In our world of constant change and continuous innovation, a structured degree programme, such as the Honours in Engineering and Technology Management (ETM), is a strong foundation for navigating this uncertainty. The program dives deep into the fundamentals of ETM, allowing students to engage with knowledgeable academic staff while learning about the history and current state of the art in ETM practices. I thoroughly enjoyed my postgraduate studies, which encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving, encouraging the careful deconstruction of conventional ideas that constrain creative thinking within an ETM context. The flexibility of GSTM's course offerings, particularly the ability to pursue an Honours degree remotely and fully online, made balancing full-time work with studying highly achievable. The program's deeply relevant and engaging content was delivered by passionate lecturers who consistently went the extra mile to support and enrich our learning experience; our lecturers were truly exceptional. As an engineer, the knowledge and skills I gained have provided an excellent foundation for thinking more critically about ETM processes. This thorough grounding in key concepts has boosted my confidence in applying these techniques within my organisation, enabling me to identify avenues for competitive advantage and drive improvements in our operations.

-Danielle Badenhorst

I would recommend the master’s in engineering management (MEM), presented by UP’s GSTM to prospective students looking to consolidate their practical experience with a sound theoretical foundation. The programme offers a well-structured combination of course material covering elements like financial management, strategic management, production management, asset management, systems engineering, systems thinking and risk management, which provides a deeper understanding of integration and holistic thinking to support business decisions. Presented by experienced lecturers and guest speakers who are industry specialists in their fields, this acquired knowledge can improve performance in roles such as production management and asset management and in project leadership roles such as project management and project engineering management.

-Denver Moodley

"I've been told many times during my career that strong engineers are not always strong managers and leaders. As a step in my personal development and to ensure I do not become one of those people, I reviewed many post-graduate degree options, and the Master’s in Engineering Management (MEM) at the University of Pretoria stood out to me. I felt it had a good balance between technical and management modules and it would allow me to eventually have all the skills and techniques to be a sound engineer and leader. During this MEM degree, I felt it assisted me to grow not only in my career but personally. There were many engineering technical lessons to be learned through modules like Systems Engineering and Engineering Asset Management and Maintenance, however, the deeper lesson was learning how to work with people of different ages, races, genders, and career fields. Often, engineers are extremely technical, and we lack the emotional intelligence and prowess to give us that edge as leaders. This degree really broadened my perspective on engineering, leadership, and work life, as well as allowing me to see the bigger picture when it comes to company strategies, tough financial decisions and the push for operation and production outputs. I am eternally grateful that I went through this journey."

-Leantha Pillay-Rajaruthnam

“Over the years, I developed a significant interest in project management and chose to pursue a Masters in Project Management with GSTM. I have to admit that this was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Not only did I learn how to manage projects properly, but I also improved several skills that I possessed but was unaware of. I've improved my leadership, problem-solving, and motivational skills. Furthermore, the research I conducted for my MPM provided me with valuable insights into various project management methodologies and the issues they face when dealing with project complexity, as well as how systems thinking may assist in handling these challenges. I am now better positioned to handle projects with increased level of complexity. “

-Johny Nzimeni

The Master's program in Technology and Innovation Management provided me with knowledge and practical skills to prepare students for leadership roles in the management of technology-driven enterprises. The program also offered me the opportunity to build upon my previous degree in Engineering by developing my understanding of various core subjects such as Technology strategy, Engineering economics, Knowledge & information systems, Product development, and Innovation to mention but a few. Overall, the program equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to drive innovation, manage technology-based projects, and lead organizations in today's dynamic business environment.

-Daniel Otuokwu

Onboarding the MEM programme while relocating, becoming a dad for the second time, and having a 3-year-old in the house has been nothing short of challenging. However, this course has taught me more than just the module's content. It enforces self-discipline, time management, and the ability to achieve beyond what you think you can. It has brought a new level of understanding to the importance of interdisciplinary thinking and the value-add that managing engineering through different lenses can bring (e.g. project risk, financial management, operational constraints, strategic and systems thinking, etc.). It has unlocked a new level of career management opportunities for me, and although challenging, definitely worthwhile.

-Francois Smal

"The MTIM programme provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between technology and management in the mining industry. Through hands-on projects and engaging coursework, I gained invaluable skills to drive innovation and efficiency in mining operations. The supportive faculty and collaborative environment set the stage for my success in this dynamic field. Moreover, the programme's emphasis on real-world applications allowed me to seamlessly integrate theory into practice, preparing me to tackle the mining industry's challenges with confidence and expertise."

-Imraan Khan

My experience with the GSTM has been highly valuable to my personal development and career advancement. The Technology and Innovation Management (MTIM) program provides specialized skills and in-depth knowledge associated with leading and managing an innovative and dynamic technology-driven organization. The MTIM program ties together emerging technology management, strategic planning, and innovation management in alignment with an organization's objectives and goals. Within the relatively small but diverse groups, contact sessions often resulted in robust conversations that challenged our thinking and stimulated peer learning. This degree supported me as a technology roadmap engineer and rekindled a mindset of continuous learning.”

-Karabo Diole

“The GSTM's Programme in Technology and Innovation Management deepened my understanding of managing and integrating complex technologies in mining, a passion I've pursued since my career as a Mining Engineer. It reinforced my drive to lead innovation that's not just about profit but also about making a positive impact. This program taught me how vital technology is in shaping a responsible and forward-thinking business landscape. Now, equipped with the latest tools and strategic insights from the GSTM, I'm more ready than ever to use technology for the greater good in my industry.”

-Matete Shoroma

“I have had a great experience with the GSTM through my honours degree and currently in my masters in technology and innovation management degree. The networks built, and knowledge transfer from both students and lecturers have been invaluable. This degree has equipped me with multiple skills to better engage and manage in my role as a Metallurgical Engineer.” 

-Tsireledzo Maliehe 

"The MTIM program offered by GSTM has been instrumental in enhancing my understanding of technology and innovation management.  It has significantly improved my ability to develop and align technology roadmaps with organizational strategy and construct and manage resulting project portfolios.  The insights from distinguished local and international practitioners through seminars and guest lectures have reinforced these learnings, proving invaluable in practical application.”

-Brutus Matshubeni

“The past few months with GSTM have been both exhilarating and empowering with the knowledge I have gathered over the first few months. I have seen the applicability of the contents within my work tremendously, and it has given me a different perspective on what innovation looks like and where it can be applied. The projects I have been given to work on recently required a paradigm to shift my thinking and elevated my perspective about how I see the implementation of cost-saving and throughput-enabling initiatives. And the MTIM programme provided me with just that, a new perspective.”

-Madiela Daniel Ngobeni

The greatest problem many countries face is the ability to adapt to change, understanding the importance of change and overcoming the impact that change has on everyday life. Management is so much more than simply learning a few principles and applying them. Understanding the human variable, managing uncertainty and providing educated decisions to a seemingly impossible task is what makes the GSTM program at TUKS stand out from the rest. My time spent at the Graduate School of Technology Management (GSTM) at the University of Pretoria was more than just attending classes and learning strong management techniques; but forging lifelong relationships, engaging with diverse experienced specialists, and being a part of professionals that are eager and willing to shape the management industry towards a brighter future. The Master’s degree in Engineering Project Management was well structured, concise, brilliantly organised, with lecturers constantly challenging learners to adapt, change and find new and improved techniques to managing risk and uncertainty. I am certain that the experience and knowledge I have gained through the program will cement a strong foundation toward a future filled with growth and prosperity.

-Matthew Funnell

The Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Engineering and Technology Management is ideal for a young working engineering professional. This course can be done completely part time while maintaining your career. This course is great for engineers looking to steer their careers into project management. By undertaking this post-graduate degree I gained more insight into management and entrepreneurship. I would recommend this course to any individual looking to enrich their career and give themselves a boost in the industry.

-Emerald Jordaan

After being promoted to manage a 15-person offshore team at work, I soon realised there was a gap in my management abilities. My undergraduate education in Computer Engineering from the University of Pretoria had helped me in establishing myself as one of the high performing specialists in my department at my organization. With the challenge of management now on the horizon, I decided to once again turn to the institution that had established my technological capabilities. Enrolling for the course in Engineering and Technology Management helped bridge knowledge gaps in project and resource management, as well as provide me with an in-depth understanding of the total lifecycle of management in the engineering and technology space. I encourage anyone looking to supplement their engineering or technology background with management skills to definitely enrol for ETM.

-Malose Lucas Phaswana

I’ve entered the field of project management early in my career and started with the postgraduate degree with little experience. The coursework was eye-opening and exposed me to various fields and disciplines I would only have had the opportunity to witness much further down in my career. The industry techniques and thinking processes, delivered by expert lecturers, motivated me to improve my working environment. I believe the field of knowledge management is vital for project managers, and the research for the mini dissertation allowed me to understand the field better.

-Christoff Muller

The MPM is a brilliant programme for the modern project manager. It has set the foundation for the knowledge required in managing projects. It was not until after I started with the programme, that I started noticing the shortcomings of how our organisation runs its projects and to my surprise, the huge difference from recommended practices. The course offers a balanced mix of theory, group work, case studies and industry scenarios. The programme is helping me tremendously in my career and I would recommend it to anyone who wishes to join the project management profession from any discipline background.

-Titus KN Haihambo

Pursuing a postgraduate degree requires discipline, hard work and perseverance and my experience has been all of this but I didn’t anticipate how much I would enjoy the journey. Being taught by Leading Industry experts, distinguished Engineers and Academics at the forefront of cutting edge studies resulted in lectures that were captivating, assignments that were thought provoking and an education that was beyond world class. My thinking has forever changed thanks to the holistic and well balanced programme that instilled in us a unique approach on how to merge and manage people, processes and technology. This qualification has allowed me to transition smoothly into my new senior management role which entails me leading Process Optimisations for both Manufacturing and Service related processes. Although I am Industrial Engineer by trade, my entrepreneurial spirit has been ignited and I have been inspired to become an Innovator. I have a passion to improve the lives of people and now I am able to think more strategically and approach my philanthropic pursuits in a more structured manner thus making it more realistic and tangible. I found this journey both enriching and rewarding and can guarantee that you will definitely find yourself applying all of the tools and best practices that you learn but more importantly you will enjoy doing it!

-Sanera Maharaj

I took 8 years after finishing an Honors degree in industrial engineering to carefully select a Masters degree that would make the biggest difference in society. During the same time I spent 8 frustrating years in engineering firms as I experienced 3 major management meltdowns between small firms and multinational consultancies. I was very critical of engineers who were promoted on their technical ability to management roles and decided ultimately to pursue a master's degree in engineering management. I believe it was the most rewarding choice and the best value for money. There are a few pervasive management practices that I experienced as an engineer that are completely at odds with the findings of management science. Now that I have completed the master's degree I can recognize and avoid the common pitfalls and management pseudoscience. This degree allowed me to effectively utilise tools that will assist in how any enterprise manages its finances, assets, human resources and information to reach its strategic goals.

-Eduard Horak

I consider myself very lucky to have been enrolled in the MTIM programme presented by the GSTM at UP. I was part of the inaugural class for the MTIM degree, starting in 2018. I thought the degree would be a good way to navigate new opportunities presented by technology advancement, but what I got from it was so much more. Each class opened new doors into interesting, inspiring topics that were thoughtfully presented by the top notch GTSM professors, lecturers and industry guests. I met some truly exceptional people in my classmates and I have learnt so much from each person's unique perspective. Most of my professional experience has been focused on technical aspects of software development and design. The MTIM degree gave me a new perspective on topics that I had not previously considered but that are integral to building a successful technology product or business. In practice, there is often a divide between "business" and "engineering". This course brings these viewpoints together in a very thoughtful and effective way and has opened up new career avenues to me that I had not considered before. If you are thinking of enrolling in this course, don't hesitate. It is now, more than ever, that we must use technology and innovation to address the many challenges we face in our lives, in our country and in the world we live in. Thank you to everyone at the GSTM for this fantastic experience!

-Louise Liddell 

I value my experience with the GSTM very highly. The technology and innovation management programme ties together a number of tools and processes that are particularly well suited to a dynamic technology management environment. Within the relatively small group, contact sessions often resulted in lively debate that challenged our thinking and stimulated peer learning. This degree supported me as a technology manager and rekindled a mindset of continuous learning.

-Francois Theron

The course helped me to be able to see the bigger picture within the organisation, understand how various processes interlink, as well as to be able to manage various project teams in an effective manner.

-Bianca Nel

Following a number of years of hard international professional interaction as a Consulting Engineer, the MEM course was a very refreshing dose of academic and disciplined self enlightment which certainly contributed to my own management capabilities and general conceptualisation of the industry. In today’s very globalised and diversified world, this degree certainly adds to an Engineer’s tools to perform and become internationally recognized when dealing with multifaceted and multicultural projects stretching across the continents. It is a degree that is highly recommended for professionals who want to prepare themselves for a top-notch management career.

-Jose Miranda

The MEM is a well rounded course which deals with all aspects that a modern engineer/manager will have to deal with in the work environment. We are no longer just engineers but have to play financial manager, risk expert and HR practitioner (to name a few) once in a while. I enjoyed the course and it adds value to the work environment.

-Viroshka Sudoi

MEM widened my choices for career development at work, and it opened my thoughts to new ideas. Currently I am actively using most of what I learned in my current position; it especially helped me in my interaction with different people. My professional networks grew a lot during my time of study.

-Christine Pretorius 

The MPM is an excellent program which sets a solid foundation for the modern project manager. It is a hands-on program that applies to all disciplines, such as accounting, HR, IT, Engineering, etc. I would recommend any aspiring project manager to go for this course as it has tremendous benefits.

-Shupikai Chihuri

MEM was the perfect balance of management and engineering combined to give the engineering student a high quality world-class exposure to the field of engineering management. The faculties and professors presenting the various courses had good management experience firmly founded on a background of engineering, and so were able to guide the students on how to be successful the modern engineering-management world. The learning experience was a healthy balance of theory, case studies, group work as well as individual research. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone with an engineering background who wishes to create a world-class career.

-Hemant Grover