Engineering Management and Occupational Therapy Management
Engineering management is the application of this process of management to the field of engineering. Management theory is concerned with the observation that humans create a system by which they can organize their life, information, and physical resources so that they can meet their needs. The scope of human management theory is therefore very broad. However, it is based on the assumption that humans possess a mind that enables them to organize their environment in such a way as to provide the maximum benefit at the lowest cost to themselves, their organizations, and to others. This in turn enables them to achieve their organizational objectives and work objectives.
Systems engineering seeks to solve design and analysis problems in engineering. Systems engineering attempts to use information science to solve design and analysis problems. It makes use of both mathematically and analytically formulated techniques. Systems engineering, therefore, is a subset of strategic management and applied science. It studies the ways in which information science can be used to solve problems in the industry.
An individual interested in earning a bachelor’s engineering management degree should be aware of his/her options when it comes to choosing a program for this degree. There are two types of programs available in the field of engineering management; namely, either a program leading to a master’s degree or a program resulting in an engineer-focused bachelor’s degree.
A number of universities across the nation have developed special programs that suit an individual’s educational needs and preferences. For instance, the Stanford Graduate School of Engineering has developed a program that requires its students to obtain both a science and a computer engineering degree prior to entering into its program. The school further offers several options for those who wish to specialize in industrial engineering.
In terms of curriculum, most engineering management programs involve courses in human anatomy, general psychology, computer science, mathematics, and physics. Some may also offer courses in business administration, strategic management, environmental sustainability, and operations research. Before applying to any graduate school, however, an applicant must ensure that he/she has the minimum academic requirements. For most undergraduate degrees, candidates must first complete their general education requirements, which typically consist of a grade point average of at least 3.0, and a major in an area of concentration.
Most graduate programs in engineering design management offer a number of specializations. Some examples include aerospace, mechanical, and biomedical engineering. Specializations in these areas provide candidates with a unique set of resources and experience to help them advance their careers. Specializations in mechanical engineering often lead to positions as project managers or senior engineers. Bio-medical and aerospace engineering specialties require candidates to complete post-graduate studies in either human biology mechanical engineering, or chemistry, in order to qualify for these positions.
Many graduate engineering programs offer internships where they can work directly with a manufacturer to test and improve upon a new product. Students can also choose to pursue a specific technology, such as computer product engineering or electrical engineering. They can even choose to focus on a specific functional area such as energy, materials, or manufacturing. Upon graduation, they may find themselves working directly with a manufacturer or performing function-based job responsibilities in a wide variety of environments.
A more common application for graduates is as an information systems manager. This job requires candidates to possess a general knowledge of information technology and often requires candidates to have a master’s degree in computer science, math, or engineering.
Graduates may also have success applying to a number of industrial jobs, particularly those in the field of aerospace, automotive, and electronics. A number of engineering jobs in this field are available at all levels, and positions are available at the entry-level as well as the executive level. Because of this wide variety of available positions, most graduates with a bachelor’s degree in industrial management remain successful in their careers.
There are a number of additional options available to candidates with an engineering manager degree. These include positions in finance and accounting, human resources, and supply chain management. The demand for qualified managers in these areas is expected to grow substantially in the next few years as both companies and industries seek to streamline their operations and enhance customer service. Graduates with a master’s degree in operations management should have no problem finding work in this field.
