Effectiveness measurement of a training program developed for supervising discipline engineers

This research investigates a methodology to effectively assess the development of supervising discipline engineers' management skills resulting from a structured, in-class, development program. Civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, industrial, instrumentation and controls, and process disciplines must work together when designing large engineered projects. In order to stay competitive, engineering firms must find a way to rapidly, but effectively, train their engineers to become qualified leaders in their discipline. They must accelerate the learning of management skills that are necessary in today's industry. A structured, efficient method of training must be developed to provide design professionals with the necessary information without sacrificing day-to-day productivity. In order to determine if the skills development was successful, however, it is necessary to measure the effectiveness of the program. The first aspect of this research focused on developing a delivery method for a supervising discipline engineer skills development program. An efficient means by which to measure the effectiveness of the program was then addressed. Finally, the resulting data gathered from the program evaluation was analyzed in order to determine whether or not the program was successful in meeting the course objectives. The results of the data analysis revealed that the skills development program had significantly improved the engineering management skills of the participating supervising discipline engineers.