Engineering Management: The Evolution, Conceptual Model, and Social Responsibility of an Emerging Discipline

This article continues the conversation about the formation, history, and evolution of the EM concept. It contributes to the description and advancement of engineering management (EM) as an emerging discipline, by providing a new conceptual model that depicts a framework for distinguishing a generalist-engineering manager from a discipline-specific one, such as a systems engineering manager. It discusses the challenging social responsibilities facing engineering managers and their roles. It also examines the EM body of knowledge including the engineering design management, and the need for effective engineering managers who can anticipate technical challenges and work with various stakeholders to create a better future in technical organizations.