ABSTRACT
An engineering department is normally composed of several subgroups depending on how diversified the engineering knowledge must be. These engineering subgroups can vary from electrical circuit design to mechanical tool design to materials. Each subgroup can be composed of one or several engineers and technicians. Subgroups that have more than one subordinate must have an assigned leader, who reports to the engineering department manager. Subgroup leaders continue to perform tasks in their field of expertise but are also responsible for the performance of other personnel in the subgroup. Engineering department managers distribute assignments to subgroups through their subgroup leaders. In a large engineering department (say, more than 10 subordinates), it becomes very difficult for an engineering manager to track all of the details of every task. Such details are supervised by the subgroup leader, who also works to resolve any problems. The engineering department manager gathers weekly summary information about tasks from subgroup leaders.
