Preparing engineering students for the new business paradigm of international teamwork and global orientation

Business is increasingly conducted in a global environment, not only in terms of markets but also design, production and service. It is therefore essential that engineering graduates have an orientation towards this globalization and are prepared to operate effectively within it. One manifestation of this new environment is the increasing need for engineers and others to collaborate internationally on projects, whether they are within the same international organization or in another relationship, such as with sub-contractors or between end customers and suppliers. Also in this context we are increasingly seeing the expression '24-hour engineering' used as business takes advantage of time zones around the world to effect efficient hand-off of a project between international teams. Significant challenges must be overcome as engineers learn to work in the international environment. These challenges include those associated with different cultures and languages as well as the problems associated with what has been termed 'virtual teams', which comprise physically separated individuals or groups that are connected through various communications links and information technology tools. This paper explores how industrial psychology and other literature from the business world can provide insights into the challenges and possible solutions that should be addressed in providing engineering students with an appropriate experience to prepare them for the new international teamwork paradigm. How this information can be used in implementing an effective program for international student project collaboration is also discussed.