The relationship between economic and demographic factors and the flow of new students into undergraduate engineering programs was investigated. An empirical analysis was undertaken based on a lagged-supply model developed earlier by Richard Freeman. The analysis involved the replication of the Freeman model over the 1948-1972 period, the extension of the model through 1986, and the forecasting of first-year engineering enrollments up to the year 2000. The model developed in this thesis was able to a accurately mirror the engineering enrollment trends from 1948 to 1986. The economic variables--especially R&D expenditures and starting engineering salaries relative to median income of college graduates--were found to be important factors in the flow of freshmen into engineering. None of the variables relating to demographic trends were found to significantly related to first-year engineering enrollment. The importance of the federal government's role in the engineering labor market through research and development funding is discussed, along with forecasts of possible trends in first-year engineering enrollment. / Master of Arts

This research investigates the specific labour market dynamics that underline the shortage of engineers in the Petrochemical Industry in South Africa. The central argument of this dissertation is that an understanding of a skills shortage requires a distinct knowledge of the internal and external nature of each labour market in which the shortage is being experienced. This dissertation develops a critique of the neoclassical perspective which dominates current analysis of skill shortages. While it is important to understand the external labour market, it is equally important to consider the internal labour market to better identify and understand the specific dynamics that underline a skills shortage in an organisation and industry. Using Engen Refinery as a case study, this dissertation focuses on an in depth examination of the experiences of engineers working at the Refinery. The findings reveal that the dynamics that underline the skill shortage of engineers in the Petrochemical Industry in the South African context are manifold. Skill shortages are a consequence of dynamics in both the external and internal labour market; these I argue are interrelated. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2009.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / Eskom as a recognised engineering company attracts a number of engineers yearly. Despite the success in attracting engineers, the state-owned utility has been raising concerns about a shortage of engineering skill. The case study sought to explore different programmes and processes Eskom has in place that will contribute in building and retaining the successfully attracted engineers. The aim of the study was to gain appreciation of current methods used for engineer career management. Furthermore, the intention was to make recommendations on the best way to ensure that an integrated career path for engineers in training for sustainable skills development is realised in all business units in the Western Cape Operating Unit (WCOU). The main question the research sought to answer is: What programmes and processes does Eskom have in place that will contribute to building an integrated Engineer in Training (EIT) career path for sustainable skills development? Secondary questions The investigative questions for the proposed research in support of the research question are as follows: - How do the current human resource management strategies and practices contribute to building an integrated career path for EITs in Eskom WCOU? - How do the Eskom WCOU business processes and organisational culture support the career developmental initiatives for EITs? - What career life cycle management approach is used by Eskom WCOU? Primary data for the research was gathered using two research instruments. These were a survey and semi-structured interviews. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from engineers that have been part of the EIT programme and that have been employed in the Eskom WCOU unit from 2005 to date. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from senior managers and the general manager in WCOU. Non-probability purposive sampling was used, as the intention of the research was specifically to gain knowledge about those involved in engineering careers in this province. The research revealed nine critical variables that influence sustainable engineer skills development in the province. These are: - Leadership - Employee approach to learning - Organisation structure - Mentorship and coaching - Peer reviews - Development programme - Cross divisional exposure - Sustainable engineer skills development. The findings revealed that the first three variables listed above, namely visible, supportive leadership, positive approach to learning by employees and better use of the current organisational structure, are the main drivers for sustainable skills development in the province.