WSEAS Transactions on Advances in Engineering Education
Print ISSN: 1790-1979, E-ISSN: 2224-3410
Volume 9, 2012
The Engineers’ Non-technical Competences
Authors: ,
Abstract: This study empirically tests a heuristic model of non-technical engineering competences. The results of factor analysis and regression analysis support the model proposing six non-technical competence domains consisting of 19 competences engineers use in their everyday work. Furthermore, the competence domains have a shared component with their neighboring competences. Engineers use more frequently these non-technical engineering competences that belong to the Personal competence domain (i.e. flexibility, learning, self-management, stress tolerance competencies), and to the Interpersonal competence domain (relationships/cooperation, communication, negotiations/conflict management), also personal and professional ethics competencies and innovation and creativity competencies. The findings indicate that the male engineers with the long professional work experience use the Innovation and entrepreneurship competences, and the Leadership, management, and administrative competences more frequently while the female engineers apply more often the Professional ethics competences, the Personal competences, and the Interpersonal competences. Development of these non-technical engineering competencies is highly recommended for the competence-based engineering education in the universities.