The course topical material, individual and team papers and oral presentations are collectively designed to help MSEP degree-seeking students and practicing industrial engineers formulate innovative ideas and enhance personal skills required for the successful completion of their M.S. thesis internships or optional project courses. A secondary but very important objective is to help students become accustomed to writing scholarly papers or op-ed pieces for publication which can also be used as effective instruments for improving the competitive position of U.S manufacturing industry. Specifically, the didactic course material is designed to provide students with an introduction to factual information considered necessary to help them challenge the status quo and make at least one significant change to improve the global competitiveness of their sponsoring manufacturing companies. The team paper and oral report are designed to enhance writing and group activity skills considered critical for planning and completing successful continuous improvement projects in their companies. The team paper must conform to thesis formatting rules to help students learn how to prepare theses that are acceptable for required publication in the School of Engineering library, or elsewhere.
Schedule is approximate and subject to change due to seasonal imponderables.
However, all topical areas are expected to be covered during the term. Be prepared to discuss in class highlights from assigned readings. Students are also expected to supplement their assigned readings with additional reading from the current literature to support preparation of their written reports.