Critical Thinking in Engineering Projects Engineering

In today’s increasingly complex and challenging industrial landscape, critical thinking skills are essential for engineering students. Particularly in the Bachelor of Engineering Management program at Telkom University, critical thinking is not just an additional skill but a fundamental element that enables students to execute engineering projects both effectively and efficiently. By applying critical thinking, students are able to thoroughly analyze problems, make data-driven decisions, and develop innovative solutions tailored to industry demands.

The Importance of Critical Thinking in Bachelor of Engineering Management
The Bachelor of Engineering Management program at Telkom University combines technical and managerial knowledge, preparing graduates to tackle industrial challenges with a comprehensive approach. Critical thinking supports students in:

• Precisely and systematically identifying problems
• Analyzing data and available facts
• Comparing different solution alternatives
• Evaluating the impact of each decision in depth
• Linking technical aspects to the company’s business goals

This skill is crucial in engineering projects, where students often face complex scenarios that require more than simple fixes.

✨ Also read the following article: Decision Support System (DSS) in Engineering Management

Incorporation of Critical Thinking in Curriculum and Projects
Critical thinking is nurtured through various courses and learning approaches in the Bachelor of Engineering Management curriculum at Telkom University, such as:

Courses Focused on Critical Thinking

• Production System Design
  Teaching students to analyze existing production systems and design more efficient ones.
• Engineering Project Management
  Group projects that demand planning, risk management, and timely decision-making skills.
• Industrial System Simulation
  Using simulations to understand how different variables affect production results.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Approach
PBL is used to enhance critical thinking through stages including:

• Identifying problems from real case studies
• Developing hypotheses and tentative solutions
• Collecting and analyzing field data
• Designing and testing solutions
• Evaluating outcomes and making continuous improvements

Critical Thinking Steps in Engineering Projects
While executing engineering projects, Bachelor of Engineering Management students follow critical thinking stages:

1. Problem Identification
   Collecting data to uncover the actual problem.
2. Data Analysis
   Reviewing data and identifying root causes.
3. Solution Evaluation
   Comparing alternatives based on technical, cost, and time criteria.
4. Decision Making
   Selecting the best solution and planning its implementation.
5. Reflection and Improvement
   Monitoring results and refining solutions as necessary.

Case Study: Optimizing Production Processes with Lean Manufacturing
A practical example of critical thinking in action is optimizing production using Lean Manufacturing. Students at Telkom University perform:

• Mapping production processes with Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
• Identifying wastes such as waiting time, overproduction, and inefficient motions
• Conducting root cause analysis of key issues
• Designing and testing solutions like Kanban systems and improved factory layouts
• Simulating results with software such as Arena Simulation

Supporting Skills to Foster Critical Thinking
Alongside critical thinking, students develop supporting skills including:

• Effective technical communication
• Leadership in project teams
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Professional ethics in decision-making

Challenges in Developing Critical Thinking
Students may face obstacles such as:

• Limited practical experience
• Complexity in data analysis
• Overreliance on intuition without adequate data

To overcome these challenges, the Bachelor of Engineering Management program at Telkom University provides mentoring, software training, and industry collaborations.

Critical thinking is a vital competency that underpins engineering project success in the Bachelor of Engineering Management program at Telkom University. With this skill, students not only solve technical problems but also make strategic decisions with wide-reaching organizational impact. The integration of critical thinking with technical and managerial expertise equips graduates to meet the dynamic demands of the industrial world.

🚀 Start your engineering career journey full of innovation and precise solutions by joining the Bachelor of Engineering Management program at Telkom University today!

Tags: Bachelor of Engineering Management | Engineering Management | Bachelor of Engineering Management Telkom University

Reference:

• Mulyani, A. Y. (2022). Pengembangan Critical Thinking Dalam Peningkatan Mutu Pendidikan di Indonesia. DIAJAR: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran, 1(1), 100-105.