Integration of manufacturing system design across curricula Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • To bridge the potential gap between academic training and industry requirements, manufacturing system design concepts were introduced and integrated across various class curricula. This paper addresses such issues as (1) how to find system design projects, (2) how to integrate projects into curricula, and (3) how to design lab assignments which provide integrated knowledge at both equipment and system levels. Four case studies are described. Steps in this approach include obtaining projects, brainstorming, proposal writing, project decomposition and distribution of tasks over different course curricula, designing laboratory exercises, project monitoring, and final presentation. Sources of project candidates include state agencies, conversations with industry advisors, student connections (e.g., work in industry), and ordinary plant visits. Distributing project tasks over different courses makes it possible to link tasks to relevant courses and to speed up project completion. If relevant courses are not available, tasks may also be assigned as senior design projects. It can be challenging to design lectures and laboratory assignments which both teach students knowledge at machine and system levels, and are relevant to the assigned project. A reverse engineering technique has been applied to facilitate this task and the results have been very encouraging. The paper describes how to apply reverse engineering to systematic lectures and labs design in detail. This approach has resulted in successful employment of two students and success in bringing in two industry projects, two research projects from a state agency, and the fabrication of four process simulators which can be used for class instruction. In addition, the latest knowledge in process automation has been gained from purchase of equipment for project usage. Faculty were also trained to apply academic knowledge to practical problem solving; and students not only received financial support, but also developed problem solving skills and learned to work independently. Society of Manufacturing Engineers 1998 All Rights Reserved.

published proceedings

  • Technical Paper - Society of Manufacturing Engineers. AD

author list (cited authors)

  • Hsieh, S. J.

complete list of authors

  • Hsieh, SJ

publication date

  • December 1998