Conceptualization of a T‐Shaped engineering competency model in collaborative organizational settings: Problem and status in the Spanish aircraft industry

Abstract

There are persistent factors associated with ineffective systems engineering practice inherent in interdisciplinary teams. In this context, technical silos seem to be prevalent. The concept of team-based competencies emerges as a paradigm to facilitate effective collaborative interactions between technical specialists during a system's development. In particular, the T-Shaped competency model, while addressing the individual member, embodies the paradigm of complementing competencies of team members. In this way, specialty engineers could see their profiles complemented with a relevant self-awareness of the potential systemic impact of their particular tasks.Literature suggests that such self-awareness could improve their capacities to cross disciplinary borders, to move easily between the detailed level and the bigger picture of the system, and to interact better with other branches of engineering. Hence, the T-Shaped competency model holds promise in improving the effectiveness of systems engineering team. This paper provides two main contributions. The first contribution is an articulation of the problem related to team competencies in engineering problems based on existing literature. The second contribution is an assessment of the status of the problem in a representative actual industrial setting in Spain. The assessment is performed through an empirical qualitative study conducted with practicing engineers in the context of the modern aerospace enterprise in Spain. The results of the assessment show strong agreement with the core principles and ideas outlined in existing literature, and delineate additional issues not previously identified.

The Need for Systems Awareness to Support Early-Phase Decision-Making—A Study from the Norwegian Energy Industry

“…The challenge of technical silos hindering effective systems engineering is often prevalent in interdisciplinary teams [43]. McLachlan [44] claims that silos are one of the obstacles to knowledge transfer in the oil and gas industry and manifest in the inability to deliver value.…”

“…To reduce the bias in our research and increase the results' validity, we used triangulation. Triangulation refers to using more than one method to collect data on the same topic to test validity [43]. We collected our data through interviews, surveys, observations, and document reviews.…”

Application of T‐shaped engineering skills in complex multidisciplinary projects

“…T-shaped engineering profile skills can help to confront this divide. Delicado et al suggest the use of T-shaped engineering profile skills in order to close the gap between systems engineers and technical experts (Delicado et al, 2018). With this in mind, we expand on the T-shaped engineering profile by using the proficiency model on boundary crossing capabilities presented by Pyster et al (Pyster et al, 2018, p. 73).…”

“…The model explains how technical experts complement their area of expertise with boundary crossing capabilities to address the challenges of complex multidisciplinary projects. Existing research focuses on developing frameworks and models for specific organizations and specific areas of the industrial sector (Delicado et al, 2018). However, there is a lack of studies on how a company can bridge the gap between a project team's technical skills and the development of a complete system.…”

Enhancing Employability Through Developing T‐Shaped Professionals

“…They embrace lifelong learning, collaboration, wicked problems, empathy, nimble analysis, and adaptive leadership. TSPs are discussed across disciplines such as accounting (Tuck, ), digital professions (Demirkan & Spohrer, ), engineering (Boehm & Mobasser, ; Delicado, Salado, & Mompó, ; Tranquillo, ), higher education (Saviano, Polese, Caputo, & Walletzký, ), hydrology (Sanchez, Ruddell, Schiesser, & Merwade, ), law (Smathers, ), and service (Barile, Saviano, & Simone, ).…”