Analysis of the Scope of Scientific Research of Academics at the Faculty of Engineering Management: A Case Study
Purpose: To understand how they acquired the high and medium level of the competencies the research on the academic teachers was conducted. The goal of the research was to find out whether the scope and field of research of the FEM academics is correspondent with competencies of the future and fully and synergistically supports development of competencies of students. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology of the research included surveys and analysis of the results with VOSviewer software. Findings: The scientific profile of the FEM covers the aspects of human factor, safety, logistics and entrepreneurship which is consistent with the structure of the Faculty and courses provided for students. The research topics are overlapping and integrating between the Institutes which proves that the cooperation and internal integration at the Faculty is at the high level and has strong potential, equipping students with full and coherent knowledge. The research topics respond to the needs of business environment, which is also proven by strong cooperation between the Faculty and companies in Wielkopolska (both large companies, representing automotive industry, SMEs and start-ups). They are also correspondent to contemporary trends in scientific methods (i.e., simulation, grey methods), approaches (i.e., sustainability, responsibility, maturity), and solutions (i.e., agile organization, Industry 4.0). Practical Implications: The research results show that the competencies of the students are shaped by the academic teachers representing wide range of scientific knowledge and contemporary topics of research, thus supporting acquiring competences of the future. Originality/Value: The research conducted is valuable from internal perspective, helping the society of the Faculty understand better what is the scope and profile of research conducted, what are the opportunities of fruitful and innovative scientific cooperation, and what are the areas still not covered. It supported development of the FEM strategy and definition of future research fields, even more responding to the social, economic, and technical challenges of contemporary world. Considering the external perspective, the research helped to define and communicate the profile of the Faculty, showing its specificity and strengths, together with potential offer for companies and other universities to support cooperation with both academia and business.