Master of Science in Engineering Management

MScPostgraduateEngineering

Part Time Available

About This Programme

Individuals with combined technical expertise and business skills are increasingly in demand by organizations that seek a sustainable competitive advantage. If you hold a bachelor's degree in engineering and your career goal is to be a manager or business leader, then the master's program in engineering management at the University of Sharjah is specially designed for you. As a part of its commitment to providing high-quality education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, the University of Sharjah launched a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MScEM) in Fall 2013-14. The strength of this program that distinguishes it from similar programs in the region is the wide range of elective courses available to students. Another strength is the distinguished world-class faculty members that teach in this program.

Course Highlights

33 credit hours
Taught in English
College of Engineering
Study system: Courses and Theses
Full-time and part-time study
AED 4,200 per credit hour

What You'll Study

As shown in Table 1, satisfactory completion of 33 Credit Hours (CHs) is required to obtain the M.Sc. degree. The M.Sc. program requires the completion of 15 CHs of compulsory courses, 9 CHs of elective courses, and 9 CHs of M.Sc. thesis. Satisfactory completion of a zero-CH seminar is also required to register for the M.Sc. thesis. The compulsory and electives courses are listed in Table 2. A grade of Pass or Fail can be given upon the defense of the thesis. The grade of the M.Sc. thesis will not be included in the calculation of the student CGPA. The examination jury will follow the procedure specified in the M.Sc. thesis registration and defense sections of the M.Sc. executive regulations available on the College of Graduate Studies website. Table 1. MScEM Program Components Compulsory Courses: 15 Elective Courses: 9 0405-591 M.Sc. Seminar: 0 0405-598 M.Sc. Thesis: 9 Total: 33 Completing 9 CHs is a prerequisite for the M.Sc. Seminar (0405-591), while the completion of 15 CHs and passing the M.Sc. Seminar are prerequisites for the M.Sc. Thesis (0405-598). The compulsory and elective courses are listed in Table 2. M.Sc. Thesis Registration Process 1. Upon the completion of at least 15 CHs & M.Sc. Seminar with a minimum CGPA of 3, the M.Sc. student is assigned to supervisor(s) based on the decision of the departmental MScEM committee and taking into consideration the preference of the students and the availability of the faculty members. The student will then prepare for the M.Sc. thesis proposal and present it to the discussion committee (through the M.Sc. committee) as required by the university bylaws. 2. Once the M.Sc. thesis proposal is approved by the departmental MScEM committee and the College of Graduate Studies, the M.Sc. student can immediately register the first 3 CHs in the M.Sc. Thesis (0405-598). 3. The due date (in every semester) for registering the first 3 CHs in the M.Sc. Thesis (0405-598) is announced by the college of graduate studies. If the student is not registering for any other course in that semester, he/she is recommended to apply for postponement. 4. In the semester(s) following the approval of the M.Sc. thesis proposal, the M.Sc. student can register part of/the totality of the remaining CHs of the M.Sc. Thesis (0405-598) during the normal registration period published on the university website (Academic Calendar) or during the add/drop period as per the university regulations. The number of CHs that the student can register depends on his/her status (part time/full time). 5. If the MSc student registered all the 9 CHs of the M.Sc. Thesis (0405-598) and did not defend his/her M.Sc. Thesis, he/she shall register the M.Sc. Thesis (0405-598) with zero CH until a grade of Pass is obtained (i.e., the defense is completed successfully).

Semester 1

12 credit hours

0405-511Operations Management3 credits (3:3)
In operations management several processes and activities are integrated to make a product or a service available to the customer in the most effective and efficient way. This course presents issues related to the competitiveness of companies and gives a set of quantitative and qualitative tools to tackle these issues. Topics of the course include process design, layout design, facilities design, quality, capacities management, distribution systems, production systems, inventory management, lean operations and JIT, enterprise resource planning.
0405-522Engineering Statistical Analysis3 credits (3:3)
Applied statistical methods for analyzing engineering and management systems including inferential statistics; nonparametric statistics; regression and correlation analysis; analysis of variance; time series analysis and forecasting models. The course is application oriented, and examples drawn from industrial applications will be used. Student will use statistics packages such as MINITAB or SPSS.
0405-560Management for Engineers3 credits (3:3)
Topics include the four management functions (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling); strategic planning; communication; employee selection and development; teamwork; employee motivation and evaluation; diversity; performance measurement; globalization; ethics; negotiation and conflict resolution; and managerial challenges.
Elective Course 13 credits

Semester 2

12 credit hours

0405-590Engineering Management Research Methodologies3 credits (3:3)
This course covers the fundamentals and the advanced aspects of research in the field of engineering management including conducting literature reviews, quantitative and qualitative research methods, engineering management problem solving and critical thinking, design of experiments, research communications (writing research papers, presentations, etc.), ethics in research, initiating and managing research proposals, publication process, using research databases, and related issues. The writing and communication skills will be developed throughout the lectures, assignments, presentations, and term papers.
0405-561Engineering Project Management3 credits (3:3)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the main principles and practices of project management. It covers projects in contemporary organizations; project initiation, organizational structures, the project manager; project planning, risk management, cost estimation, scheduling, resource allocation; monitoring and controlling projects; project contracts; ethical issues; project termination; practice using project management software packages.
0405-591M.Sc. Seminar0 credits (1:0)
Prerequisite: Completing 9 CHs
Students are required to attend seminars given by faculty members, visitors, and other graduate students. Students are required to submit reports on the seminars they attend when asked. Each student is also required to give a seminar on a timely research topic.
Elective Course 23 credits
Elective Course 33 credits

Table 3 on the page and in the study plan document prints 0 credit hours against Engineering Project Management and 3 against the Seminar; the course lists give 3 and 0, as shown.

Semester 3

3 credit hours

0405-598M.Sc. Thesis3 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of 15 CHs and passing the M.Sc. Seminar
Students have to conduct research, prepare a written thesis, and defend it at a final oral examination before a committee. The thesis should exhibit a competence in the research process by applying an existing body of knowledge in the critical analysis of a new question or of a specific problem or issue in a new setting. Students are expected to submit for publication at least one refereed article before passing the defense.

Semester 4

6 credit hours (programme total: 33)

0405-598M.Sc. Thesis6 credits
Prerequisite: Completion of 15 CHs and passing the M.Sc. Seminar

Elective courses (9 credit hours)

The study plan includes three elective courses selected from this list.

0405-501Legal Issues3 credits (3:3)
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of important legal principles on decisions the engineering manager make. The course introduces engineering students to the basic fundamentals of laws, with a focus on the intersection of these legal principles with engineering decisions. The student will learn about legal concepts such as 'legal' and 'the laws'. Other legal concepts addressed in the course include the notion of 'The rule of law', 'justice' and 'legal systems'. Particular attention is paid to legal concepts which are of essence to the engineering manager. These concepts include 'Property', 'Legal entities', 'The agency challenge', 'The law of contract and obligations' and 'Performance and breach of contract'.
0405-512Applied Engineering Optimization3 credits (3:3)
This course introduces the concepts of optimization by presenting different classes of problems. Topics include classical optimization theory and other optimization models and techniques such as linear programming, integer programming, dynamic programming, nonlinear programming, and modern heuristics and metaheuristics. Applications of these techniques in different engineering disciplines are also presented.
0405-523Experimental Design & Analysis3 credits (3:3)
Prerequisite: 0405-522
The objective of this course is to show students how to plan, design and conduct experiments efficiently and effectively, and analyze the resulting data to obtain objective conclusions. Opportunities to use the principles taught in the course arise in all phases of engineering work, including process management, decision making, process development, and process improvement. Computer software packages to implement the methods presented will be illustrated. Topics include analysis of variance, blocked designs, projection, single replicate experiments, factorial designs, fractional factorial designs, Taguchi approach to parameter optimization, and response surface method.
0405-532Engineering Asset Management3 credits (3:3)
This course focuses on asset reliability, safety and performance with financial and managerial constraints; economic and financial decision making for the construction and maintenance of infrastructure assets; managing assets throughout the lifecycle, starting with the identification of the need for a physical asset through defining the requirements, the acquisition and system implementation processes, in-service operation and maintenance management, and asset decommissioning and disposal; asset replacement, rehabilitation or upgrading; emerging technologies in asset management.
0405-541Safety Engineering Management3 credits (3:3)
This course comprises an Introduction to safety management systems and regulations; types of human behavior and error, occupational hazards; risk management; workplace and process safety assessment tools; heat stress; management of hazardous substances and hazardous waste; occupational diseases; emergency and evacuation plans; fire safety; environmental safety; safety culture.
0405-562Economic Analysis of Engineering Systems3 credits (3:3)
Course topics include financial planning, including cash-flow analysis models; engineering economic analysis, including discounted cash flows and taxation effects; application of optimization techniques, as in equipment replacement or capacity expansion models.
0405-563Quality Engineering3 credits (3:3)
Prerequisite: 0405-522
Introduction to principles and philosophies of total quality management, concepts of variation, SPC for process control and monitoring, traditional control charts, advanced control charts, process and gage capability analysis, single factor, two factor and factorial and fractional factorial design, Taguchi approach to quality and parameter optimization.
0405-564Lean Six Sigma Systems3 credits (3:3)
Prerequisite: 0405-522
Concepts and principles of lean and six-sigma systems are introduced. Quality improvement tools and waste elimination methods are discussed. Rapid product development strategy is stressed via the VOC and QFD. The main process improvement tools will be applied through DMAIC and DFSS.
0405-565Organizational Behavior for Engineers3 credits (3:3)
Prerequisite: 0405-560
This course introduces the principles of individual and group attributes and behavior and their applications within organizations. Topics covered include job design, perceptions, job satisfaction, learning, communication, decision-making, motivation, group dynamics, conflict management, organizational structure, power and politics, leadership and organizational change, case studies within engineering management context.
0405-566Accounting and Finance for Engineers3 credits (3:3)
Introduction to financial accounting and financial management of organizations; Financial statements, financial ratios, and how to interpret them; sources of finance, cash flows, time value of money, long and short-term financial decisions, and use accounting information for decision making and financial control.
0405-567Supply Chain Management3 credits
0405-569Technology & Innovation Management3 credits (3:3)
This course acknowledges that all technology-based organizations need to continually innovate in order to remain competitive. It explores the principles, tools and challenges involved in managing innovation and technology. Course topics include introduction to technology and innovation, theories of technology acceptance, technology intelligence, technology acquisition, models of innovation, innovation processes, tools, and techniques, strategic technology management, roadmapping, new product introduction (NPI), innovative project selection, macro and micro influencing factors on innovation, strategic alliances, and intellectual property management. The course provides appropriate case studies to link theory and practical aspects of topics under study.
0405-581Special Topics in Engineering Management3 credits (3:3)
This course is a study of engineering management from a viewpoint of construction safety and health with an Ergonomics methodology. Students will be expected to conduct extensive research into safety and health in the construction industry and develop tools to aid in both compliance and reduction of construction-related injuries/illnesses. This course involves undertaking a group project, which is intended to help students integrate knowledge, methodology, and practical skills in an area that reflects their interests.

Students who entered in 2020-2021: Option 1, Courses and Project (33 credit hours)

Year 1 (18 credit hours): 0405-511 Operations Management, 0405-522 Engineering Statistical Analysis, 0405-560 Management for Engineers, 0405-561 Engineering Project Management, 0405-591 Seminar (0), Elective Courses 1 and 2. Year 2 (15 credit hours): Elective Courses 3 to 5, 0405-595 MSc Project (6). Elective Courses are selected based on the following criteria: 1. At least four courses should be taken from MScEM elective courses (Table 4). 2. Subject to the approval of Project/Thesis supervisor and MSc committee, only one course may be taken from graduate (master) level courses offered within the College of Engineering or the College of Business Administration. It is worth noting that the MSc Project (0405-595) should be registered over two semesters with a load of 3 credit hours for the first semester and 3 credit hours for the second semester. A grade of Pass or Fail is given upon the presentation of the project at the end of the second semester. The examination committee can decide that the student has to add one (or more) semester to complete the work. In this case the student has to register the course (0405-595) with zero credit hours. The grade of the MSc Project will not be included in the calculation of the student CGPA.

0405-595MSc Project6 credits (0:6)
Prerequisite: 18 CHs and 0405-591
Students have to carry out independent project work that involves formulating and solving an engineering problem under the direct supervision of a faculty member. The project has to be carried out over two semesters, typically during the final two semesters. Students are required to submit a written report and make an oral presentation of the project.

Students who entered in 2020-2021: Option 2, Courses and Thesis (33 credit hours)

0405-599M.Sc. Thesis15 credits (0:15)
Prerequisite: 12 CHs and 0405-591
Students have to conduct research, prepare a written thesis, and defend it at a final oral examination before a committee. The thesis should exhibit a competence in the research process by applying an existing body of knowledge in the critical analysis of a new question or of a specific problem or issue in a new setting. Students are expected to submit for publication at least one refereed article before passing the defense.

From the study plan document for students entering in 2020-2021 (April 2022), which has 12 credit hours of compulsory courses (no Research Methodologies course), 15 (Option 1) or 6 (Option 2) elective credit hours, and the older project and thesis courses.

What You'll Learn

Program Goals The main goals of the MScEM program are: 1. To prepare engineers from various specializations to address advanced and challenging engineering problems taking into account the technical and socio-economic factors and implications. 2. To prepare its graduates to assume leading roles in their organizations in the determination of best approaches to manage changes in the engineering processes and benefit from relevant technological innovations. 3. To equip its graduates with the knowledge and skills to interact and communicate effectively with professionals from other specializations within and outside their organizations. 4. To equip its graduates with the knowledge, skills, and awareness of long-term sustainability factors associated with the adoption of any engineering process or product. Student Learning Outcomes Student learning outcomes for the MScEM program are as follows: 1. Apply knowledge, skills and techniques of engineering and management to execute contemporary activities and operations effectively and efficiently. 2. Understand the concepts and application of good management practices to foster innovation and sustain global competitiveness. 3. Identify, analyze, formulate, and solve advanced engineering problems and highly complex matters that involve constrained resources. 4. Collect, interpret, and use data effectively to make fair and valid decisions and assess their impacts taking into account socio-economic, ethical, environmental, health and safety issues. 5. Demonstrate leadership and effective communication and further learning skills while incorporating new strategic approaches or conceptual abstract solutions. 6. Demonstrate ability to take responsibility, conduct academic research and contribute to professional knowledge.

Entry Requirements

Academic: Admission Requirements (programme study plan document) 1. Admission to this program is open to students holding B.Sc. degree in engineering from a recognized university with a minimum CGPA of 3 out of 4, or equivalent. 2. Students with CGPA between 2.5 and 2.99 may apply for admission and the department may consider their application subject to availability. However, they will be admitted conditionally provided that they register a maximum of (6) credit hours in the first semester of their study and obtain a minimum CGPA of 3 out of 4. 3. Applicants should satisfy the English language proficiency requirements and the other conditions announced by the college of graduate studies. 4. Remedial courses are decided on a case-by-case basis upon the acceptance of students. Admission requirements for master programs: • The student must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized university with a CGPA of 3.00 out of 4.00. • Students with a CGPA between 2.5 and 2.99 may be admitted conditionally. • The degree must be in a major that qualifies the student to study the master's program. • Students must meet the English language proficiency requirement. • Attachment of ‘no objection of study certificate’ from the authorities responsible for national service for male Emirati students (ages from 18 to 30 years old). • Attachment of a letter of study approval from the Kuwait Embassy Cultural Office for Kuwaiti students only. • Attachment of People of Determination card (if applicable). • In case the student works in a certain place, please attach a letter from the employer stating that the student is working for this agency. • For individuals with foreign qualifications, it is necessary to provide a Certificate of Equivalency.

English: For programs taught in English, a score of 550 in TOEFL (ITP) (or its equivalence), or 6 in IELTS must be obtained. Native English speakers are exempt from the English proficiency requirement if the language of instruction for their undergraduate studies was English. Additionally, students who graduated from academic institutions where English is used as the primary medium of instruction for bachelor’s studies are also exempt. Equivalent scores (EmSAT / paper-based TOEFL ITP / IELTS academic): 950-1075 / 450 / 4.5; 1100-1225 / 500 / 5.0; 1250-1375 / 530 / 5.5; 1400-1525 / 550 / 6.0. The paper-based TOEFL ITP is offered only by the University of Sharjah, AMIDEAST Dubai, and Abu Dhabi head offices. The UoS reserves the right to require students to attend an interview in the Languages Institute. Students may be required to take a further in-house test to ensure their scores are consistent with their English Language proficiency.