Engineering to Management Transition

Abstract

This chapter identifies the main challenges in the transition from engineering to management and discusses how management education may assist in this transition. Mixed methods were used to achieve the above. Initially, two focus groups were conducted, and at a later stage, 126 engineers reported through a questionnaire the most common challenges in the transition from engineering to management and then a few were also interviewed. Results demonstrate that skills such as delegation, communication, convincing, coaching, and guiding others pose important challenges. In relation to the second inquiry, it is proposed that, other than management theory, offering examples, opportunity to practice with feedback, and case-based learning can help minimise the challenges. Also, leadership skills, such as delegation, developing personality, cross-cultural understanding, and managing diversity, can be strategically used to facilitate learning in the field of engineering and better prepare engineers in their transition to management.