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Session 3586

Manufacturing Technology Curriculum for the Twenty-first Century

Marilyn Barger, Richard Gilbert, Andrew Hoff HCC-Brandon and USF/ University of South Florida /University of South Florida

Abstract

Like all engineering and technology educational fields, the manufacturing technology curriculum must change significantly to reflect the profusion of technical advances in the last two decades of the twentieth century. Pertinent manufacturing technology changes include implementation of new and more diverse materials, improved and more varied and more precise processing, automation and controls, and computer aided manufacturing (CAM). This progress requires changes in training materials and program curriculum to reset and then renew the basic technical skills required of manufacturing technologists and technicians. In addition, more radical changes are being implemented in many industries that have little to do with technical skills required for plant operations. Quality management has been introduced into many facilities worldwide either under the guise of TQM (Total Quality Management), a company based quality plan, or even the International Standards Organization standards set forth as ISO 9000 and 14000. Regardless of the name that frames the plan, the implementation of a quality management plan transforms the work environment in any organization or facility significantly.

These new expectations put additional requirements on manufacturing technicians and technologists working in a plant. Not only are technical skills required, but skills that reflect plant worker responsibility for the smooth operation of a manufacturing process as well as the quality of the product and process. Under quality manufacturing plans, plant workers are required to keep and report their own quality control data, operation parameters, work with others to improve processes, efficiency and product quality, as well as proactively engage in troubleshooting activities.

With this new working paradigm and the new technical skills required a new 2- year technical program be being developed at Hillsborough Community College (HCC) in Tampa, Florida. The curriculum for this Associate of Science Degree in Manufacturing Technology is based on the input from the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, a consortium of high technology industries and academic institutions residing along Interstate 4 through central Florida. The curriculum has 4 major components that include; 1, general education requirements; 2, scientific and mathematical background requirements; 3, technical skills requirements; and 4, interpersonal and quality management skills. Although the courses will be separate, the concepts from the four different areas will be integrated in all classes where suitable. Lifelong learning will also be stressed. Graduates from the program will earn an Associate of Science in Manufacturing Technology, and become valuable employees at a variety of high technology industrial manufacturing facilities well into the 21st century.

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Gilbert, R. A., & Hoff, A., & Barger, M. (2000, June), Manufacturing Technology Curriculum For The Twenty First Century Paper presented at 2000 Annual Conference, St. Louis, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--8550