Towards
An Integrated Multidisciplinary Engineering and Business Learning Environment
with Emphasis on Product Realization Processes
Definition of the Program’s Purpose:
Purpose: The purpose of the proposed program is to establish and validate a working model for
an integrated multidisciplinary undergraduate engineering and business learning
environment. This model would be implemented within Penn State Erie’s Schools
of Engineering & Engineering Technology and Business.
Based on what is learned from the model a second purpose is to establish links between engineering and business product realization processes.
Motivation: The base from which this proposed effort
would be launched is the solid undergraduate engineering and business education
programs in the
Engineering students are very good technically. They are quite capable in solving technical problems based on the fundamental principles of their disciplines. They are also quite proficient at producing designs that meet technical needs. This truly is the backbone of engineering. It is the solid foundation, which no one proposes changing.
However,
graduates of engineering programs typically do not have a comprehensive view of
what is needed to bring a product from concept to full realization, including
its impact on the economy and the environment. The calls for enhancing
engineering education in r
Goal: The goal of
the proposed program is not to turn engineers into businesspersons, nor
businesspersons into engineers. The goal
is to produce engineering and business graduates who have a strong
understanding of and ability to function in a multidisciplinary
business/engineering environment and on multidisciplinary teams. We are seeking engineering graduates who can
understand and articulate the business model, and business graduates who
understand engineering design parameters.
Achievement of the goal would be measured in several ways. First, a new curriculum model would be developed and submitted for University approval. The model would be sustained and supported in the curriculum by establishing a cadre of faculty trained and committed to the program. Students would be given the opportunity and encouraged to avail themselves of the courses. Formal assessment and continuous quality improvement methods would be put in place.
[1] The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) has established new accreditation criteria, Engineering Criteria 2000, which will be fully implemented in the year 2001, and which are outcome based criteria. While still retaining strong technical requirements, Criteria 2000 has incorporated significant emphasis on working skills, such as communications and multi-disciplinary teaming.
[2] In
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