1.

Course objectives:
a. Apply the appropriate engineering economics analysis method(s) for
problem solving: present worth, annual cost, rate-of-return, payback, break-
even, benefit-cost ratio
b. Evaluate the cost effectiveness of individual engineering projects using the
methods learned and draw inferences for the investment decisions.
c. Compare the life cycle cost of multiple projects using the methods learned,
and make a quantitative decision between alternate facilities and/or systems.
d. Compute the depreciation of an asset using standard depreciation
techniques to assess its impact on present.
1. Textbooks and references:
Textbooks:
Engineering Economy, 15th edition, W.G. Sullivan, E.M. Wicks, C.P. Koelling, Prentice Hall, 2012.
 Assessment component Assessment form (A.x.x) Percentage %
(1) (2) (3)

A1. Process assessment A1.1Quiz 25%

A1.2 Homework 25%

A1.3 Project 50%

A2. Midterm assessment A2.1 Mid-term Exam 30%

A3. Final assessment A3.1 Final exam 40%

Engineering Economy

Chapter 1: Introduction to
Engineering Economy
 Engineering economy…
involves the systematic evaluation of the economic merits of
proposed solutions to engineering problems.

To be economically acceptable , solutions to engineering

problems must demonstrate a positive balance of long-term
benefits over long-term costs
 Solutions to engineering
problems must
• promote the well-being and survival of an organization,
• embody creative and innovative technology and ideas,
• permit identification and scrutiny of their estimated
outcomes, and
• translate profitability to the “bottom line” through a valid
and acceptable measure of merit.
 Engineering economic analysis can
play a role in many types of situations.
• Choosing the best design for a high-efficiency gas
furnace.
• Selecting the most suitable robot for a welding
operation on an automotive assembly line.
• Making a recommendation about whether jet
airplanes for an overnight delivery service should
be purchased or leased.
• Determining the optimal staffing plan for a
computer help desk.
There are seven fundamental principles
of engineering economy.
• Develop the alternatives
• Focus on the differences
• Use a consistent viewpoint
• Use a common unit of measure
• Consider all relevant criteria
• Make uncertainty explicit
• Revisit your decisions
 Engineering economic analysis
procedure
• Problem definition
• Development of alternatives
• Development of prospective outcomes
• Selection of a decision criterion
• Analysis and comparison of alternatives.
• Selection of the preferred alternative.
• Performance monitoring and postevaluation
of results.
 Electronic spreadsheets are a
powerful addition to the analysis
arsenal.
• Most engineering economy problems can be
formulated and solved using a spreadsheet.
• Large problems can be quickly solved.
• Proper formulation allows key parameters
to be changed.
• Graphical output is easily generated.