ISU PhD Tech Management

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by BoogieRambler, Dec 25, 2003.

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  1. BoogieRambler

    BoogieRambler Member

    I'm interested in the PHD in Technology Management offered by Indiana State University. The program is looked upon favorably in this community, however I'd like to hear from actual present-day or past PhD candidates regarding the program.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 25, 2003
  2. Han

    Han New Member

    I considered this program, it looked to be very interesting. The only reason I did not is that the Tehcnology department does not hold the AACSB accreditation, while the business department does. If that does not matter to you, great, but know that going in.
     
  3. chris

    chris New Member

    Excellent Program....

    if a little pricey. Also, it did require some residency and I couldn't commit to that. Neither was it appropriate for my career goals. AACSB certification isn't a big deal for technology departments. For those unaware, there are two sides to Information Technology, the technology side and the business side. That is why you have Chief Technology Officers (CTO) and Chief Information Officers (CIO). Within the technology side of the house you have computer engineering/information systems and automated technology such as manufacturing systems and automated communications. ABET would accredit a computer engineering/technology department. For a manufacturing technology department such as ISU, NAIT (which ISU has) would be more appropriate accreditation. If the manufacturing technology side is what you are seeking the ISU program is perfect. However, if you are looking more for Computer science or management it is not the right program for you.
     
  4. Scott Henley

    Scott Henley New Member

    I don't think the PhD in Technology Management is a "business program" per se and is intended for engineers, technologists and scientists. There is quite a difference between "business" and "management" in many cases.

    For reference purposes, most MBA and DBA programs have little "management" content, whilst having a lot of "business" content. These new "technology management" and "management of technology" programs are generally meant to address this deficiency in the more engineering-focused industies and schools.

    The PhD Technology Management is not a business degree, however, it is a management degree. Don't take business and management as synonymous and judge accordingly.
     
  5. Han

    Han New Member

    Yes, exactly. But when it was sold to me, it was sold as a business degree, once that I could teach (AACSB), which is not the case for either one, so just know what you are getting into.
     
  6. Ike

    Ike New Member

    It is a technology degree.

    The ISU program will lead to a technology degree. You can teach technology/engineering courses with a PhD in Technology Managament.

    Ike Okonkwo, PhD.
     
  7. Han

    Han New Member

    Re: It is a technology degree.

    You think so? I thought it was more of a MIS type degree. Not a technical degree, where someone would teach hard science engineering courses, but how to manage a technical workforce.
     
  8. Ike

    Ike New Member

    Re: Re: It is a technology degree.

    Yes. With an engineering bachelor's degree, an engineering master's degree, and a technology management PhD, one can teach numerous engineering/technology courses. MIS and IS degrees are usually offered either as a business degree or a computing science (information technology) degree.

    Ike Okonkwo, PhD
     
  9. Han

    Han New Member

    Re: Re: Re: It is a technology degree.

    That is true, but if you had a business undergrad, and an MIS degree, you probably couldn't teach engineering or techie type classes.
     
  10. wfready

    wfready New Member

    Kristie,

    I think the Phd in Tech Management may be a little more technically orientated than other technology management degrees at other schools (seems like there is more "technology" covered in the curriculum). I was always under the impression it was a path to follow after completing the MS Electronics and Computer Technology degree from Indiana State (which looks rather interesting. has any one consider this degree?). I don't see the MIS influence you mention. The closest I see to that is in the digital communication specialization which is more of a study of the "technology" behind digital communication rather than the administration of it. What do you think?

    Bill
     
  11. Mike Albrecht

    Mike Albrecht New Member

  12. J. Ayers

    J. Ayers New Member

    Good afternoon!

    Previously posted information can be seen in the thread at http://forums.degreeinfo.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2152 or by using the search function. If you would like additional feedback, feel free to post or send me a PM using this discussion forum.

    Good luck in your search!
     
  13. Scott Henley

    Scott Henley New Member

    The ISU PhD in Technology Management has 5 technical specializations:

    Construction Management
    Digital Communications Systems
    HRD & Industrial Training
    Manufacturing Systems
    Quality Systems

    This program could easily have been called a PhD in Industrial Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering or Computer Engineering, or Engineering Management, etc...

    However, because it is a distance education program, ISU probably chose to give it a less controversial name and tagged it "technology management".

    I have an engineering background and I know that "technology management" is a sub-discipline of "management sciences" which is a sub-discipline of "industrial engineering".

    I see no reason why ISU's PhD in Technology Management would not allow someone to teach in any management or engineering faculty, regardless of AACSB accreditation. AACSB really wouldn't apply to this program since it is NOT a business-oriented degree and doesn't claim to be.

    I hold an MEng degree in Management Sciences (Management of Technology). Although I studied fundamental senior business courses in my program, it focused more on management. I would say I have much better "management" knowledge than an MBA-holder, but less "business" know-how (isn't that what the accountants are for... ;-))

    P.S. As a side note, "technology" is not synonymous with "computer" or "IT". Technology is the application of engineering and scientific principles and applies to gearboxes and cement as much as microchips and software.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 27, 2003
  14. Laser100

    Laser100 New Member

    Distance Education

    I'm in the ISU BSET program. I have found it is an excellent way to conduct an education when your job requires travel. It is a practical and valuable program that will bring recognition to a resume because it is a State sponsored school.
     
  15. Han

    Han New Member

    I think it is a good mix of the two.
     
  16. Han

    Han New Member

    So if you wanted to teach at a school that does not have a "technology" department, which many do not, what option would you have?
     
  17. Ike

    Ike New Member

    It is also important to note that with a business degree (AACSB-accredited or not), you may not be eligible to teach any course in a technology/engineering or a computer science department.

    Ike
     
  18. codekiller

    codekiller New Member

    hello,

    I was reading the conversation that has been going on here and I am currently having a similar problem trying to decide where to get my masters degree from. I have heard the arguements about mis degree ms itm and technical manage ment. I see that alot of the technical management degrees are taught in the bussiness department ,but from what you have been saying unless a school has a technical department they wont let you teach with it even if it is accredited? so a technical mangement degree is more of an engineering degre than a bussiness degree? Does this depend on the focus the school takes toward the degree or is this something that is always true? how do you differentiate between a mis degree a technology management degree? is there a difference in curriculum or just a difference in name only?
     
  19. Han

    Han New Member

    OK, here is what I am saying - again just one opinion.

    I think that if you have a technology degree, you can teach in teechnology programs. engineering, the same, and business the same. If you earn a technology degree and want to teach in a business department, I think you are out of luck.

    I think it would work both ways, as Ike pointed out.

    Another note, is that applying to teach is not only the degree, but research, publishing, etc.

    But when this conversation started, I looked at ISU's program, and took the info to the dean at our state school - he said I could not apply if I received a degree here. My only caution is to make sure oyu are earaning a degree in the department you want to be in.
     
  20. BoogieRambler

    BoogieRambler Member

    Follow Up To My Original Question

    Guys,

    ULL's ITECH (Industrial Technology) program is accredited every two years by the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT). Our department head, Dr. Thomas Davies, recommended that I investigate ISU's Tech Management PhD program "...in the event that you should be interested in joining our faculty somewhere down the line." In fact, according to Dr. Davies, "We don't presently have any PhDs with technology management doctorates. That would be a welcome addition."

    Although ULL's ITECH program is one of six department within our College of Engineering, ITECH is NOT an engineering discipline. A visit to www.nait.org gives a great introduction to industrial technology.

    So, I'm not sure how the Tech Management PhD would be treated as a prospective faculty member to a college of business, but a PhD in Tech Management might serve a graduate of an industrial technology or industrial distribution program well.
     

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