Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Consulting engineers'

An appropriate civil infrastructure is vital to the wealth and wellbeing of cultures. Appropriateness is increasingly defined in terms of sustainability, aesthetics, innovation and cultural suitability. These expectations pose challenges for engineers to use their creativity, aesthetic appreciation, knowledge and character to predict and respond creatively with their designs. However, a treadmill of cost innovation in construction projects makes improved design challenging. This tends to reinforce the misconception that engineers are dull and uncreative, even though historically they have displayed considerable imagination and ingenuity. This thesis is based on an in-depth study conducted at the Brisbane office of Kellogg Brown & Root P/L (a large consulting engineering firm). A contemporary qualitative approach is used to explore how creativity is manifested in an engineering design context, and how it relates to phenomena such as knowledge, innovation, project culture and organizational environment. In-depth interviews reveal the authentic meaning of design and creativity for engineers and other company staff. The study highlights an important distinction between design-based and cost-driven innovation and unveils multiple influences that can stifle or nurture personal and group creativity.

An appropriate civil infrastructure is vital to the wealth and wellbeing of cultures. Appropriateness is increasingly defined in terms of sustainability, aesthetics, innovation and cultural suitability. These expectations pose challenges for engineers to use their creativity, aesthetic appreciation, knowledge and character to predict and respond creatively with their designs. However, a treadmill of cost innovation in construction projects makes improved design challenging. This tends to reinforce the misconception that engineers are dull and uncreative, even though historically they have displayed considerable imagination and ingenuity. This thesis is based on an in-depth study conducted at the Brisbane office of Kellogg Brown & Root P/L (a large consulting engineering firm). A contemporary qualitative approach is used to explore how creativity is manifested in an engineering design context, and how it relates to phenomena such as knowledge, innovation, project culture and organizational environment. In-depth interviews reveal the authentic meaning of design and creativity for engineers and other company staff. The study highlights an important distinction between design-based and cost-driven innovation and unveils multiple influences that can stifle or nurture personal and group creativity.

Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Graduate School of Business
Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2006.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This mini-study project is a review of South African and International practices for the procurement and remuneration of consulting engineering services. The manner in which engineering services have been procured from professionals in the built environment over the last decade in South Africa has varied considerably within the public sector. Historically government and professional associations published time based and percentage fee based scales. In 1997 the government published a Green Paper on Procurement Reform. This paper called for the uniformity of procurement policies throughout all industries. In 2000, a statutory body, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) was established. The CIDB has developed procurement regulations based on the government guidelines for the construction industry. Compliance with these regulations became mandatory as of 14 November 2005 for organs of state who solicit tender offers such as national, provincial and local government institutes. Within the private sector, services have been procured on an ever increasing basis based on a negotiated fee with an agreed scope of works and involvement. The importance of this study is that no single procurement system has been proven worldwide to be optimal. The CIDB have set the rules and now it is up to the construction industry to develop a framework of practice that is sustainable and competitive. The study is a systematic investigation to establish the facts about the new government procurement policies and regulations for the South African construction industry. The guidelines and proposals of associations such as the South African Association of Consulting Engineers SAACE), the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) and The World Bank are reviewed. Personal interviews are conducted with South African consulting engineers to investigate opinions on the latest reforms and practices. Procurement and remuneration practices in various other developed and developing countries are also reviewed. From the review it was found that the pertinent measures for the procurement and remuneration of consultants were project categorisation, consultant selection criteria., procurement processes, procurement procedures, cost based procurement approaches, the use of professional fee scales and the cost weighting of consultant remuneration. Trends that emerged from the study were the move in international practices away from the use of professional fee scales. Although the Quality Cost Based Selection (QCBS) approach is still used widely internationally, there is an increase in emphasis and move towards a Quality Based Selection (QBS) approach. Internationally there has been a trend to simplify the process and criteria for the selection of consultants. An important debate identified was whether the use of professional fee scales in South Africa should be eliminated and the determination of professional fees be left to market forces. The review found that although the CIDB had done immense work in the formulation of the new regulations to meet government reform policies, there were certain short comings that needed to be addressed. These included implementation, education of public officials in consultant evaluation, dealing with the tremendous shortage of public officials to do consultant evaluation and the simplification of processes. The study produces a comprehensive comparative table of institutional and practitioners inputs with respect to the identified consultant procurement and remuneration measures. The significance of this table is that it can be used to formulate or adjust existing frameworks. It is proposed that such revised frameworks be monitored and studied to optimise the objective of sustainability and competitiveness in the procurement and remuneration of consulting services in South Africa.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie mini navorsingsprojek bied 'n oorsig van die Suid-Afrikaanse en lntemasionale praktyke vir die werwing en vergoeding van raadgewende ingenieurs. Die manier waarop ingenieursdienste gewerf word van professionele persone in die konstruksiebedryf oor die laaste dekade in Suid-Afrika het aansienlik verskil binne die openbare sektor. In die verlede het die staatsdiens en professionele instansies tydgebasseerde en persentasievergoedingskale gepubliseer. In 1997 het die Regering 'n "Groenpapier" oor werwing en hervorming gepubliseer. In hierdie dokument word 'n oproep tot uniformiteit van werwingsbeleid deur alle deelnemers gedoen. In 2000 is 'n statutere liggaam, die "Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB)", gestig. Die CIDB het werwingsregulasies ontwikkel wat gebasseer is op die regering se riglyne vir die konstruksiebedryf. Hierdie regulasies het sedert 14 November 2005 vir tenders aan staatsliggame soos nasionale, provinsiale en plaaslike regerings verpligtend geword. Binne die privaatsektor word dienste op 'n toenemende basis op 'n onderhandelde basis vergoed. Daar is gevind dat daar geen enkel werwingsisteem wereldwyd is wat as optimaal bewys is nie. Die CIDB het die reels neergele en dit is nou die verantwoordelikheid van die konstruksiebedryf am 'n praktykgerigte raamwerk te ontwikkel wat beide volhoubaar en kompeterend is. Die navorsing is 'n stelselmatige ondersoek om vas te stel wat die regering se werwingsbeleid en regulasies vir die Suid-Afrikaanse konstruksiebedryf is. Die riglyne en voorstellings van instansies soos die van die Suid-Afrikaanse Assosiasie vir Raadgewende Ingenieurs (SAACE), die "International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC)" en Die Wereldbank is ondersoek en vergelyk. Persoonlike onderhoude is gevoer met Suid-Afrikaanse raadgewende ingenieurs om 'n ondersoek na opinies te doen oor die onlangse hervorming van praktyke. Werwings- en vergoedingspraktyke in verskeie ander lande is ook ondersoek. Hierdie ondersoek het uitgewys dat die pertinente metings vir die werwing en vergoeding van raadgewende ingenieurs projek kategorie, wenvingsprosesse, werwingsprosedures, koste gebaseerde benaderings, die gebruik van professionele vergoedingskale en die koste van vergoeding, is. Tendense wat na vore kom vanuit die navorsing, is die intemasionale praktyk om weg te beweeg van professionele vergoedingskale. Alhoewel die Kwaliteit Koste Gebasseerde Seleksie benadering nog steeds wyd gebruik word intemasionaal, is daar 'n toename in die beklemtoning en beweging na die Kwaliteit Gebasseerde Seleksie benadering. Daar is die neiging intemasionaal om die proses en kriteria vir die seleksie van konsultante te vereenvoudig. 'n Belangrike debat wat geidentifiseer is, is of die gebruik van professionele vergoedingskale in Suid-Afrika geelimineer moet word en of die vasstelling van professionele vergoeding deur markkragte bepaal moet word. Die navorsing het bevind dat alhoewel die CIDB heelwat werk gedoen het in die formulering van nuwe regulasies om te voldoen aan regerings hervormingsbeleid, dat daar sekere tekortkominge is wat aangespreek moet word. Hierdie sluit in: implementering, die opleiding van openbare amptenare in konsultant evaluering. die hantering van die geweldige tekort aan openbare amptenare om die konsultant evaluerings te doen en die vereenvoudiging van prosesse. Die navorsing produseer 'n omvattende vergelykende tabel van institutionele en die praktykvoerder se insette ten opsigte van die geidentifiseerde konsultant werwings - en vergoedingsmeetmiddels. Die belangrikheid van hierdie tabel is dat dit gebruik kan word om te formuleer of om aanpassings te maak aan bestaande raamwerke. Dit word voorgestel dat sulke hersiende raamwerke gemonitor en bestudeer word om sodoende die doelwit van onderhoudbaarheid en kompeterendheid in die werwing en vergoeding van konsulterende dienste in Suid-Afrika te optimaliseer.

With a considerable number of built environment projects not being completed successfully, this study was undertaken to investigate how effectively consulting engineering firms are applying project management principles in the way they manage projects. This was achieved by measuring the project management maturity levels of consulting engineering firms. Maturity levels were measured for each of the ten knowledge areas of the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Body of Knowledge to determine areas where consulting engineering firms perform below expectation and as a result determine probable causes of project failures. The maturity of the firm was then calculated as the average of the maturity for the knowledge areas. The study found that consulting engineering firms have higher levels of project management maturity than the average for the construction and civil engineering sector. Apart from risk and procurement management, all the other knowledge areas have higher maturity levels than the corresponding construction and civil engineering knowledge areas. Although the overall maturity results indicate that the larger firms are more mature in their project management practices than the smaller firms, the individual knowledge areas are inconsistent. The study reveals that consulting engineering firms are weakest in the risk management, human resources and stakeholder management knowledge areas. There is limited literature available on the status of project management, project management methodologies, and performance of consulting projects in the engineering environment (Labuschagne & Steyn, 2010:70). There is need for future studies to establish a methodology developed specifically for the Consulting Engineering Firms in line with what Labuschagne & Steyn (2010) started and a Project Management Maturity Model specific to the Consulting Engineering Industry.

The engineering consulting industry in South Africa witnessed an overwhelming growth before the 2010 Fifa World Cup. The country had a lot of infrastructural development that needed the services of consulting engineers. A lot of people saw the challenge as a business opportunity and started their own consulting engineering companies. The demand for consulting engineering services was high before the 2010 Fifa World Cup; this changed after the completion of projects that were due for the world cup and some had to close or retrench staff due to scarcity of projects. The completion of 2010 Fifa World Cup projects is not the only challenge faced by the engineering consulting sector; government policies such tendering and procurement procedures that do not acknowledge performance, lack of funding etc. It is therefore important that companies look for better ways of gaining competitiveness in order to get more projects. These companies must not only rely on government projects but do marketing on the private sector as well. The purpose of the research is to assess and develop a marketing strategy for Company X Consulting engineers. A literature study on most successful marketing strategies employed by other service oriented companies was conducted. The literature study also comprised of the perception of marketing amongst consulting engineering companies. From the literature study mentioned above; questionnaires were drawn towards the development of a marketing strategy for Company X consulting engineers. The findings of the questionnaires were analysed and recommendation were made for the development of a marketing strategy for Company X.

Contractors have to construct the projects efficiently in accordance with the contract provisions when they accept a contract. All construction projects involve risk and there is no possibility to eliminate all the risks associated with a specific project. Management of risk requires identification and analysis of risk factors. After this risk assessment step, proper response strategies have to be developed so that an optimum risk-reward structure is ensured. Contracts are the grounds where risk allocation schemes between parties are settled and risk-reward mechanisms are defined. Since contractors are usually unable to influence the contract conditions and clauses, they should understand which risks they are retaining under contract conditions. Thus, succesful management of risk requires understanding of contract clauses and identification of secondary risk factors created due to poorly defined contract clauses. The aim of this thesis is to investigate standard conditions of contract, namely FIDIC and GSPW, which are the most widely utilised contracts by the Turkish contractors, from the risk management point of view. For this purpose an interview form is prepared and interviews are conducted using this structured form. Implications of the contract clauses for the risk management strategy of contractors are discussed based on interview findings. The basic philosophy of FIDIC and GSPW are investigated so that necessary suggestions for the contractors can be made considering the risk allocation schemes defined in these documents.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Consulting engineers in South Africa are currently faced with numerous trends that have a negative impact on their business. The volatility of world and especially SA markets have caused investors to adopt a "wait and see" approach as to investing in large developments. The result was that private sector developments were lagging behind and forced consulting engineers to compete for the available work and inevitably suffer from reduced turnover. A further trend, and maybe more serious one for some traditional consulting engineers, was the change in focus by the newly elected Government in the mid nineties. With the focus on social and upliftment issues, government funds were allocated to new infrastructure developments associated with these issues. This caused a radical reduction of funds allocated to traditional areas like roads and bridges, an area where traditional consultants were predominantly positioned. Government also introduced various other policies, like allocating work to affirmative business enterprises, in order to level the playing fields. This, combined with the reduced available funds, compounded the situation for traditional consulting engineers. The above situation created many challenges for consulting engineers, of which the most important one is that of securing work for the future and competing for the reduced amount of available work. This brought to the fore the issue of marketing, an area that was not previously given too much attention. Market orientation is therefore proposed in this study as a solution to the problems faced by consultants. This study will examine the present situation, provide a literature background to marketing orientation, consider the relevance of market orientation to the consulting engineering industry, and then finally if it is accepted that market orientation is relevant, propose a model that could be used in addressing the situation.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Raadgewende ingenieurs word tans aan verskeie tendense blootgestel wat 'n negatiewe uitwerking op hul besigheid het. Die onbestendigheid in wêreld markte, en spesifiek die Suid Arikaanse mark, het veroorsaak dat beleggers 'n "wag en kyk" benadering begin volg het met betrekking tot grootskaalse ontwikkelings. Die resultaat hiervan was dat privaatsektor ontwikkelings tot 'n groot mate afgeplat het en raadgewende ingenieurs gedwing is om mee te ding vir die beskikbare werk en onvermydelik gebukkend te gaan onder verlaagde omset. 'n Verdere tendens, en moontlik meer ernstige een vir sekere raadgewende ingenieurs, was die verandering in fokus deur die nuut verkose Regering gedurende die middel negentien negentigs. Met die nuwe fokus op sosiale aangeleenthede en opheffing van agtergeblewe gemeenskappe, word regerings fondse hoofsaaklik toegewys aan nuwe infrastruktuur onwikkelings wat verband hou met die nuwe fokus. Dit het 'n radikale verlaging in beskikbare fondse veroorsaak wat tradisioneel aan areas soos paaie en bruê toegewys was, 'n area waarin raadgewende ingenieurs oorwegend gepositioneer was. Die Regering het ook verskeie ander beleidsmaatreëls ingestel, soos die toekenning van werk aan regstellende besighede, ten einde die speelveld gelyk te maak. Dit, gepaardgaande met die verlaagde beskikbare fondse, het die situasie verder vererger vir tradisionele raadgewende ingenieurs. Bogenoemde omstandighede het baie uitdagings aan raadgewende ingenieurs gestel, waarvan die belangrikste waarskynlik die sekerheid aangaande toekomstige werk en die gepaardgaande mededinging ten opsigte van die verminderde hoeveelheid beskikbare werk. Hierdie omstandighede het die bemarkings-kwessie na vore gebring, 'n area waaraan nie veel aandag in die verlede gegee is nie. Mark oriëntasie word gevolglik voorgestel in hierdie studie as 'n oplossing vir die probleme waarmee konsultante gekonfronteer word. Hierdie studie sal die huidige situasie waarin raadgewende ingenieurs hul bevind ondersoek, 'n agtergrond van mark oriëntasieliteratuur verskaf, die relevansie van mark oriëntasie vir die raadgewende ingerneurs bedryf ondersoek en dan laastens, indien dit aanvaar word dat mark oriëntasie relevant is, 'n model voor te stel wat gebruik kan word om die situasie aan te spreek.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since the intervention of the Competition Commission and the abolition of the mandatory use of the government gazetted Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) fees scale, engineering services consultants in South Africa have been competing based on price for engineering contracts in both the public and private sectors. Discounts benchmarked against ECSA professional fees scale demanded by clients have resulted in declines in professional fees over the years. The capacity to deliver professional services that are of such high quality that it meets the client’s expectation, professional and ethical standards when working at low fees is one of the biggest challenges facing consulting professionals today. This research studied the risks encountered by civil and structural engineering services consultants and the impact of discounted professional fees on their risk exposure. The study included a review of literature, discussions with practicing engineers and a questionnaire based survey. A total of 23 practicing consulting engineers representing small, medium and large consulting engineering firms participated as respondents in the questionnaire survey. The literature review identified project and organisational level risks particular to civil and structural engineering services consultants. The study compiled information on the discounting practices of civil and structural engineering services consultants in South Africa. It is found that the practice of discounting is widespread, affecting small, medium and large consulting firms. The range of discounts offered in the industry results in a significant decrease in the fee scale recommended by ECSA for various engineering project types. Respondents identified the primary reasons why they are forced to offer discounts and identified project and organisational risks most impacted by discounted fees in an order of perceived importance to them. Financial loss on the project, inadequate supervision and quality control on site and inability to perform value engineering were identified as project risks with the most impact on respondents’ organisation. At the organisational level human resource issues such as training and mentoring of young engineers, ability to attract and retain quality/experienced staff and overall business sustenance were identified as risks most impacted by discounted fees. Measures adopted by respondents to mitigate risk associated with discounted fees on project were also identified and recommended.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Sedert die ingryping van die Kompetisie Kommissie en die afskaffing van verpligte fooie soos gepubliseer deur die regerings koerant en Ingenieurs Raad van Suid Afrika (IRSA), het ingenieurs konsultante in Suid Afrika meegeding gebaseer op die prys van ingenieurs kontrakte in beide die publieke en private sektore. Afslag wat gemeet word teen professionele skale van ECSA word vereis deur kliënte. Onetiese tender gedrag deur kliënte en raadgewers het gelei tot ʼn daling in professionele fooie oor die jare. Die kapasiteit om professionele dienste te verskaf, wat van ʼn hoë kwaliteit is, kliënte se verwagtinge bereik en professionele en etiese standaarde bereik teen lae koste is een van die grootste uitdagings vir professionele raadgewende ingenieurs in vandag se mark. Hierdie tesis bestudeer die risiko’s wat siviele en strukturele raadgewende ingenieurs ondervind, asook die impak wat afslag van professionele fooie het in terme van die blootstelling van risiko’s. Hierdie studie behels ʼn literatuur studie, gesprekke met ingenieurs in die praktyk en ʼn vraelys opname. ʼn Totaal van 23 raadgewende ingenieurs wat klein, medium en groot raadgewende ingenieurs instansies verteenwoordig het deelgeneem aan die vraelys opname. Die literatuur studie het projek risiko’s en risiko’s op die organisasie vlak geïdentifiseer wat veral verband hou met siviele en strukturele raadgewende dienste. Die studie het informasie gegenereer oor die dalende uitvoering van siviele en strukturele raadgewende dienste in Suid-Afrika. Dit is bevind dat die beginsel van afslag in die algemeen klein, medium en groot raadgewende firmas beïnvloed. Die omvang van die afslag wat aangebied word in die ingenieurs bedryf het gelei tot ʼn beduidende afname in die fooi skaal wat aanbeveel word deur ECSA vir die verskeie ingenieurs projek tipes. Die verskeie deelnemers van die studie het gedui dat die primêre rede hoekom hulle gedwing word om afslag aan te bied en projek en organisasie risiko’s identifiseer, is omdat afslag fooie ʼn voorafgestelde belang is vir hulle. Finansiële verliese op ʼn projek, onvoldoende toesig, kwaliteitsbeheer en die onvermoë om hoë gehalte ingenieurswese toe te pas was geïdentifiseer as die projek risiko’s wat die meeste invloed het op die deelnemers se organisasies. By die organisasie vlak was menslike hulpbronne, soos opleiding en die mentorskap van jong ingenieurs, die vermoë om kwaliteit of ervare personeel te trek en te behou, en die algehele besigheid lewensmiddele geïdentifiseer as risiko’s wat die meeste beïnvloed word deur afslag fooie. Maatreëls wat aangeneem is deur deelnemers aan die studie om risiko’s wat verband hou met afslag fooie van ʼn projek te versag is geïdentifiseer en aanbeveel.

Management of an engineering consultancy unit in the Eastern Cape Province is concerned about the costs incurred by project managers and specialist engineers pursuing tender opportunities that are not feasible. Annual losses in this unit due to unsuccessful tenders amounts to R2,5 million annually, which equates to about 12% of the revenue generated by the unit. The aim of the research study is to assist the consulting engineering firm by investigating and identifying the key determinants for making the decision of whether to bid on a particular tender opportunity. The study includes an assessment of relevant literature, academia and text to investigate key factors that could influence the decision to bid on tenders from which research questions and appropriate theories were drawn. Based on the research questions and theories that emanated from the literature, the study also includes the assessment of primary data through the administration of a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire is empirically analysed within the positivistic research paradigm through the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made based on the findings of the administered questionnaire.

The prominent shifts towards greater flexibility in work arrangements as well as in organizational forms have had profound effects on the labor market for engineers, and given rise to the technical consulting industry. The technical consulting firm is becoming increasingly important in many technology-based industries, as a growing number of technology-based firms rely on technical consulting firms to produce their outputs. In that respect, the technical consulting firm is an important actor for the organization and development of engineering knowledge, as well as for the transfer of knowledge to and among technology-based firms. However, despite its growing importance, the technical consulting firm has received scant scholarly attention. Hence, the purpose of this thesis is to enhance the understanding of the roles of the technical consulting firm and the technical consultants for the transfer of knowledge among problem-solving contexts and client organizations. This thesis is comprised of a compilation of three papers and an extended summary. It draws upon a qualitative single-case study in one of Scandinavia’s leading technical consulting firms. This thesis takes a multilevel perspective, and utilizes an embedded case study design to study both the organizational and the individual level of analysis. In total, it builds on 54 interviews with managers and consultants, 14 observations of a competence development program for engineers who are in the beginning of their careers as technical consultants, and 2 workshops with managers. This thesis identifies two primary capabilities, developed through the interaction between the firm and the individual level: swift transition and knowledge cycling. The findings indicate that the link between the respective capabilities creates the foundation for the successful organization of engineering knowledge. Hence, these capabilities illustrate that the technical consulting firm has other roles to play than merely solving the problem of numerical and functional flexibility. Moreover, this thesis develops the process of knowledge cycling. The knowledge cycling process addresses the role of the individual consultant in the transfer of knowledge within and among problem-solving contexts, and consists of three distinct knowledge processes found prominent during the different phases of a consulting assignment: (1) knowledge acquisition, (2) knowledge integration, and (3) knowledge transfer. Furthermore, this thesis provides insight into how formal training affects the technical consultants’ ability to transfer knowledge. The findings suggest that this ability is developed through a three-stage process: (1) identifying the core of an assignment, (2) broadening the scope of action, and (3) becoming more self-confident in the role of consultant.

Thesis (PhD (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
The primary goal of this thesis is to indicate how systems theory and engineering process modelling can be applied to provide models for consulting engineering service business enterprises. The typical management systems used for these businesses are investigated to determine the application of systems and process models. The motivation for this study is based on the fact that integrated management systems for consulting engineering practices are presently based on selective business analysis and process modelling that has evolved over time, as reported in a survey and study by Smit [110]. Furthermore, current engineering management systems are simply computer implementations of management procedures based on techniques that were developed to solve problems in the absence of the computational capabilities of the modern computer. To rectify this, a fundamental approach to analyse the business and management functions using systems theory and engineering process modelling techniques is required, which has not been attempted to date. This study develops and demonstrates the application of fundamental analysis in consulting engineering enterprise management and reviews advantages that can be obtained from using this approach. It is shown that the mathematical Algebra of Relations and associated Graph Theory provide the mathematical basis on which management problems can be treated systematically. Since these fields of mathematics are well developed and very broad, the essential parts of the theories are identified. Thereupon, the application of the very abstract mathematical concepts to two important and typical engineering management problems are developed, which represents the core contribution of the dissertation. The study is developed and presented in two parts and an addendum: 1. The first part provides an overview of the necessary mathematical theory required to support development of business models. 2. Management systems theory and relation- and graph theory-based engineering process modelling techniques are applied in this part to build generic enterprise models and data processing models. These models provide inputs for the management processes of professional service business enterprises. The outcome of the modelling and analysis is a set of database models with reporting functionality, to be used in the management process. A demonstration of technology available for development of the models and techniques, described in the previous part, is undertaken in this part. Generic implementations of database models and reporting techniques for systems which deal with management data in a consulting engineering business are developed, described and demonstrated. 3. In the addendum to the study, typical models and system functionality needed to support the management functions of the consulting engineering service business are identified. These management functions include: • Business strategy and long term planning • Marketing and promotion • Finance, including bookkeeping and auditing • Personnel • Facilities management and document management • Logistics, i.e., management of resources required for the business to operate • Knowledge management • Production management, i.e., management of the execution of project work • Administration • Risk management Production management can use the engineering process model approach, modelling the management of tasks, persons, datasets and tools as these are applied to the consulting engineering business. Sample subsystems to support selected management functions are identified and analysed. The integration of these systems with commercially available systems to support accounting and management reporting can follow from this analysis. The study contributes to the body of knowledge in the field of engineering management by providing insights into the application of a specific branch of mathematics to provide fundamental solutions to engineering management problems. It also shows how these solutions are mapped to the computer, and describes available information techniques and technology to support the mapping. The outcome is a document setting out the theory required to develop robust enterprise management systems, the development and demonstration of technology required to do this and, as an addendum, a high level specification of business and management system functionality required for the professional engineering service business.

Consulting Engineers worldwide, and in South Africa, render a professional service to clients consisting of project feasibility studies, planning reports, design, documentation and construction monitoring for infrastructure projects. In rendering this service, consulting engineers are subject to certain project risks that can have a huge influence on their company’s success and hence their profitability. Quality Management is an instrument through which the risks associated with consulting engineering can be mitigated to a certain degree, if a Quality Management System (QMS) is successfully introduced and continuously managed. The QMS must conform to the requirements of a recognized system like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and in this particular case ISO 9001, which is a model for quality assurance systems in design, development, production, installation and servicing. The quality system requirements of ISO 9001 are aimed at preventing nonconformity at all phases of the product life cycle from design and/or development to servicing. The study was carried out by obtaining a convenience sample of qualitative questionnaires among professional civil engineers in consulting management positions, testing their experience of a QMS. This study has indicated that a QMS can only be successful in a company if the users have a positive attitude towards the system, and if they believe in the benefits thereof. It is therefore required that the system be launched and maintained in a user-friendly manner, with the emphasis on real risk-reducing aspects. As one of the requirements of ISO 9001 is continuous improvement of the system, recommendations are made in this study towards improving the QMS of the particular company. The influence of a QMS on the frequency and extent of Professional Indemnity cases against a company was investigated and reported on by studying 20 case studies of projects that have experienced difficulties, and have resulted in lawsuits against the consulting engineer.
Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Background: Swedish law demands a systematic work environment management system (SWEM) and establishes the employer as responsible for this. In 2016, 44 % of Swedish Work Environment Authorities’ submissions regarded lack of SWEM. The law defines occupational health and safety services (OHSS) as an objective part with expert knowledge within the fields of work environment and rehabilitation. Aim of the study: The purpose of this study is to investigate how OHS engineers employed in OHSSs assist customer enterprises in the work of developing and maintaining OHS management systems. The study further aims to identify resources, factors of success, necessary skills and other factors that facilitate this work. Method: Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with OHS engineers employed in one of the top five largest OHSS companies in Sweden. Result and analyses: Respondents were found to apply similar methods in supporting clients’ OHSM although working in different regional branches and no nationwide training program exists. In working with OHSM support the OHS engineers mainly used self-produced, flexible tools along with external checklists and templates. Dialogue, an active involvement of the client in developing the OHSMS, internal motivation of the company and experience and competence of the OHS engineer was described as the most essential factors of success. Conclusions: Our study shows that the OHS engineers interviewed to a large extent work with OHSM support in a way that is consistent with what is found in other studies to be a successful way of collaborating with client companies. Areas of improvement for the OHSS company include deepening relations with clients, contracts better supporting collaboration and procedures for spotting client’s OHSM shortcomings earlier.There is a challenge to find a balance between giving OHS engineers freedom in choosing how they work, providing clients flexible solutions and assuring that certain standards of service are met.We identify the need of a mentorship program for OHS engineers within the OHSS company that would include tutoring both in OHS interventions and the consultant role.Finally, OHS engineers may need to develop their skills in OHS related business economy and how to integrate OHS interventions with the business strategies of the client companies.
Bakgrund: Svensk lagstiftning kräver att arbetsgivare arbetar med systematiskt arbetsmiljöarbete (SAM). Under 2016 ledde 44 % av Arbetsmiljöverkets inspektioner till anmärkningar på grund av brister i SAM. Lagen definierar företagshälsovård (FHV) som en objektiv part med expertkunskap inom arbetsmiljö och rehabilitering. Syfte: Syftet med studien är att undersöka hur arbetsmiljöingenjörer inom FHV hjälper kundföretag med arbetet att utveckla och underhålla ledningssystem för arbetsmiljö. Studien syftar också till att identifiera resurser, framgångsfaktorer, nödvändig kompetens samt andra faktorer som främjar arbetet med SAM. Metod: Sex semi-strukturerade intervjuer utfördes med arbetsmiljöingenjörer anställda i ett av Sveriges fem största företag inom företagshälsovård. Resultat och analys: Respondenterna använde liknande arbetssätt i arbetet med att stötta kunders SAM. Detta trots att de arbetade i olika regioner inom företaget samt avsaknad av nationella riktlinjer. I arbetet med SAM använde arbetsmiljöingenjörerna framförallt egenproducerade, flexibla verktyg samt externa checklistor och mallar. Dialog, aktiv deltagande av kund under utveckling av SAM, intern motivation hos kundföretaget samt erfarenhet och kompetens hos arbetsmiljöingenjören beskrevs som de viktigaste framgångsfaktorerna. Slutsatser: Studien visar att de intervjuade arbetsmiljöingenjörernas arbete med SAM i stor utsträckning överensstämmer med vad andra studier funnit vara ett framgångsrikt samarbete med kundföretag. Förbättringsområden för FHV-företaget inkluderar fördjupande av kundrelationer, kontrakt som bättre stödjer sådant samarbete och rutiner för att upptäcka brister i SAM tidigare.En utmaning är att hitta en lämplig balans mellan arbetsmiljöingenjörens behov av fritt arbetssätt, erbjuda kunden flexibla lösningar och samtidigt säkerställa en likartad service inom företaget.Behov av ett mentorprogram, som inkluderar handledning inom både arbetsmiljöarbete och konsultrollen, för arbetsmiljöingenjörer inom FHV-företaget identifierades.Slutligen kan arbetsmiljöingenjörer behöva utveckla kompetens inom arbetsmiljöekonomi samt hur arbetsmiljöarbetet kan integreras med affärsstrategier inom kundföretagen.

by Mak Tsz Yee.
Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1999.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-53).
ABSTRACT --- p.ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.v
CHAPTER
Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1
Objective --- p.1
The Engineering Consulting Business --- p.1
Review of Literature --- p.3
"Value-Creation, Resources and Capabilities" --- p.4
Cost vs. Differentiation Advantage --- p.4
Scope of Target Market --- p.5
Isolating Mechanisms --- p.6
Resources and Capabilities --- p.6
Evolutionary Economics and Dynamic Competition --- p.8
Scope of this Study --- p.9
Chapter II. --- GENERAL ENVIRONMENT --- p.10
Global Segment --- p.10
Demographic Segment --- p.11
Economic Segment --- p.11
Office Properties --- p.11
Residential Properties --- p.13
Political Segment --- p.14
Technological Segment --- p.15
Concluding Observation of the General Environment --- p.15
Chapter III. --- INDUSTRY ENVIRONMENT --- p.17
Construction Industry --- p.17
Consultancy Arrangement --- p.19
Normal Scope of Services --- p.20
Hong Kong Real Estate Property Market --- p.20
Analysis of Industry Environment --- p.25
Threat of Entry --- p.25
Barriers to Entry --- p.25
Economies of Scale --- p.25
Product Differentiation --- p.26
Capital Requirements --- p.26
Switching Cost --- p.26
Cost Disadvantages to New Entry Independent of Scale --- p.26
Government Policy --- p.27
Expected Retaliation --- p.27
Bargaining Power of Suppliers --- p.28
Bargaining Power of Buyers --- p.29
Concentration of Buyers --- p.29
Cost of Service an Insignificant Fraction of the Buyer's Cost --- p.29
Undifferentiated Services and Low Switching Cost --- p.29
Buyer Industry Earns Low Profits --- p.30
Buyers Pose No Credible Threat of Backward Integration --- p.30
The Industry's Service is Important to the Quality of the Buyers' Products --- p.30
Threat of Substitute --- p.31
Substitute Subject to Trends Improving Their Price-performance Trade-off --- p.31
Profitability of Industry Producing Substitute --- p.31
Rivalry Among Existing Competitors --- p.32
Numerous or Equally Balance Competitors --- p.32
Slow Industry Growth --- p.32
Lack of Differentiation and Low Switching Cost --- p.32
High Fixed Costs --- p.33
Low Exit Barriers --- p.33
Summary of Industry Analysis --- p.34
Chapter IV. --- INTERNAL ENVIRONMENT --- p.37
Ove Arup and Partners Company Limited --- p.37
Review of the Resources and Capabilities of the Firm --- p.38
Tangible Resources --- p.38
Financial Resources --- p.38
Physical Resources --- p.38
Human Resources --- p.38
Organisational Resources --- p.39
Intangible Resources --- p.39
Technological Resources --- p.39
Resources for Innovation --- p.39
Reputation --- p.40
Identification of Core Competence --- p.40
Weaknesses --- p.42
Corporate-Level Strategy --- p.42
Blurring Business-Level Strategy --- p.43
Cost Structure --- p.43
Human Resource Management --- p.44
Organizational Structure --- p.44
Market Sensing Activities --- p.44
Concluding Remarks on Internal Environment --- p.44
Chapter V. --- CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS --- p.46
What Is Strategy? --- p.46
Conclusions and Recommendations --- p.47
Chapter VI. --- BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.51

The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the role of social networks in the information behaviour of consulting engineers. Wilson’s (1999; 2000) encapsulating information behaviour definition, and the contribution other researchers made to it, was used to develop an information behaviour framework for the study. In an in depth literature review it was learnt that engineering work is about team work and that engineers rely on their personal knowledge and expertise, as well as the knowledge and expertise of other experts in the field. This was confirmed by the findings of the empirical study. Throughout the literature review it was shown that the interaction between elements in the context and the personal dimension gives rise to information needs, which in turn prompt certain information behaviour activities. Narrative inquiry, a relatively new information behaviour data collection and analysis technique, guided the study. Fifteen consulting engineers who are involved in building projects participated in the study. Two chapters were dedicated to data analysis where the engineers’ stories of an engineering project were re-storied to learn more about the context of engineering work and how engineers operate. The findings revealed that the team members of projects involving consulting engineers come from different organisations. It was found that consulting engineers collaboratively seek, gather, use, communicate and share information. Interdependency emerged as a prominent element in the effective structures of consulting engineers’ personal dimension and evidently plays an important role in collaborative information behaviour in consulting engineers’ team work. It serves as a contributing factor in the natural forming of their social networks, which proved to be important sources of engineering information. The findings contributed to the refinement of the information behaviour framework developed for the purpose of this study. The framework graphically illustrates consulting engineers’ information behaviour. This study contributes to an understanding of the important role social networks play in consulting engineers’ successful accomplishment of engineering projects in everyday life
Information Science
D.Litt. et Phil. (Information Science)

DPA Specialist Consulting Engineers is a relatively small firm specialising in materials technology in the specialist civil engineering consulting and contracting industry. The organization has experienced many positive and negative changes over its history, and is currently in a precarious position, faced with numerous environmental opportunities and threats, while exhibiting significant strengths but also critical weaknesses. The firm does not have a formally crafted strategic plan from which to base its managerial decision making. It is widely held that strategic planning is critical for the success of a competitive business in today's turbulent environment. In this study, pertinent theories pertaining to strategy development and evaluation are explored, and relevant models are adapted for the purpose of analysing and evaluating the organization and its circumstances. The facts provided in the case study pertaining to the organization are then analysed through the developed body of theory and the models presented. The theoretical models utilized provide the criteria by which it is possible to determine the areas in which the organization is performing well or poorly. At the same time, strategic options are developed and are evaluated in the context of the case study, and recommendations are provided with respect to the appropriate courses of action. It is shown that a competitive strategy of focused differentiation will be appropriate for the organisation. An assessment of available grand strategies reveals that the organization will be best served by an initial turnaround strategy, followed by a strategy of concentrated growth and innovation. It is also shown that a strategy of concentric diversification, in terms of the spin-off of the contracting business is appropriate under the circumstances. However, it is also evident that unless the recommendations pertaining to the turnaround strategy are followed, the firm's critical weaknesses and environmental threats will severely threaten the sustained survival and success of the organization.
Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

This study involved a qualitative investigation of consulting engineers' information needs and information-seeking behaviour within the context of their project-related work roles and tasks. The research design includes a study of various information behaviour models, a systematic review of the subject literature and the exploration of relevant qualitative research methods. Data was collected through time-line interviews. The findings show how consulting engineers' work roles and tasks determine their information needs during various engineering project stages. These factors also determine the use of various sources during information seeking. Consulting engineers use a variety of information sources but rely mainly on interpersonal communication to gather information. Digital cameras are used by consulting engineers to record progress in a project. They also use Internet technologies such as email and FTP sites to communicate project related information. Recommendations were put forward for the development of an Internet-based information service for consulting engineers.
Information science
M.Inf.

ABC Consulting Services is a Consulting Engineering firm based in Pietermaritzburg. Primary and secondary research was conducted in an attempt to identify the key marketing issues that ABC Consulting Services faces in its internal and external environments. The primary research done on the company (micro factors) and its environment (macro factors) was in the form of qualitative descriptive research with the source of information coming from internal semi structured focus groups and questionnaires sent to selected individuals involved in the consulting engineering industry. The secondary research includes a study of the current state of the South African Consulting Engineering industry. The content analysis of the primary and secondary research resulted in the identification of six key threats in the macro environment and five main opportunities for the company to increase its current work. The key threats identified are the lack of engineering skills, the lack of skills in the client organisations, inexperienced firms in the market, tendering processes and slow payment from clients. With further unpacking of these issues, it was found that many of the issues are as a result of the lack of skills in client organisations. The opportunities identified include agricultural development for historically disadvantaged individuals, the relatively low value of the Rand making the company's services cheaper for internationally funded projects, increased infrastructure budgets as a result of the 2010 Soccer WorId Cup, agricultural development in Africa and an increase in floodline determination work. The internal resource analysis identified that that the company is very strong in terms of the quality of its human resources; however, it is under staffed for the current work load. Financially, the company is in a good position and the current environment should continue to yield very good returns in the short to medium term, however, the firm is inflexible in terms of financial commitments. The firms lack of formal marketing systems and their low client and contact bases in Government departments were identified as weaknesses. The company's facilities and processes are good and represent a strength, however there are some procedures such as quality management systems which need to be implemented. It is recommended that the company institute formal marketing procedures and market themselves to prospective clients by means of networking and doing presentations to selected prospective clients in order to inform them of the service that the company has to offer. The company should also do limited advertising in selected specialist magazines which deal with irrigation and the sugar industry. In order to establish themselves as leaders in sugarcane estate development, they should write and present papers at the annual SASTA conferences. To promote the profession, they should do presentations at high school level to encourage high school students to study engineering and at a University level; the company should offer their services to the local University for lecturing certain modules of suitable courses. This can be used as a platform for promoting the profession to the students to encourage them to stick to engineering as a career. To solve the staff shortage problem, the company should recruit two new engineers, one with approximately 3 years relevant experience and another with approximately 5 years relevant experience.
Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.

碩士
國立東華大學
高階經營管理碩士在職專班
95
After the entry into the WTO, Taiwan has had to face a new competitive economic environment as the internationalization of its construction industry continues. While its economy continues to go through a major overhaul, the engineering consulting industry will have to greatly enhance human resource management in order to improve enterprise efficiency and efficacy in an effort to remain competitive. The aim of this research is to examine the relationships among engineer’s job stress, job satisfaction, job involvement, organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. This investigation builds up an organizational citizenship behavior development structural model, using a questionnaire and statistical analysis method. The examination employs the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method to analyze the influence of an engineer’s job stress, job satisfaction, job involvement, and organizational commitment on organizational citizenship behavior. It also uses the personality traits gleaned from the questionnaire to analyze whether or not personality traits can affect organizational citizenship behavior development structural model. The results of this study were as follows: (1) job stress significantly positively affects job satisfaction; (2) job stress does not significantly affect organizational citizenship behavior; (3) job stress significantly negatively affects organizational commitment; (4) job involvement significantly positively affects job satisfaction; (5) job involvement significantly positively affects organizational commitment; (6) job involvement significantly positively affects organizational citizenship behavior; (7) job satisfaction significantly positively affects organizational commitment; (8) job satisfaction does not significantly affect organizational citizenship behavior; (9) organizational commitment significantly positively affects organizational citizenship behavior; (10) the different personality traits of engineers significantly affect the 5 areas of the model.

There will always be a need for consulting engineering services in industry. In the engineering consulting fraternity, employees are the key valuable assets and this study addresses how the professional employees’ skills can be managed and structured in such a manner that they contribute efficiently to the daily operation of the consulting engineering firms. The core business of the consulting engineering firms is to sell or offer engineering or technical solutions to their clients and this can be successfully recognised by integrating the firm’s different engineering disciplines into projects teams that are able to implement specific projects allocated to them. Leaders in these teams are expected to have proficiency to identify individuals’ skills and talents that can be incorporated into a specific project team. At a strategic level, firms’ mangers should consider developing skills development plans that takes into consideration a combination of academic training, professional training and practical employee training. As soon as a skills development plan is in place, it is easier for it to be implemented at the operational level under the supervision of team leaders who are responsible for the continuing professional development of individual team members. The aim of this study was to determine the various business and technological strategies applied by consulting engineering firms while tendering and competing for project work in the country. The consulting engineering industry is highly competitive; managers of these firms must be properly equipped with both technical and management skills in order that they may survive in this industry. A probability sample of 44 engineering consultants was drawn from consulting engineers in two areas of South Africa, namely, North West Province and Eastern Cape Province, which have a total of 140 consultants. 22% of the respondents offered electrical engineering services, followed by the civil engineering services that form 16.7% of the respondents. The structural and mechanical engineering followed at 13.9% and 11.1% respectively. Chemical engineering and architecture were both at 5.6%. Some of the findings of this study were that managers of the consulting engineering firms must be equipped with communication competencies as well as emotional intelligence and self-management competencies, because, although consultants are highly technically skilled, they lack business and human skills. Part of the recommendations are that there is a need for the consulting engineering firm to upload a succinct synopsis of their services on their company websites, which will help promote the value of their services to their clients.
Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

碩士
朝陽科技大學
工業工程與管理系
103
This study aims to explore the relationship among psychological contract, job satisfaction, and turnover intention of dispatched consulting engineers. Questionnaire survey is performed to collect data. The subjects are the dispatched professional employees of the engineering consulting companies who are assigned to execute the construction project for a steel plant. 125 questionnaires were randomly distributed and 120 were collected where 110 (with 92%) were valid. The methodology of this research includes the factor analysis, multi-variable analysis of variance (MANOVA), Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results from this study are as follows. 1.The questionnaires for measuring psychological contract, job satisfaction and turnover possess good validity and reliability. 2.For dispatched consulting engineers with different background do have significant difference in psychological contract, job satisfaction, and turnover intention. 3.For dispatched consulting engineers, there exist significant correlation among psychological contract, job satisfaction, and turnover intention. 4.For dispatched consulting engineers, turnover intention can be significantly predicted by psychological contract and job satisfaction variables.

by Kee Wing Man Denise.
Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves [52-53]).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT --- p.2
ABSTRACT --- p.3
TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.4
Chapter
Chapter 1. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.5
Chapter 2. --- THE ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY BUSINESS --- p.9
Chapter 3. --- THE INTERVIEWS --- p.13
Chapter 4. --- ANALYSIS OF MARKETING STRATEGIES --- p.29
Chapter 5. --- RELATIONSHIP MARKETING --- p.26
Chapter 6. --- CONCLUSION --- p.33
APPENDICES
BIBLIOGRAPHY

A project report submitted to the Faculty of Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Engineering
The rapid advances in technology and the greater complexity of projects generate an ever-changing environment within which the civil engineering consulting firms have to survive and grow. This changing environment increases the necessity both for greater specialisation_ (differentiation) and for. tighter co-ordination (integration). Abbreviation abstract)
Andrew Chakane 2019

M.Phil.
Three test and certification bodies in the explosion prevention field currently exist in South Africa. One of these bodies was started in 2003 and faced a significant number of challenges in competition with the two other wellestablished bodies / institutions. This dissertation covers some of the internal and external challenges especially with respect to strategic marketing in a small and specialized industrial market, but also in the global market. The dissertation is based on the basic requirements, analysis and implementation of a marketing strategy and marketing plan, covering both the theoretical aspects and the specific challenges as experienced by the body in the case study. Market research, market segmentation, industry analysis, competitive analysis, aspects of industrial marketing and SWOT Analysis are topics included in the development of the strategic and marketing plan for the business in the case study.

Transformation of the Construction Sector is part of a wider transformation of the social and economic environment of South Africa. Publication of the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2003, Act Number 53 of 2003 (BBBEE) in January 2004, initiated the next phase in transformation (SAACE, 2004b, p1), which required the development and publication of sector specific Transformation Charters.
Thesis (M.B.A.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.

Єршова В. Г. Перспективні тенденції формування та керування процесами розвитку інжинірингової діяльності та консалтингу в будівництві : кваліфікаційна робота магістра спеціальності 192 "Будівництво та цивільна інженерія" / наук. керівник М. О. Полтавець. Запоріжжя : ЗНУ, 2020. 95 с.
UA : Проаналізовані теоретичні основи та категорійно-понятійний аспект інжинірингу та консалтингу в будівництві, розглянуто іноземний досвід інжинірингової діяльності та роль України на ринку інжинірингових послуг. Створена функціональна модель та досліджена взаємодія учасників інжинірингової діяльності будівельного продукту. Визначено вплив інновацій на конкурентоспроможність інжинірингових підприємств. Сформовано та обґрунтовано вибір конкурентоспроможності інжинірингової інновації в будівництві.
EN : The theoretical foundations and the category-conceptual aspect of engineering and consulting in construction are analyzed, foreign experience in engineering activities and the role of Ukraine in the market of engineering services are considered. A functional model has been created and the interaction of participants in the engineering activity of a construction product has been investigated. The influence of innovations on the competitiveness of engineering enterprises is determined. The choice of the competitiveness of engineering innovations in construction has been formed and substantiated.

碩士
銘傳大學
管理研究所碩士在職專班
98
According to the National Economic Planning and Development Committee’s report published in 2009, output accounted for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in service sector of Taiwan was 73.2 percent. The overall service sector employment in total employment is accounted for 58 percent of the population and the engineering consultancy services mainly provide on "business to business (B2B)" or "Business to Government (B2G)" service. Therefore, the engineering consultanting business are highly related with industry material supply such as sand, cement, electrical, machinery, iron and steel and other building materials and also lead to overall economic development in the country. Previous studis on engineering consulting business mainly focus on operation models. This research is to discuss through engineer’s money attitute, view of work values and professional commitment on the impact of job performance. The auther wishes to provide the guildlines for engineering consulting business in building strategy on human resources to maintain competitive advantage. In this study, the engineers Engineering Consulting Services for the survey, a total of 350 questionnaires were distributed with retun of 300 questionnaires and among of them, total 286 questionnaires were used for analysis. The statistical software, SPSS, was applied for doing the statistical analysis. The results show the followng conclusions: (1) engineers’ money attitude and professional commitment are related; (2) engineers’ work value and professional commitment are related; (3) professional commitment and working performance are also highly related; (4) job satisfaction has some influence on professional commitment and working performance; and (5) professional commitment does have a mediating effect to the money attitute, working value and working performance. Based on the above findings, this study makes the following specific recommendations: (1) The company should establish competitive salary management system; (2) To establish engineering community with focus on the intrinsic value is necessary; (3) The company should create self-achieved working environment; (4) The company should strengthen job satisfaction in order to enhance the professional commitment and working performance.