Design of a Unique Industry-Oriented Project-Based Capstone Course  for Engineering Technical Managers

Wei Lu; Behbood Zoghi

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Conference: 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Baltimore , Maryland
Publication Date: June 25, 2023
Start Date: June 25, 2023
End Date: June 28, 2023
Conference Session: Engineering Management Division (EMD) Tech Session 2: Course-level strategies to positively impact student learning and experiences
Tagged Division: Engineering Management Division (EMD)
Page Count: 19
DOI: 10.18260/1-2--42946
Permanent URL: https://strategy.asee.org/42946
Download Count: 114

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Paper Authors

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Wei Lu Texas A&M University

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Dr. Wei Lu is the Assistant Director of Curriculum in the Department of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University.
Her research focuses on Higher Education, instructional design, community engagement & service-learning, eLearning & distance learning technology, K-12 (STEM) Education, Communications, Marketing, and Social Economics. She has been involved in several projects that collaborate with non-profit organizations like Central Texas Food Bank, Houston Food Bank, and local food pantries.
She is part of the Master of Engineering Technical Management program staff helping with coursework and curriculum development.

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Behbood Zoghi Texas A&M University

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Ben Zoghi is the Victor H. Thompson endowed Chair Professor of electronics engineering at Texas A&M University, where he directs the College of Engineering RFID Oil & Gas Consortium and teaches application of emerging technologies. Over the past 10 years

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Abstract

This work in progress (WIP) paper aims at demonstrating the innovative design of integrating a communication course with the Capstone course, which is part of the Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM), a 21-month online graduate program for working professionals in the engineering technical management fields. As the culmination of their graduate study, students must identify an organizational/technical challenge, formulate a feasible project plan to address the issue to bring impact to the organization. During this process, they will conduct research, create a strong business case for their industry sponsors (stakeholders), collect and analyze data, and make strategic decisions with the knowledge and skills learned throughout the program. The themes of the Capstone projects cover a broad spectrum of the Engineering Management Body of Knowledge (EMBOK), for example, Leadership & Organizational Management, Project Management, Strategic Planning and Management, Financial Resource Management, etc., topics include process improvement and optimization, cost reduction, market research for new product/technology, organizational culture and employee engagement, etc. Due to the nature of this course, the industry sponsors play a critical role at the very beginning, from project buy-in, resources allocation, approval of process (interviews, surveys, implementation of the recommendations), etc., that all require students to propose ideas, report progress, and keep the project flow on track effectively and efficiently. What is unique about this course is the integration of an auxiliary course named “Persuasive Communications for Technical Managers” (or “Communications”), which goes hand-in-hand with the Capstone course; it coaches students on indispensable communication skills using interactive scenario-based simulations of real-time workplace conversations with upper management and direct reports, as well as providing guidelines on oral and written communications techniques. This Capstone course utilizes a project-based learning approach and the Communications course as a supplementary tool. As an outcome, students not only get to apply relevant technical knowledge and leadership skills to real-world problem-solving processes, but also have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to lead and execute fruitful changes in their organizations. It is a perfect testament to impactful academic-industry collaboration. Both qualitative and quantitative data will be collected, including course and program evaluation surveys, student reflections, to gauge the perception of learning outcomes and course effectiveness. Other institutions could use this course as a design template when offering similar project-based courses.

Citation
Format

Lu, W., & Zoghi, B. (2023, June), Design of a Unique Industry-Oriented Project-Based Capstone Course for Engineering Technical Managers Paper presented at 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Baltimore , Maryland. 10.18260/1-2--42946

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - This work in progress (WIP) paper aims at demonstrating the innovative design of integrating a communication course with the Capstone course, which is part of the Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM), a 21-month online graduate program for working professionals in the engineering technical management fields. As the culmination of their graduate study, students must identify an organizational/technical challenge, formulate a feasible project plan to address the issue to bring impact to the organization. During this process, they will conduct research, create a strong business case for their industry sponsors (stakeholders), collect and analyze data, and make strategic decisions with the knowledge and skills learned throughout the program. The themes of the Capstone projects cover a broad spectrum of the Engineering Management Body of Knowledge (EMBOK), for example, Leadership &amp;amp; Organizational Management, Project Management, Strategic Planning and Management, Financial Resource Management, etc., topics include process improvement and optimization, cost reduction, market research for new product/technology, organizational culture and employee engagement, etc. Due to the nature of this course, the industry sponsors play a critical role at the very beginning, from project buy-in, resources allocation, approval of process (interviews, surveys, implementation of the recommendations), etc., that all require students to propose ideas, report progress, and keep the project flow on track effectively and efficiently. 
What is unique about this course is the integration of an auxiliary course named “Persuasive Communications for Technical Managers” (or “Communications”), which goes hand-in-hand with the Capstone course; it coaches students on indispensable communication skills using interactive scenario-based simulations of real-time workplace conversations with upper management and direct reports, as well as providing guidelines on oral and written communications techniques.
This Capstone course utilizes a project-based learning approach and the Communications course as a supplementary tool. As an outcome, students not only get to apply relevant technical knowledge and leadership skills to real-world problem-solving processes, but also have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to lead and execute fruitful changes in their organizations. It is a perfect testament to impactful academic-industry collaboration. Both qualitative and quantitative data will be collected, including course and program evaluation surveys, student reflections, to gauge the perception of learning outcomes and course effectiveness. Other institutions could use this course as a design template when offering similar project-based courses.
AU  - Wei Lu
AU  - Behbood Zoghi
CY  - Baltimore , Maryland
DA  - 2023/06/25
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Design of a Unique Industry-Oriented Project-Based Capstone Course  for Engineering Technical Managers
UR  - https://strategy.asee.org/42946
DO  - 10.18260/1-2--42946
ER  -