The Role Of Master's Degrees In Technologyand Business To Promote Cpd For Engineering Professionals

Abstract

There is an increasing realisation that the MBA approach to career development is not the most relevant form of education & training for engineers. During the mid 1990's, the UK's Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) funded over 20 Masters programmes that had at their heart: • Promotion of subject-specific advanced engineering topics • A parallel approach to teach management practice to an engineering audience • The creation of a management role for industrial representatives in academic programmes These Integrated Graduate Development Schemes (IGDS) cover a wide range of industries aerospace, chemical, material science and manufacturing engineering being some of the many represented in the programme. They all endeavour to meet the need for employment-based parttime learning within the context of continuing professional development, providing core and advanced engineering knowledge & skills and encouraging a multidisciplinary approach to the learning process. IGDS courses provide a technology-based version of an MBA and features a strong multidisciplinary theme that integrates advanced technologies, management and business (with a strong emphasis on the process of innovation) and IT strategy. The paper will look at some of the reasons for the development of these programmes, drawing in particular on the model from the University of Strathclyde's department of Chemical & Process Engineering and parallel programmes in the IGDS Process Industries Sector group. The University has pioneered several postgraduate distance-learning courses for industry-based students that are unique in the UK and are attracting interest on a worldwide basis. The design and development of the course was undertaken with a wide range of partners including industry, Professional Institutions and other Universities. The course delivery involves new methods of teaching, learning and communications that range from text-based to internet-based. There is a strong emphasis on employment-based project work. The paper will also cover: • The key features of course and curriculum development and the role of partnerships • The most effective methods of teaching, learning and communication

Effectively Recruiting Engineers To Become Mba Students

“…These degrees are popular not only with recent graduates, but with professional engineers seeking to continue their professional development. 27 These programs have similarities to, but are different than, traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. [28][29] Although these are valuable and important programs, little research has been done on how to effectively recruit engineering graduates into these advanced degrees.…”

Managing Senior Projects: Educating Graduates And Undergraduates In A Senior Project Course

“…[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] A Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree allows the students to first develop a solid technical background in their undergraduate programs and then focus on engineering management issues either immediately in a fifth year of college or later after they have been in the workforce for a few years. 24 Such graduate programs in engineering management share some similarities with Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, but they are specifically crafted for students who have an engineering background and a desire to manage engineering teams. [25][26] Teaching such a program effectively can be very challenging, requiring extensive professional development by engineering faculty and close collaboration with faculty in a College of Business Administration.…”