Synthesis Of Engineering Best Practices And Abet Ac2 K Into A New Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

Aggressive competition for global technological markets is driven by engineering breakthroughs in manufacturing and processing (micro/nano-electronics, data/information and materials), combined with new strategies that reduce risk, cost and time to market. This highly dynamic scenario is assisted by improved distribution systems like E-commerce, among others. Industry is aware that mergers and acquisitions by themselves do not guarantee world-class competitiveness but a great deal depends on their investment in a highly skilled workforce. As a consequence, industry is very interested in working with universities to raise their level of awareness on those competencies sought in new engineering graduates. Engineering programs seeking to be relevant and responsive to industry and government agencies involved with hiring engineering graduates have no difficulties recognizing that, these employers represent an important component of their constituency. However, this group is not the only constituency that engineering programs seek/need to satisfy. Other constituencies are represented by alumni, professional associations, accreditation boards, departmental advisory boards, school directives, as well as, the students themselves. All members of the program constituency do not agree universally on the priorities and which outcomes are better than others. Furthermore, less agreement exists on how to meet the challenges brought up by each.