Enhancing industrial and systems engineering education through academic-industry alliances

Abstract

Industrial and System Engineers (ISE) utilize a wide breadth of knowledge and problem solving skills to engage people, technology, and organizations with the goal of understanding a system to improve performance. Since an efficient supply chain is critical to business success, ISE curriculum typically includes supply chain management concepts to effectively prepare students to work within manufacturing operations. At the heart of a manufacturing supply chain are production, distribution, and logistics systems, which are thus integral parts of supply chain management education. Typical textbook approaches employ situational analysis and chapter problems to convey mathematical models and heuristics. However, case studies and simulation methods are preferred approaches to enhance learning, problems solving, teamwork, and foster concept retention. This paper will illustrate the implementation and utilization of a strategic academic-industry collaboration partner with a global support system and pedagogy to teach supply chain management through case studies and simulations. The academic alliance is used to promote practical and future-oriented education while providing access to the latest ERP software and data analytic technology. Case studies integrating enterprise management software provide hands-on experience, conceptual development, and an understanding of key business process often impacted by engineering initiatives. A manufacturing simulation is also used to engage students in key supply chain management concepts including demand planning, production planning, materials requirement planning, bill of materials management, and managerial accounting. The simulation operates a manufacturing company in a commercial software environment, and requires teamwork and coordination of effort vital to good systems engineering. Included in the analysis are the resources needed by a University to engage with an academic alliance, example curricula and simulations available, training methods, and start up plans. An undergraduate course framework designed to provide a comprehensive pedagogy for supply chain management concepts within an engineering discipline is also provided.