of Burgos
Avenue, the main thoroughfare of Cabanatuan City.

The demand for electronic parts made him carry a wide assortment of parts
that are used in the assembly and maintenance of radios, tape recorders, amplifiers,
and various related appliances.

By 1990, Mr. Mallari was able to save enough money for the purchase of a 300
square meter lot along Del Pilar Street. He constructed a 10 meters x 15 meters two-
storey building on a lot. The ground floor is used as his store where sales are made to
customers which grew in number month after month. The second floor is used as his
residence.

Mr. Mallari thinks that he can duplicate his feat in the other big towns of San
Jose City, Gapan, and Guimba. He has already started operating his stores in those
towns and sales and are already picking up. His current operations cover sales and
repair. There are five salesladies in Cabanatuan attending to the various needs of the
customers. Those who bring their appliances for repair are served by one of the six
technicians. The parts used come from the stocks maintained at the store.

Those who purchase parts from the store consist of technicians from the
various towns of Nueva Ecija. Sometimes, the technicians send somebody to do the
purchasing of parts.

Mr. Mallari’s perspective has changed drastically after he met his former
classmate Estelito Chan in a class reunion at Araullo University. Mr. Chan has a well-
established appliance assembly in Manila. He indicated that he did not start big but
rather as a subcontractor for a large assembly plant. Slowly, Mr. Chan’s business
picked up until he was able to establish his own factory.

Mr. Mallari thinks that he can follow the footsteps of his friend. As he is
already 47 years old and his older child is about ready to enter college, he thinks this
is the best time for him to consider sending his son to an engineering school. His
decision will center on which school and which engineering course. He feels that his
children are keenly interested in whatever career he will ask them to take.

Mr. Mallari has three sons, all belonging to the top ten in their respective
classes. He thinks all three have the potential to help him realize his dream of
establishing his own assembly plant. His immediate concern now is to identify the
right college courses for his children.
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E. Evaluation/Post-test

Direction: Answer the following question. Your answer must be hand written. This is
a graded test.

1. In your own words and in one sentence, what is engineering management?

2. How can you become a successful Engineer manager?

3. What are the process that you have to follow in order to have a good
management?

4. What are the qualifications that you must have to be a good engineer manager?

5. Do you see yourself be one of the engineer manager someday? Yes or No support
your answer.
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References

Main Reference:

1. Medina, Roberto G. Engineering Management. 2002. First edition

ISBN 971-23-246604
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