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Session 2463

Manufacturing Engineering Technology Capstone Sequence

Mr. Philip Rufe, Dr. Tracy Tillman, Dr. Bob Lahidji

Eastern Michigan University

Abstract

A hallmark of engineering technology education is the "hands on" learning style integrated with close industrial involvement. In following with that excellent tradition, the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program and Manufacturing Technology programs at Eastern Michigan University require a "hands on" capstone course sequence in cooperation with industrial sponsors.

"Hands on" learning and industrial integration are not new concepts. Most people agree that working with industry while in college provides students with a valuable educational experience. As with most things, it is easier said than done. The focus of this paper is not on the benefits of industrial/academic integration but rather how to successfully incorporate industrial involvement in capstone courses.

Background

In 1993, prior to the implementation of engineering technology, the Manufacturing Technology program developed a capstone course sequence consisting of MFG 316 Design for Manufacture and Tooling, MFG 421 Manufacturing Engineering Analysis, and MFG 490 Manufacturing Enterprise Capstone. The sequence of courses emulates the product realization journey of small businesses. The first course in the sequence develops a product concept and the last course in the sequence produces and sells the product. Students in each class form a small business, select job functions, and perform the responsibilities of those respective job functions.

MFG 316 students generate original product concepts. The products developed must contain at least five discrete components. The class votes on the "best" concept and the remainder of the semester is spent developing a prototype, bill of materials, tooling, etc. The MFG 316 class forwards its concept to MFG 421 Manufacturing Engineering Analysis. MFG 421, further develops the product forwarded from the previous MFG 316 classes. Students in MFG 421 form a small business and select job functions such as design engineering, marketing, finance, sales, production planning, packaging, quality, and process engineering. They are responsible for building prototypes, tooling, and developing a bill of materials, production and sales schedule, and business plan.

"Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering Education"

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Rufe, P., & Tillman, T., & Lahidji, B. (2004, June), Manufacturing Engineering Technology Capstone Sequence Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--12856