Abstract

According to Thamhain (2005) the “Management of technology is the art and science of creating value by using technology together with other resources of an organization” (p. 6). A technology manager should have some minimum level of technical knowledge, applied abilities in systems design, application, products or processes, and skills in one or more contextual areas (ITEA, 2000/2002). Technology managers must have certain competencies that are agreed-upon or measurable, preferably both. At the university level, technology management programs are distinctly different from engineering or engineering technology programs (i.e., mechanical, electrical, civil, etc.). A required management curriculum is what distinguishes ATMAE accredited four-year programs from two-year programs (ATMAE, 2009, para. 6). Minty (2003) asserted that historical comparisons of the technological and managerial perspectives are closely aligned.

In order for technology management programs to succeed, they must produce graduates who possess the requisite knowledge, abilities, and skills. What are the competencies of a technology manager and what does an entry-level technology leader need to know? The ATMAE Accreditation Handbook (2009) lists content areas such as quality, finance, accounting, safety, legal, project management, and other courses consistent with the definition of industrial technology. Of these, what are the most important competencies of technology management? Are there others? Without a recognized and accepted body of knowledge for technology management, the discipline of industrial technology, applied technology, and applied engineering will continue to be confused with other technical disciplines. Clarity regarding the required competencies for an entry-level technology manager is imperative. The critical competencies within a body of knowledge should be congruent with ATMAE accreditation standards and the Certified Technology Manager exam. In order for technology management programs to be relevant, their competencies should be recognized and agreed-upon.

In 2010, the ATMAE Management Division set out to define an applicable technology management body of knowledge using a collection of core competencies. The research incorporated existing models, industry opinions, and educator experts. ATMAE members at both the 2010 and 2011 conferences reviewed initial versions of the competency model. In addition, the model was benchmarked against existing literature and research. The researchers found consistency within the initial versions of the competency model. Interested scholars may find the initial model and supporting rationale in the 2011 ATMAE conference proceedings. This paper presents additional supporting data regarding the validity of the ATMAE Technology Management Competency Model and its revisions based on recent ATMAE member feedback.

Disciplines

Engineering | Other Engineering

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.