Engineering Management Simulations
A collection of interactive 3D visualizations and simulations to help you master concepts in engineering management.
Introduction to Engineering Management - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Functions Of Management
Overview of engineering management, its history, functions, and the role of an engineering manager.
The POLC Framework in Action
Setting the Course
Defining goals, establishing strategy, and developing plans to coordinate activities.
Example Tasks
- Define Project Scope
- Set Budget ($5M)
- Create Timeline (18 months)
- Identify Risks
Desired Outcome
A clear roadmap and blueprint for the project.
Decision Making - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Decision Tree
The decision-making process, types of decisions, and quantitative tools like decision trees and payoff matrices.
Decision Tree: Launch vs. Don't Launch
Market Conditions
Payoffs
Expected Value (EV)
Planning - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Forecasting
Strategic, tactical, and operational planning, including forecasting techniques and the planning process.
Quantitative Forecasting Simulator
Explore how different forecasting methods predict future sales based on historical data.
| Month | Data Type | Units (Sales) |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | Historical | 100 |
| Feb | Historical | 120 |
| Mar | Historical | 110 |
| Apr | Historical | 130 |
| May | Historical | 140 |
| Jun (Forecast) | Forecast | 127 |
| Jul (Forecast) | Forecast | 132 |
| Aug (Forecast) | Forecast | 133 |
How it works:
Simple Moving Average takes the unweighted mean of the previous 3 periods. It smooths out random fluctuations but lags behind strong trends.
Organizing - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Organizational Chart
Organizational structures, departmentalization, span of control, and staffing strategies.
Organizational Structures
Functional Structure
Organizes workers based on their specific skills and knowledge. Best for small to medium companies with single product lines. Promotes specialization but can create silos.
Leading and Motivation - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Leadership Styles
Leadership styles, motivation theories, communication, and team dynamics in engineering organizations.
Leadership Styles Explorer
Autocratic Leadership (Authoritarian)
Leader makes decisions without consulting the team. Focuses on control and strict adherence to rules.
"I need this done by 5 PM exactly as I outlined."
"Yes, boss."
"Right away."
Advantages
- ✓ Quick decision-making
- ✓ Clear chain of command
- ✓ Effective in crises
Disadvantages
- ✗ Low morale
- ✗ High turnover
- ✗ Stifles creativity
Leading and Motivation - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Motivation Matrix
Leadership styles, motivation theories, communication, and team dynamics in engineering organizations.
Interactive Motivation Theories
Hover over levels to see examples. Lower levels must be satisfied first.
Controlling - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Control Chart
The control process, types of control systems, and financial/non-financial performance measurements.
Statistical Process Control (X-bar Chart)
Shifts process mean by +0 after sample 20.
Process Status
Project Management - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt P E R T Chart
Project life cycle, WBS, scheduling with CPM/PERT, crashing, and earned value analysis.
Interactive PERT Chart
Click on any node in the network diagram above to view detailed scheduling information (ES, EF, LS, LF, and Slack).
Project Management - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Cpm
Project life cycle, WBS, scheduling with CPM/PERT, crashing, and earned value analysis.
CPM Network Diagram
Activity Durations
ES: Earliest Start
EF: Earliest Finish
LS: Latest Start
LF: Latest Finish
SL: Slack (Float)
Operations and Production Management - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Eoq
Production systems, inventory control (EOQ, JIT), supply chain management, and maintenance.
Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) Simulator
Units per year
Cost per order placed
Cost to hold 1 unit for 1 year
Notice how increasing ordering costs (S) drives up the EOQ (order less frequently), while increasing holding costs (H) drives the EOQ down (order smaller amounts more often).
Inventory Level Over Time (1 Year)
Financial Management for Engineers - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Depreciation Calculator
Accounting basics, financial statements, cash flow, depreciation, and break-even analysis.
Depreciation Calculator
Straight-Line Method
Allocates an equal amount of depreciation expense every single year.
| Year | Depreciation Expense | Ending Book Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,000 | $82,000 |
| 2 | $18,000 | $64,000 |
| 3 | $18,000 | $46,000 |
| 4 | $18,000 | $28,000 |
| 5 | $18,000 | $10,000 |
Financial Management for Engineers - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Break Even
Accounting basics, financial statements, cash flow, depreciation, and break-even analysis.
Break-Even Analysis Tool
Rent, salaries, insurance, etc.
Materials, labor per unit, etc.
Selling price of the product.
Break-Even Point
Marketing and Global Management - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Product Life Cycle
Marketing mix (4Ps), product life cycle, market research, and global management challenges.
The Product Life Cycle (PLC)
Introduction Stage
Product is launched. Sales grow slowly. Profits are negative due to R&D and heavy marketing costs.
Strategic Action: Focus on building product awareness and trial.
Ethics and Legal Aspects - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Ethics Scenario
Engineering ethics, CSR, contracts, liability, and intellectual property rights.
Engineering Ethics Simulator
Scenario 1: The Budget Cut
1 / 2You are the lead structural engineer on a commercial building project. The client demands a 15% reduction in material costs to stay under budget. You calculate that using a lower-grade steel will meet the new budget but will reduce the building's safety factor to slightly below the municipal code requirements. The client insists it's 'close enough' and threatens to replace your firm if you don't comply.
What should you do?
Ethics and Legal Aspects - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Contract Types
Engineering ethics, CSR, contracts, liability, and intellectual property rights.
Contract Types Explorer
Lump Sum (Fixed Price) Contract
The contractor agrees to complete the entire project scope for a single, fixed price.
Contractor Risk
High. If costs overrun due to bad estimates or slow work, the contractor absorbs the loss.
Owner Risk
Low. The final cost is known upfront, assuming no change orders.
When to Use:
When the scope of work is completely defined and detailed plans/specifications are fully finished before bidding.
Real-World Example:
"Building a standard tract home based on finalized architectural blueprints."
Technology and Innovation Management - Theory & Concepts - Eng Mgmt Technology Adoption
Managing technological change, research and development, intellectual property strategies, and the technology adoption lifecycle.
Diffusion of Innovation Model
Hover over or click on the different segments of the bell curve to learn more about each adopter category and the critical "Chasm" between Early Adopters and the Early Majority.