A distance learning Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Certificate Program in technology

Abstract

The Department of Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) at Purdue University, in conjunction with the Center for Professional Studies in Technology and Applied Research (ProSTAR) and in coordination with The Boeing Company's Learning Training and Development (LTD) team, designed, developed and are incrementally delivering a distance-based Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Certificate Program. This paper will address the issues and resolutions of the program development process, the highly coordinated and synchronized development process, and the success and process improvement of the delivery of the Certificate in PLM. This work will be presented in the context of adult learning strategies and an online course delivery model. Additionally, this paper will discuss the strategy for the toolset selection, the course delivery architecture, the benefits of the application and methodologies inherent in the virtual application of manufacturing in PLM environments. This Certificate program has been demonstrated successfully in one complete curriculum cycle and is now incorporating process improvement for a successive offering. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.