Developing systems thinking through engaging in multidisciplinary high-tech projects

Abstract

The larger, more complex, more dynamic, and more multidisciplinary technological projects get, the higher is the need for project managers and engineers with a systems view of the project to ensure project success. This study examined the potential contribution of being engaged in a multidisciplinary project on developing capacity for engineering systems thinking (CEST) in project team members. The subjects were senior students conducting capstone projects in their 4th year of studies. Their CEST was assessed twice – at the beginning and end of the academic year. A significant difference was found between the mean CEST score at the end of the academic year, after completing the project, and the mean CEST score at the beginning of the academic year (p < 0.01). These results imply that CEST may be developed and/or improved while working as a member of a multidisciplinary project team.