A comparative analysis of undergraduate engineering and technology management education programs in the United States

Exponential growth in undergraduate engineering and technology management programs has occurred since 1987; yet there is no agreed upon body of knowledge in this field nor are there established benchmarks. Unifying models, theories and curricula are needed for the codification of knowledge to occur. Benchmarks must be established so that technology management programs can be assessed and so that the development of the knowledge base and the structure of programs will be relevant in the future. The purpose of the study will be to explore the progression of undergraduate technology management education since the 1987 National Research Council report "Management of Technology: The Hidden Competitive Advantage". A cross-sectional document review and content analysis of identified undergraduate engineering and technology management programs will occur to determine the current status of the field. The identified programs will be examined to ascertain if there is a common body of knowledge, and what that common body of knowledge entails. The report delineated issues and responsibilities specific to the management of technology and a comparative analysis of the programs to these issues and responsibilities will also be undertaken.