Skills Required by Welsh Employers - Assignment Example

Tender Document Name, telephone No. and address of the Tenderer………………………………………. Account No. of the Tenderer……………………………………………………………… Date……………………………………………………………………………………….. Overview Engineering is a wide discipline that can be viewed from different perspectives such as a profession, an art or skills applied in acquiring mathematical, scientific, practical social and economical knowledge in order to build and design structures, devices, machines, materials, systems as well as processes (Billington, 2005). Engineering comprises many other sub disciplines with emphasis on different areas of technological applications such as; Civil engineering. This branch deals with aspects such as construction and design of private and public works such as railways, roads, airports, water treatment and supply dams, bridges and buildings. Chemical engineering deals with aspects such as the application of chemistry, physics, biology, and other principles of engineering in order to carry out commercial chemical processes. Electrical engineering deals with the study and design of electronic and electrical systems such as generators, electrical circuits, electromagnetic devices, optical fibres, (to mention a few) (Billington, 2005). Mechanical engineering deals with aspects related to the design of mechanical and physical systems such as energy and power systems aircraft/aerospace products, compressors, kinematic chains (to mention a few). An engineer must have studied one of these branches as well as sub-disciplines in order to qualify as an engineer. University of Glamorgan has track record of training more than 20,000 students in different branches of engineering since 1960s. However, economic and other major changes in demand for different careers in the world today calls for a clear and precise evaluation of the employability of the Glamorgan graduate engineers (Vincenti, 2003). Our purpose is to provide an overview of the skills required by welsh employers in the engineering sector. It also aims at gauging the level of employers’ satisfaction with University of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers. Study Objectives The main objectives of this research include: To establish the skills required by Welsh employers in the engineering sector To gauge the level of employers’ satisfaction with Glamorgan Graduate Engineers PART A (A)Project Brief The intense competition and the changing demand for graduate engineers in the world today is an issue that needs serious consideration. Being a sought-after asset or employable as a graduate engineer is the key goal of students and lecturers in any learning institution (Billington, 2005). The theoretical aspect of a subject in engineering is one thing while the application of theory in the practical setting particularly commercial application is another thing. In carrying out our investigation about the employability of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers, our company will investigate; Time schedule taken by the students on work placements- The purpose is to gather the practical skills required to be competent engineers in different fields. Hands-on –experience- Our Company will seek to explore how the mixture of e-learning, lectures, workshop training and practical laboratory at the University prepares the students for industrial placements. Extent of research in different engineering fields- An evaluation of methods that students apply to gather raw and first hand information that makes them innovative and up-to date with the changes that occur in modern industries (Billington, 2005). Research skills in above engineering fields are mostly applied and needed in different engineering application fields. Hence, competence in research in these areas adds to the advantages of a graduate engineer. (B) Previous experience in this field Our company is highly reputed for carrying out investigative research into the employability of students upon graduation from different colleges and universities countrywide. Among the accredited institutions our company has worked with in the same research area include Heriot-Watt University, Huntley Technology Institute, Institute of Power Engineering and University of Bristol (Vincenti, 2003). (C) Study methodology To achieve the objectives stated above, this research will be undertaken following the methodology outlined below; (i) Definition Definition of study areas- Definition and outline of specific engineering branches and sub-disciplines as defined in the overview section. Definition of the study requirements under each discipline or sub-discipline (ii) Application (hand-on-experience) Determination of hand-on-experience or practical skills held by Glamorgan Graduate Engineers in their specific study areas. (iii) Relevance Determination of the relevance of the engineering courses offered to students at Glamorgan in comparison with the practical skills required in the field today. Determination of the extent of the consultations between Glamorgan engineering department with employers and industry players to provide the students with relevant skills required by the employers Industry placements provided to students before the completion of their engineering courses (iv) Employment rate Determination of the rate of employment of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers in different industrial and commercial sectors Determination of the extent/percentage to which Glamorgan Graduate Engineers are exempted from professional examinations due to their qualifications. (v) Interviews The study will comprise of interviews with different employers in both private and public sectors. Interviews will be based on the relation to the content theoretical and practical skills as well as the attractiveness of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers as compared to other graduate engineers from other institutions of learning. The interviews will be conducted on a selected sample of about 10 employers industry and commercial employers) in both private and public sectors. (vi) Result Analysis The results obtained will be compiled and analysed in order to establish the clear picture about the attractiveness and employability of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers in different engineering fields. (vii) Recommendations Recommendations will be outlined as to the level of satisfaction of employers with University of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers. Recommendations will be provided as to the skills required by Welsh employers in the engineering sector. (D) Deliverables A report on- The content of practical skills acquired by Glamorgan Graduate Engineers -The engineering practical skills required by employers in the field -The measurability of practical skills acquired at the University and skills required by employers -The attractiveness and preparedness of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers in the industrial and commercial -The satisfaction level of employers with the engineering skills and knowledge possessed by Glamorgan Graduate Engineers -The industrial relevance of engineering courses offered at Glamorgan University -Employment rate among the Glamorgan Graduate Engineers as compared to other engineering students -The marketability of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers as compared to other graduate engineers. -The rate of industrial placements of Glamorgan Engineering students to acquire practical skills Attendance at a meeting -Minutes of meetings with Glamorgan College administrators -Minutes of meetings with Welsh employers -Minutes of meetings with a sampled number of engineering students from different departments in the university Copy of interview questions (E) Proposed team/Resources The proposed team will comprise of 15 members. They include; Personnel Grade Personnel Grade Mr. Jerald Binety Postgraduate (Msc. Mechanical Engineering) Tabither Hague Postgraduate (MSc. Structural Engineering) Johnson Therry Postgraduate (Msc. Civil. Engineering) Terry Mixer Postgraduate (MSc. Structural Engineering) Mr. Hedex Colex Postgraduate (Msc. Civil Engineering) Faram Austin Undergraduate (BSc. Civil Engineering) Mrs. Julian Fiby Postgraduate (MSc. Civil Engineering) Miss Susan Jupy Undergraduate (BEng) Civil Engineering Mrs. Marthy Metol Postgraduate (MSc. Civil Engineering) Dudey Fokov Undergraduate (BEng) Civil Engineering Mr. Jorry Kempo Postgraduate (MSC. Chemical Engineering) Mr. Harun Kerry Postgraduate (MSc. Civil Engineering) Miss Munny Torry Postgraduate (MSc. Mechanical Engineering) Mr. Flix Cochet Postgraduate (MSc. Civil Engineering) Loget hyper Postgraduate (MSc. Mechanical Engineering) 5 team members- Will conduct interviews in 10 selected public and private industrial and commercial firms. 5 team members- Will define research areas and carry out research on engineering practical skills required in different fields 5 team members- Will investigate employment rate of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers in different industries and analyse the results. Basing on the results of analysis, they will offer recommendations related to the topic of study. (F) Cost estimates and hourly rates for key personnel Activities Duration/days Number of staff hourly rate for key personnel -Definition of research areas -Investigation of skills offered at the university -Investigation of the skills offered in comparison with the skills required in the field 20 days X 10hrs per day = (200 hours) 8 £5 per hour -Sampling -Interviews 5days x 5hrs per day =25 hours 3 £20 per hour -Compiling and Analysis -Recommendations 5days x 5hrs per day = 25 hours 4 £25 per hour (G) Payment Schedule Schedule 1- After completion of activity 1 (definition of research area) Schedule 2- After completion of activity 2 (sampling and interviewing) Schedule 3- After completion of activity 3 (compiling, analysis and recommendations) PART B (a) Project risk assessment Type of risk Extent and reason Inadequate time This risk can be quantified as 2% of the total risks associated with this project. Lack of adequate time to carry out comparisons required to determine the actual preference rate of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers as compared to the preference and marketability of other graduate engineers from other institutions Lack of adequate information from Welsh employers Quantified as 2% of the total risks Welsh employers may not wish to disclose the specific details of knowledge and skills they look for in graduate student seeking for employment This risk can be offset easily by exploring the rate of employment of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers among the Welsh employers. Lack of current information related to preparedness, skills and knowledge possessed by Glamorgan Graduate Engineers to tackle current world problems This risk can be quantified as 30% of the total risks that might affect the proper outcome of the research. Inadequate teaching on current issues and problems such as earthquakes as well as other innovative skills required in the modern engineering industry. Inadequate budgetary Allocation Quantified as 10% of the entire risks The project may consume more time than anticipated. (b) Breakdown of staff rates into salary, overhead and profit Duration/activities No. of days Hourly rates Staff salary/no of staff Overheads Profit Activity 1 20 £5 per hour x 10 hours per day 1000 x 8= £8000 £1000 £7000 Activity 2 5 £25 per hour x 5 hours per day 626x 3=£1875 £500 £1375 Activity 3 5 £25 per hour x 5 hours per day x 5 days 625x 4=£2500 £500 £2000 (c) Cash flow forecast The table below shows the projected cash flow from the above project. The project will be undertaken in 30 days period. Activities Main activities Expenditure/staff salaries and overheads Cash flow Activity 1 Definition of research areas -Investigation of skills offered at the university -Investigation of the skills offered in comparison with the skills required in the field Staff salary + overheads 8000 +1000 =£9000 £50 per hour x (20 days x10 hours per day) 200 x 50 = £10,000 Activity 2 Sampling and interviews 1875+ 500 =£2375 £250 per hour x 5 hours per day x 5 days = £6250 Activity 3 Compiling and Analysis -Recommendations £2500+500 =3000 £200 x 5x 5 =240x 5 x 5 =£5000 Total expected cash flow/expenditure £14375 £21250 Graphical presentation of cash flow/Expenditure Amount 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 . 5000 expenditures .cash flow Activity 1 activity 2 activity 3 The diagram above shows the rate of expenditure and cash flow. In the diagram the rate of expenditure will be below the cash flow meaning that the tender document above will generate revenues to the company. N/B The above document is prepared by the authorised financial manager in our company. It reflects all relevant details required to carry out an effective research that gives the real picture of the skills required by Welsh employers as well as in gauging the level of employer’s satisfaction with the University of Glamorgan Graduate Engineers. This is in essence required to develop an effective and general picture about the employability of the University’s graduates upon graduation from the wide range of engineering courses offered at the university. In case of any element in the tender document that seems incomprehensible, we can be reached through the telephone contacts issued in the opening section of this tender document. References Billington, D. (2005). The Innovators: The Engineering Pioneers Who Made America Modern. Wiley; New Ed edition. Vincenti, W. (2003). What Engineers Know and How They Know It: Analytical Studies from Aeronautical History. 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