This course prepares engineers to navigate the challenges of managing engineering teams and perform at a very high level compared to the average manager. Successful management leverages the principle that every element of management can be measured, so a key benefit of this course is a comprehensive overview of how to measure and improve important aspects of engineering performance.

We’ll address the challenges you’re facing in your organization and examine issues that are common in many companies so you can apply the most relevant, practical solutions. One of the most complex challenges most managers face is emphasized – resource management across multiple projects. Several effective resource allocation methods are covered.

Case studies and real-life examples illustrate how the principles apply on the job. The engineering management case studies and examples are drawn from a broad range of product development team environments at small, medium, and large companies serving many industries. You will also benefit from the instructor’s direct experience leading and managing engineering teams for over 25 years.

This course enables you to:

• Prioritize engineering objectives for maximum business impact
• Implement relevant metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Maximize resource utilization
• Determine accurate resource capacity
• Proactively drive valuable process improvements
• Identify the need for management tools
• Actively assess employee engagement
• Prioritize projects based on business value
• Ensure effective communication of priorities and results

Agenda

Elements of Engineering Management

• People
• Projects
• Process improvements
• Technology advancement
• Equipment, tools, and facilities
• Communication
• Product support and maintenance

The Mechanics of Effective People Management

• Managing vs. leading
• Accessibility and stakeholder rapport
• Employee engagement and productivity
• Roles and responsibilities
• Distributing engineering management responsibilities
• Resolving conflicts
• Employee performance reviews

Managing Multiple Projects

• Project prioritization methods
• Project-level resource planning
• Multi-project resource allocation
• Capacity balancing and project cut line
• Project Return Maps
• Cost of delay estimates
• Management tools

Process Improvements, Technology and Organizational Projects

• Comprehensive roadmaps
• Determining business value

Leadership Communication

• Collaboration methods and tools
• Frequency of communication
• Understanding stakeholder preferences

Metrics and Continuous Improvement

• Metrics and KPI dashboards
• Balancing sustaining engineering and new projects
• Defining balance for your organization
• Simple measures for achieving balance
• Case study: Time Allocation Metrics Improve R&D Performance
• Measuring intangibles
• Determining your KPIs