Title: Engineering management studies as part of continuing engineering education

Authors: Stuart Palmer

Addresses: Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering and Technology, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3216, Australia

Abstract: Engineering management is an important area of undergraduate preparation. With the introduction of engineering and technology degrees via flexible delivery, there are a growing number of mature-age engineering students returning to study to upgrade their qualifications. These students offer a new and unique perspective on engineering management – they may have had significant practical experience as a manager/supervisor in an engineering environment. This paper reports on a survey undertaken to better understand the perceptions of mature-age engineering students relating to engineering management. The engineering management competencies identified as most important by mature-age engineering students are those that are practically orientated, and most clearly associated with engineering and generic professional skills. Management competencies identified as less important by mature-age students are those that are more theoretical and most clearly associated with other business functions or professional occupations.

Keywords: continuing engineering education; engineering management education; flexible delivery; mature-age engineering students; management competencies; management skills; prior learning recognition; continuing education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCEELL.1999.030145

International Journal of Continuing Engineering Education and Life-Long Learning, 1999 Vol.9 No.2, pp.128 - 137

Published online: 11 Dec 2009 *

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