An exploration of the professional competencies required in engineering asset management

Abstract

Engineering asset management (EAM) is a rapidly growing and developing field. However, efforts to select and develop engineers in this area are complicated by our lack of understanding of the full range of competencies required to perform. This exploratory study sought to clarify and categorise the professional competencies required of individuals at different hierarchical levels within EAM. Data from 14 field interviews, 61 online surveys, and 10 expert panel interviews were used to develop an initial professional competency framework. Overall, nine competency clusters were identified. These clusters indicate that engineers working in this field need to be able to collaborate and influence others, complete objectives within organisational guidelines, and be able to manage themselves effectively. Limitations and potential uses of this framework in engineering education and research are discussed.

Keywords:

• engineering education
• interpersonal communication
• curriculum development

Acknowledgements

This research was conducted within the CRC for Integrated Engineering Asset Management, established and supported under the Australian Government's Cooperative Research Centres Programme.

Additional information

About the authors

Adelle J. Bish is a Lecturer in the School of Management at the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, and a researcher in the CRC for Infrastructure and Engineering Asset Management based at Queensland University of Technology. She teaches mainly in the areas of HR management practices and organisational behaviour to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Adelle's research interests include the influence of HR practices on employee performance, contextual performance, and exceptional performance in the workplace.

Cameron J. Newton is an Associate Professor in the School of Management at the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, and researcher in the CRC for Infrastructure and Engineering Asset Management based at Queensland University of Technology. He teaches quantitative research methods and organisational psychology to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Cameron's research interests include organisational culture, occupational stress, biofeedback using heart rate variability, and stress interventions.

Vicky Browning is the MBA Director in the Business School at the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, and a researcher in the CRC for Infrastructure and Engineering Asset Management based at Queensland University of Technology. She has taught mainly in the area organisational behaviour, leadership and HR management practices. Vicky's current research interests focus on leadership and leadership development.

Peter O'Connor is a Lecturer in the School of Management at the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, and a researcher in the CRC for Infrastructure and Engineering Asset Management based at Queensland University of Technology. He teaches organisational behaviour and research methods to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Peter's research has focused on the biological basis of personality and learning styles, and how this can be used to predict leadership and job performance.

Renata Anibaldi is a Research Assistant working in the School of Management at the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, and in the CRC for Infrastructure and Engineering Asset Management based at Queensland University of Technology.