Abstract
This thesis investigates the integration of Project Management (PM) and Systems Engineering (SE) principles in student-led aerospace projects, using Khalifa University’s Design Build Fly (DBF) competition as a focused case study. While PM and SE skills are widely recognized as crucial for running large-scale aerospace programs, few researchers explored how these professional methods are effective in academic contexts where resources, timelines, and training are different than industrial settings. A mixed-method approach was adopted to investigate this matter: Semi-structured interviews with DBF team members provided qualitative insights into their experiences with PM/SE, and a survey of engineering students and graduates generated broader quantitative data on PM tool usage and perceptions.The findings reveal that although students acknowledge the value of PM/SE, the students indicated that limited instruction and constrained academic schedules prevent consistent application of these principles. To address these challenges, this thesis presents the SPADE (Systems engineering and Project management for Aircraft Design Education) framework, which builds on a proven educational approach designed for student-led CubeSat projects. These frameworks streamline professional PM/SE practices and tailor them for undergraduate engineering projects. By highlighting the obstacles encountered by students and proposing a practical framework, this thesis bridges the gap between theoretical PM/SE knowledge and hands-on educational experiences, ultimately fostering industry-ready aerospace engineering graduates.
| Date of Award | 5 May 2025 |
|---|---|
| Original language | American English |
| Supervisor | Malik Mansoor Ali Khalfan (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- Project Management
- Systems Engineering
- Aircraft Design
- Student-Led Projects
- Aerospace Engineering.