MASTER EDUCATION EXCELLENCE IN ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS SIMULATIONS

Abstract

In the actual context of rising complexity, the interface between engineering and management becomes more relevant in the industry as well as subsequently on the labour market. Training the right competencies to deal with highly complex systems is beneficial but also very challenging, as classical courses are usually not designed interdisciplinary. At master level disciplinary thinking it not enough anymore, for shaping the leaders of tomorrow in the interdisciplinary field of engineering and management. Thus the easy way of mixing courses from the field of engineering and of management is not sufficient. To address the requirements of complexity and interdisciplinary orientation the paper is analyzing the potential of inserting technology business simulations in master level education. The use of e-Learning and ICT tools next to the professor-student interaction is potentially enhancing the capability of the students to deal with high complexity and many variables that interact deterministic or stochastic. This situation can either discourage the students, or boost their motivation, when engaging with high complex technology business simulations, a fact that is also analyzed within the paper. Thus the paper uses the experience of the authors' team in order to establish if technology business simulations can contribute to master excellence in the field of engineering and management and if it diminishes or boosts the motivation of students in the process. It also analyzes how the students interact with different components of such technology business simulation in order to develop competencies that can be use in high complexity and interdisciplinary oriented environments.