ENGR9704 Project Management and Innovation

2017

4.5

1 x 150-minute lecture weekly
1 x 60-minute tutorial weekly
1 x 60-minute workshop weekly
1 x 2-hour project work weekly

1 of ENGR3704, ENGR8704 has been successfully completed

An introduction to engineering as may be obtained from the topic ENGR1401 Professional Skills for Engineers. An understanding of the technical aspects of engineering work, as may be obtained through completing a substantial part of the first 2 years of an engineering course.

NS2 (Jul-Dec Non-Semester) Class Contact:

3 x 50-minute lectures held in week 1 only

1 x 150-minute lecture weekly (from week 2-5)

3 x 60-minute tutorials held in week 1 only

1 x 60-minute tutorials (from week 2-5)

3 x 60-minute workshops held in week 1 only

1 x 60-minute workshops weekly (from week 2-5)

The first part introduces professional engineering practices as related to project management. It focuses on the management of science and engineering projects, including the nature and types of science and engineering projects and current best practices in project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closing. The knowledge areas covered include time, cost, scope, quality, HR, communication, risk, procurement and project integration management.

The second part provides a deep understanding of tools, techniques and strategies to manage innovation. It provides examples of innovation management approaches incorporating real-world case studies of leading international and local organizations and industries. Students would understand how innovation is managed within organizations; factors affecting the adoption of new technological innovations; the role of market research in innovation management; the importance of strategic relationships and networks; value enhancement through service innovation; institutionalising innovation processes within operations management; open innovation and technology transfer; managing intellectual property; and the management of research and development.

This topic will provide students with a basic understanding of the management of engineering and technological enterprises and an appreciation of the role of professional engineers and technologists. It includes discussions on the principal internal and external issues affecting the management of an organisation and the tools and techniques to address them, with a particular focus on project management and the manner in which they are initiated, planned, and managed.

At the completion of the topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Understand the business, culture and management of engineering and technological enterprises
2. Understand the nature of science and engineering projects and the manner in which they are initiated, planned and managed
3. Work effectively and professionally in a team
4. Understand the responsibilities, roles, attitudes, values, priorities, judgement and work methods of practising professional engineers or technologists
5. Obtain and assimilate information and discuss the principal internal and external issues affecting engineering management and practice
6. Communicate with project stakeholders effectively and professionally
7. Be able to critically review the relevant literature and identify a key project management issue, and take the first steps towards analysing the issue