The Professional Skills Handbook For Engineers And Technical Professionals

This new handbook covers a wide range of engineering skills generally not taught in today's college-level technical programs. New engineers, though technically sound, need to master these other skills upon entering the professional world. Topics covered include teaming, root cause analysis, Lean manufacturing and management, presentation skills, innovation, and change leadership. Based on the author's 30 years of engineering and leadership experience, this work contains a wealth of practical tips and advice, as well as lessons learned the hard way. Portable and concise, the handbook can help new engineers thrive in and enjoy the technical world and their professional careers.

Kevin Retz, Ph.D. is an executive business leader, consultant, and engineering leader with over 25 years experience leading and guiding multi-million-dollar prototype aircraft design and assembly projects, 100+ team member composite shops, and executive coaching in competitive analysis, technology road mapping, and technology integration. Dr. Retz has a broad background in organizational development, organizational transformation, operations, and manufacturing; his specialty is creating a working environment centered on integrity, communication, and accountability.

Chapter 1 Lessons Learned and Food for Thought Chapter 2 Leading and Working with Your Team Chapter 3 Virtual Teams, Leading and Working with Virtual Teams Chapter 4 Developing and Delivering Presentations Chapter 5 Understanding Creativity and Innovation Chapter 6 Critical Thinking Skills Chapter 7 Developing Requirements, Goals, and Objectives Chapter 8 Developing and Understanding Strategy Chapter 9 Root Cause Analysis/What to Do When Things Do Not Go as Planned Chapter 10 Lean Engineering the Basics Chapter 11 Cost Estimation/How Do You Figure Out the Cost of Manufacturing