Leadership of Multidisciplinary Programs and Systems

Many changes need to occur for civil engineers to be prepared to function as master builders. Changes will be required in how engineering is organized and performed, in how engineers are educated, and in relationships with all other stakeholders in the process. A systems approach will need to be adopted when considering projects and processes. To function as a master builder, the future engineer will need to have an understanding of and some competence in the many aspects of the processes involved in bringing projects from an idea to a completed project. A master is someone who is in charge and in control. A master builder, therefore, has to be in charge and in control of all aspects of projects. This would require organizing and controlling the many other disciplines besides engineering that are involved in the development, planning, funding, design, construction, and operation of projects. This paper discusses some of the changes that would likely be needed to prepare engineers to function as master bui...