Business In college, the fields of engineering, management, marketing, and manufacturing tend to be taught separately. In the rest of the world, they are supposed to function as one. The goal of the new PrISM program is to give undergraduates a fast course in understanding all the facets of a manufacturing process, to the profit of all. With over half a million dollars worth of support, preliminary work begins this year on the Program in Integrated, Sustainable Manufacturing. In a cross between venture capitalism and Junior Achievement, they will design, manufacture, and market a project of their own choice.
Organizers have several goals in mind.
We also want to expand awareness of environmental and sustainability issues, and how technical and business issues relate in manufacturing. Lastly, PrISM is a response to industry demands that University graduates have better communications, management, and teamwork skills. Nine other universities are launching similar programs with SME grants. As to what product the PrISM students will be making and marketing, that's up to them, McKimpson says. But he has a couple ideas.