Principles of management

1. Module: PRINCIPLES OF Management
Code: PCPM01

2. SCHAME OF WORK
THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH PEOPLE WORK
PRINCIPLES OF GENERAL MANAGEMENT
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
IMPACT OF EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS AND LABOUR LEGISLATION ON AN ORGANISATION
MANAGING PEOPLE AND TEAMS
LAW OF CONTRACTS
MANAGING TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

3. Chapter 1 The Environment in which Technical
People Work

4. Learning Outcomes
a) Define the terms technology, technologist, scientist and engineer
b) Describe the role of engineers in the modern society
c) List the different skills required by a successful engineer
d) Explain why engineers have to appreciate the needs of business
e) Explain why engineers need to have management skills
f) Discuss the life cycle of an organisation and a facility

5. 1.1 Technology, Technologist, Scientist and Engineer Defined
It is not easy to define or explain an engineer’s role in an organisation or in society
in general. This task is complicated by the broad use of the word ‘engineering’- e.g.:
consider its use in the terms social engineering, genetic engineering, business
process-engineering, software engineering and all other types of engineering.
Defining an engineer is further complicated by terms technician, technologist and
scientist.
One method of defining an engineer is to define what a person does, how s/he does
it, where s/he works and to explain his/her contribution to society.
 The Engineering Council of the United Kingdom (UK) defines an engineer as: ‘one
who has and uses scientific, technical and pertinent knowledge, understanding and
skills to create, enhance, operate or maintain safe, efficient systems, structures,
plant, processes or devices of practical and economic values.

6. 1.1 Technology, Technologist, Scientist and Engineer Defined
Dillon (1998) says that engineering is directed to developing and providing
infrastructure, goods or services for industry and community.
De Camp (1963) defines an engineer as somebody who designs some
structure or machine, or who directs the building of it, or who operates and
maintains.
Many different types of engineers exist today. Examples are civil, mechanical,
electrical, computer, chemical, aerospace, nuclear, mining, biochemical, agricultural,
biomedical, materials, metallurgical, petroleum, marine and industrial engineers.
A technologist can be described as somebody who uses or applies technology.
Technology is needs driven, whereas curiosity and speculation about natural world
usually drive science.

7. 1.1 Technology, Technologist, Scientist and Engineer Defined cont’d
Technology refers to the theoretical and practical knowledge, skills and artefacts
that can be used to develop products and services as well as their production and
delivery systems.
Technology can therefore be embedded in people, materials, cognitive and
physical processes, plant, equipment and tools (Burgelman et al., 2004).
The aim of technology is to create and improve artefacts and systems that satisfy
human needs or aspirations.
Success is judged in terms of efficiency, performance, reliability, durability, cost of
production, ecological impacts, safety and end-of-life disposability. Whereas the
output from science may be published paper, that from technology may be a
patent.

8. 1.2 The Role of Engineers in Society
Engineers play many roles such as:
• They are guardians of the new, the innovators and the creative bringers of
technological change.
• Some describe engineering as the driving force behind the prosperity of the
nations.
• Engineers raise living standards and bring benefits to society as a whole (Dillon,
1998).
They are in mining activities expanded the range of metals and natural
products for manufacturing of products
Military, they prepare topographical maps, construct roads, bridges
They are entrusted with difficult projects
Make ethical decisions

9. 1.3 Engineering Skills and Knowledge
Engineers have to combine technical skills with non-technical skills and knowledge.
Engineer or engineering team has to consider many factors and variables when
designing a new product, plant, shaft system and factory including:
• Easy of maintenance
• Quality
• Aesthetics (appearance)
• Environmental concerns
• Production/construction method(s)
• Cost and economic viability
• Safety
• Materials used
• Moral and ethical concerns

10. 1.3 Engineering Skills and Knowledge cont’d
Industry and society require engineers to possess knowledge, skills and aptitudes for various activities such as research,
design, testing, operations, production, development of a new product, etc.,
The correct mix of skills, knowledge and aptitudes that engineers require depends on the company, industry and business
ecosystem in which they will apply their knowledge. These skills and knowledge include:
Communication, Information
Systems thinking
Finances, Economics
Environment
Teamwork
Law/contract
Marketing
Quality control
Problem defining and solving
Entrepreneurial
Project Management
People issues

11. 1.4 Engineers as (Project) Managers, Executive and Supervisors
There is no hard-and fast division between the skills required by an engineer
and an engineering manager.
Engineers not only generate ideas and design objects, they plan projects,
administer budgets and direct others to implement their ideas.
It is especially for the execution aspect of their ideas that engineers need
management knowledge and skills.
Many engineers spend much of their working lives managing rather than
practising.
Within ten years of starting their careers, many engineers take on leadership
and management roles

12. 1.4 Engineers as (Project) Managers, Executive and Supervisors cont’d
Engineering managers involve in the manufacturing of products face six main
challenges:
1. Getting the right people,
2. aiming at the right targets,
3. continuing action (monitoring, checking quality, etc.,),
4. creating a climate that motivate innovation,
5. dealing with increasing international competition,
6. developing awareness of the social and other consequences of a new
technology.

13. 1.4 Engineers as (Project) Managers, Executive and Supervisors cont’d
It is important to indicate that some managers should have a technical background
to succeed in certain business environments.
Good engineering managers are distinguished from other good managers by the
fact that they simultaneously use their abilities to apply engineering principles
together with their skills in organising and directing resources, people and projects.
Thus they are qualified equally for two types of roles:
• The management of functions such as research, design, production and operations
in a very technical environment
• The management of broader functions such as marketing, project management or
top management in the high technology enterprise that is usually subject to rapid
technological change.

14. 1.5 Organisational and Other Cycles
All successful Organisations are started at some point and tend to become larger and more complex
over time.
Changes take place during the life of an organisation follow a certain pattern, called organisational
life cycle.
Stages in the organisational life cycle are:
1. The inception (birth) stage: activities at this stage maybe the development of a business plan.
2. High-growth stage
3. Maturity stage
4. Decline stage
We may also have the product life cycle (from marketing management perspective). This states how
the sales and profits made from the product at different stages such as:
1. Introductory stage
2. Growth stage
3. Maturity stage
4. Decline stage

15. 1.5 Organisational and Other Cycles cont’d
In terms of project life cycle, the stages are as follows:
1. Concept phase
2. Definition phase
3. Implementation phase
4. Close-out phase
Operational life cycle may include:
1. Maintenance projects
2. Upgrade project(s)
3. Expansion project(s)
4. Disposal project

16. 1.6 Conclusion
Engineers and engineering managers need both technical and non-technical
skills. Technical skills are self-evident and ( some of) these technical skills were
discussed
Engineering is a holistic discipline that does not focus on a single objective, as
such technical and non technical skills are required. Therefore, holistic approach
should be followed in the education of engineers.
Engineers were empowered by governments, kings and the wealthy, engineers
today are employed by a variety of businesses. Many engineers are self
employed as consultants, contractors and business owners.
Difference between engineers, technologist and scientist was discussed in this
chapters