Conference Session

Manufacturing Division (MFG) Technical Session 4

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gimantha N Perera, University of Arizona; Hannah Budinoff, The University of Arizona; DAVID MANFORD, The University of Arizona

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Manufacturing Division (MFG)

) found engaging ways to collaborate,benefit from peer learning, and have the opportunity to practice relevant soft skills in a simulatedprofessional environment. Moderate ratings (2 and 3), while still noting the activities were useful, alsonoted the potential for improved feedback and more structured innovation-focused exercises to bettersupport idea execution. Negative ratings (scores of -5 to -1) generally reflected dissatisfaction with theactivities. Students expressed preferences for individual assignments, cited a lack of impact on their skills,or reported difficulties in working effectively within groups.The tours (Tour Rating) received mostly positive ratings, with a majority of students assigning scores of 4or 5. Students with these

Conference Session

Manufacturing Division (MFG) Technical Session 6

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Zhen Zhao, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; John Liu, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Manufacturing Division (MFG)

PWD program. Participants alsocontributed ideas for skills and content needed in the industry: “Absolutely, you can ask Bob. Iwas the one who came to him with the idea of the lean consortium, and now I'm advocating foran HR consortium. I think human resources presents a great opportunity. We could band togetheras a group within the Berkshires, bringing together manufacturers and other companies. I believe[the PWD program] is great for manufacturing and engineering-based companies, but I also seepotential for soft skill leadership programs that could be developed.”4.2.2. Program DesignEmployers preferred opportunities to provide feedback and suggestions on curricula, timelines,and program structures to ensure alignment with industry needs. One