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Meeting the Needs of Students and Employers: Development of an Innovative Graduate Program in Manufacturing Systems Technology

Abstract

Recently, manufacturing has seen tremendous change. Low skill, labor-intensive industries have experienced cutbacks, while new, high-tech manufacturing industries are growing and searching for qualified employees. The skills needed by workers in manufacturing have changed as have the skills needed by its leadership. Indeed, graduate-level education must provide a pool of technical professionals with effective management skills and leadership abilities. Recognizing this, one university NAIT-accredited technology department developed an innovative graduate program designed to provide students with a broad base of knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage and control production in manufacturing environments. The resulting degree is a Master of Science program with a major in Manufacturing Systems Technology. This program’s purpose is to produce industrial leaders who 1) make decisions to integrate appropriate technologies, 2) apply advanced principles and practices, 3) creatively use technology in solving practical problems, and 4) manage technology systems in manufacturing. This graduate program is the result of a two-year participatory development process. Key manufacturing partners and the department’s industrial advisory council played critical roles in identifying appropriate student outcomes and the resulting curriculum. There are several distinctive aspects of this program including the accommodation of working students through part-time scheduling and online delivery. The program provides students with a blend of both technical and management courses and culminates with an industry-based project. This paper will provide an example for developing a graduate program including problems and opportunities.

Keywords: Graduate Program, Manufacturing, On-line Program, and Curriculum Development

Introduction

Economic development in the southeastern region of the U.S. continues to be heavily influenced by manufacturing. Manufacturing in the region, however, has seen tremendous change over the past decade 1. Low skill, labor-intensive industries have experienced cutbacks and closures while new, high-tech, automated manufacturing industries are growing and searching for highly skilled workers. Increased productivity demands require more effective, leaner manufacturing operations. The skills needed by workers in manufacturing have changed as have the skills needed by its leadership 2. Indeed, graduate-level education has become increasingly necessary in order to provide a pool of technical professionals with management skills and leadership abilities in these high-tech manufacturing industries.

Recognizing the importance of developing manufacturing leaders, one university’s engineering and technology department has offered degree programs supporting the needs of regional industry. In particular, the development of the area’s automotive-based industries continues to

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Godbey, J., & Ingalsbe, D., & Marbut, T. (2008, June), Meeting The Needs Of Students And Employers: Development Of An Innovative Graduate Program In Manufacturing Systems Technology Paper presented at 2008 Annual Conference & Exposition, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 10.18260/1-2--3543