New Model Curriculum
for the
Associate Degree
industrial engineering, associate degree curriculum, industrial management, engineering management, industrial engineering associate degree curriculum, two-year a.a.s. in industrial engineering, courses in industrial engineering, course descriptions in industrial engineering
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Background Information
Engineering: the application of science and mathematics to practical problems.
Industrial Engineering: the development and improvement of systems of all types.
There is a gap in the education of industrial engineers, which exists at the Associate of Applied Science degree level. The four-year, master, and doctoral programs are fulfilling the needs for top-level and managerial-type engineers while at the lower, practical level, the industrial engineering programs are languishing and are, in fact, decaying. There is a present and continuing demand for the plant-level, practical industrial engineering skills.
The curriculum proposed here is an attempt to illuminate the need and provide a large part of the solution.
Associate Degree: a two-year degree, usually offered by a two-year technical college or community college, but occasionally offered as an adjunct to a four-year, baccalaureate degree. Historically, the associate degree has been intended to provide terminal education.
Terminal education: an education which includes complete theoretical and practical preparation for a work position or para-professional job; i.e. no further education or training is required to successfully perform all duties of a given position. In most four-year colleges, the first two years of study includes the basic sciences, mathematics, communications, and other core courses which prepares the students to succeed in the junior- and senior-year courses. These core courses are followed by and mixed with support courses which provide preparation for the advanced / professional preparation courses. A technical college or institute, offering an associate degree, provides the necessary science, mathematics, core-support courses, and general education as preparation for the advanced / professional preparation courses. The advanced courses are usually offered in the second and final year of study. However, selected advance courses have been offered in the first year, successfully.
Minimalist and Comprehensive: These two words define the curriculum offered here. "Minimalist"* is defined as providing an absolute minimum number of topics, which are required to produce a working and highly competent industrial engineer. "Comprehensive" is defined as covering all topics necessary. Taken together, these termsindicate that while all necessary subjects are covered, no unnecessary courses are involved; i.e., those subjects that are "nice to know" are excluded.
by category
Advanced / Professional Preparation Courses: (followed by credits and lecture/lab hours)
Introduction to Industrial Engineering, 2 - 1/2
Methods & Operations Analysis, 3 - 3/0
Work Measurement / Time & Motion Study, 3 - 2/2
Technical Print Reading, Elementary Drafting and Sketching, 3 - 2/2
Industrial Mid-Management & Supervision, 2 - 2/0
Industrial Research, Theory & Practice of, 3 - 2/2
Quality Management, 2 - 2/0
Facilities Planning, Basic, 3 - 3/0
Materials Handling, 2 - 2/0 or 3 - 3/0*
Manufacturing Management: Logistics, Production & Inventory Operations, 2 - 2/0 or 3 - 3/0*
Waste Material Management, 2 - 2/0 or 3 - 3/0*
Commercial and Industrial Safety, 1 - 1/0
Introduction to Management, 1 - 1/0
Presentations, 1 -1/0
30 credits, total
Support Courses (specifically tailored to industrial engineering):
Statistics, Basic, 2 - 1/2
Statistics, Advanced, 2 - 1/2
Physics, 3 - 2/2
Mathematics
Algebra, 2 - 2/0
Mathematical Modeling, 2 - 2/0
Psychology, Applied & Industrial, 3 - 3/0
Materials of Industry, 3 - 3/0
Processes of Industry & Commerce, 3 - 3/0
Computer Fundamentals, Applications & Skills, 3 - 3/0
23 credits, total
General Education (Core):
Industrial Economic Procedures, 3 - 3/0 [a.ka., "Engineering Economy"; replaces general economics]
Organizational Behavior, Labor Relations & Economics, 3 - 3/0 [replaces sociology]
Technical Report Writing, 3 - 3/0 [replaces English]
Speech, 3 - 3/0 [one year of high school speech may be substituted]
Psychology, Introduction to, 3 - 3/0
15 credits, total
Essential [to personal management]:
Personal Finance, 1 - 1/0
Curriculum credit total: 69
*The larger credit option is offered to facilitate the transfer of the course to a baccalaureate program. Courses of this type tend to carry three (3) credits value in a four-year engineering program. Students planning or considering the pursuit of advanced degrees may select this option which usually includes the production of a significant, albeit mundane, research paper, which concentrates upon a practical situation with mathematical modeling overtones and is treated in considerable depth with consultations with the instructor for guidance.
by semester (suggested sequence)
1st Semester: 16 credits
Math (Algebra), 2 - 2/0
Introduction to Industrial Engineering, 2 - 1/2
Technical Print Reading, Elementary Drafting and Sketching, 3 - 2/2
Technical Report Writing, 3 - 3/0
Materials of Industry, 3 - 3/0
Speech, 3 - 3/0
2nd Semester: 17 credits
Math (Mathematical Modeling), 2 - 2/0
Psychology, Introduction to, 3 - 3/0
Industrial Economic Procedures, 3 - 3/0
Statistics, Basic, 2 - 1/2
Processes of Industry & Commerce, 3 - 3/0
Industrial Research, Theory & Practice of, 3 - 2/2
Commercial and Industrial Safety, 1 - 1/0
3rd Semester: 18 credits
Computer Application & Skills, 3 - 3/0
Psychology, Applied & Industrial, 3 - 3/0
Statistics, Advanced, 2 - 1/2
Methods & Operations Analysis, 3 - 3/0
Materials Handling, 2 - 2/0
Physics, 3 - 2/2
Presentations, 1 - 1/0
Introduction to Management, 1 - 1/0
4th Semester: 18 credits
Work Measurement / Time & Motion Study, 3 - 2/2
Facilities Planning, Basic, 3 - 3/0
Quality Management, 2 - 2/0
Industrial Mid-Management & Supervision, 2 - 2/0
Organizational Behavior, Labor Relations & Economics, 3 - 3/0
Manufacturing Management: Logistics, Production & Inventory Operations, 2 - 2/0
Waste Material Management, 2 - 2/0 or 3 - 3/0*
Personal Finance, 1 - 1/0
Curriculum credit total: 69
Please direct comments and suggestions on this curriculum to Henry C. Landa at ficoa@milwpc.com.
About the curriculum writer: [This biography follows the Who's Who format, with its mass of abbreviations.] H.C. Landa Landa, H(enry) C(lyde), retired engineer and teacher of Industrial Engr. and Mgt.; , B.S.M.E., 1958; M.S.M.E.(I.E.), 1963; M.B.A., 1965; U. of Wis.-Madison. U.S. Army Airborne, 1954-56; The Standard Oil Co. (Ohio), 1959-62; Pressed Steel Tank Co., 1965-66; Wis. Gas. Co., 1966-67; Gateway Technical College (formerly Kenosha Technical Institute), 1967-98. Academic Staff: U. of Wis.-Madison, 1964-65; Marquette U., 1965-68; U. of Wis.-Milwaukee, 2002-06. Sound with Pictures, 1960; The Solar Energy Handbook, 6 Eds., 1974-2005; The Automotive Aerodynamics Handbook,10 Eds., 1976-2006; The Political Handbook for Student Government Operations, 10 Eds., 1997-2006; Waste Material Management, an Approach to the General Theory of, 2006; Adjunct Faculty Faculty, the Management of Part-time Teaching Staff, 2001, The On-the-Job-Training Handbook, 2007. Registered Professional Engineer. A.I.I.E., Sr. Member.
Introduction to Industrial Engineering, 2 credits, 1 hour lecture, 2 hours field trip or demonstration. The purpose of this course is threefold: (1) to introduce the industrial engineering field in all aspects and indicate how each required course fits into the curriculum, (2) provide an overall guide to obtaining an industrial engineering education, and (3) to guide the student into selecting the discipline which best suits the student. This course is not a sales presentation promoting industrial engineering, but an effort to ensure that the student makes the proper career choice. Content includes lectures by faculty and practicing engineers and field trips and demonstrations of the activities and applications of industrial engineering. Grading is based upon attendance (a minor factor) and two modest research papers covering mundane, but useful practical problems and proposed solutions. The production of the research papers will be facilitated by concurrent or previous enrollment in the Technical Report Writing class and in cooperation with the appropriate instructor.
Methods & Operations Analysis, 3 credits, 3 hours lecture. ... is the application of scientific and time-tested analysis techniques to all kinds of operations: industrial, manufacturing, service, health care, commercial, logistical, and organizational, in general and including governmental. The objective of these analysis techniques is to improve the productivity of all types of operations. Instruction is given in fundamental theory and practice, using many examples and problems covering effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, elements of cost, basic sources of waste, primary factors which affect productivity, ergonomics, robotics and automation, work center analysis and redesign, process analysis chart use, fundamental motions and management of suggestion systems. Students produce short papers and analyses which will demonstrate command of the principles.
Work Measurement / Time & Motion Study, 3 credits, 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab & field work. The objective of work measurement and time & motion study is to establish standards of performance and cost to facilitate the improvement of the competitive position of the firm and enhance the security of the employees. Instruction includes fundamental theory and practice by using many examples and problems covering cost control via work standards, time study equipment (stop watches, etc.), performance rating, allowances, calculation of the standard time, standard data, synthetic time systems, work sampling, proper application of incentive plans, etc. Also covered are the application of standards and performance improvement in non-traditional activities such as office, governmental, service, maintenance, managerial and professional functions. [Although the more recent term, "Work Measurement" is preferred, in actual practice the term, "Time and Motion Study" is more widely recognized. To obtain highest course utilization, both terms should be incorporated into the course title.]
Technical Print Reading, Elementary Drafting and Sketching, 3 credits, 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab. Fundamentals of machine and facility print reading, use of basic drawing instruments, dimensioning principles, sketching, and introduction to computer aided drafting.
Industrial Mid-Management & Supervision, 2 credits, 2 hours lecture. The formally educated technician will most probably find employment, eventually, in a managerial position. [The great majority of A.A.S./I.E. graduates of Gateway Technical College were placed in supervisory and management positions immediately or in a very short time after graduation.] Knowledge obtained in this course will accelerate obtaining success and satisfaction on the job, as a manager. Instruction covers behavioral and organization theory and practice, use of examples and case studies drawn from reality, organizational and managerial behavior, theories of motivation, productivity attitudes, leadership styles and development, supervisory functions, principles of management, and committee and meeting management.
Industrial Research, Theory & Practice of, 3 credits, 2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab. ... offers instruction, by example and field assignment, in the theoretical basis of the use of various techniques of research as applied to a broad spectrum of industrial, commercial, governmental, societal, and environmental applications, many of which are interrelated. Topics include types of fundamental research, observation technique, interviewing, sampling, statistical applications, scientific and technical reporting, sketching, dissection (of mechanical devices, not animals), reverse engineering, practical cost analysis, use of secondary data, control group concepts, the scientific method, and research design.
Quality Management, 2 credits, 2 hours lecture. "Quality Control" as a discipline has, in the past two decades, finally evolved into the broader concept which sprawls across the entire enterprise, that of the management of quality. This course is an introductory survey of the activities and organizations that manage the conception, design, production, delivery, and servicing of the various populations that are connected with products and services. Suggested research paper topics include a case study of a quality failure (with analysis and solution), definition of the parameters of quality from a consumer viewpoint, cost of quality, development of a quality systems manual, and service industry quality measurement and management.
Facilities Planning, Basic [formerly, a.k.a. Plant Layout], 3 credits, 3 hours lecture. This course applies both theory, some of which has been learned earlier, and practical and specific knowledge and technique to the design or rearrangement of production or service facilities for greater efficiency. Historically, the activity concerned only materials. However, in light of what is common knowledge today, the course concentrates on the movement and storage of materials including waste materials, movement and location of people, and the movement of information. Application of this discipline results in reduced handling and movement, reduced damage and waste, faster transit time, reduced in-process time, reduced error, and reduced waste of human resources. Topics covered include facility location, use of scale models and templates, work station and cell design, application of automation (including robots), applied mathematical modeling, building types, utilities and plant services, process planning, safety, and environmental compliance. The course utilizes design projects which require the application of many disciplines, including those listed.
Materials Handling, 2 credits, 2 hours lecture. ... is concerned with the efficient organization of the physical material handling and includes survey of all types of materials including waste materials, volumes, packaging forms, and the equipment required to properly move or store these various forms and volumes. In addition to attention to the detail of the mechanical properties of the processes and equipment, mathematical modeling, standard data, and waste material management are also included.
Manufacturing Management: Logistics, Production & Inventory Operations, 2 credits, 2 hours lecture. This subject originated in the industrial engineering field decades ago and has been incorporated into the typical logistics (materials management) program. It still has a place where it originated since the industrial engineering, as a discipline, it is paramount to the efficient management of resources. Topics include logistics, production forecasting and scheduling techniques, carrying costs, safety stock, critical path planning/P.E.R.T.- Project Management, just-in-time rationale, inventory control, and dedicated machinery applications.
Industrial Economic Procedures [a.k.a. Engineering Economy], 3 credits, 3 hours lecture. ... provides the rational, numerical decision-making apparatus for industrial and capital investment. Most industrial investments can be analyzed into monetary components. Through the use of relatively simple but, sophisticated procedures information is developed which can lead to economical decisions. Instruction includes fundamental theory and practice, use of anecdotal data which covers critical economic inputs and outputs, elements of cost, theories of profit and price, efficiency in engineering and economic terms, overhead cost allocation rationale, comparative analysis, break-even point/indifference analysis, payback period, target rate of return, discounted cash flow, profitability indices, mathematical modeling and formulary, and computer applications. Additional discussion covers the origin of resources, e.g. stock offerings, debt, and internal cash flow.
Organizational Behavior, Labor Relations & Labor Economics, 3 credits, 3 hours lecture. An examination of how enterprises are organized covering bureaucracy, management behavior, hierarchical relationship and organizational structure, labor history in the U.S., labor law, labor economics, union history, organization, and goals, labor contract management and negotiations. The objective of this course is to prepare the engineer and potential manager for dealing with workers in most situations, whether the work setting is within a unionized or non-unionized facility.
Statistics, Basic, 2 credits, 1 hour lecture, 2 hours lab (quiz). Topics covered include sources of data (internal and external, primary and secondary) presentation statistics (tables, charts, graphs, graphics), central tendency (mean, median, mode), dispersion measures (range, various deviation measures, proportioning of a population (percentiles, deciles, quartiles, etc.), probability concepts and distributions, sampling, and confidence level logic.
Statistics, Advanced, 2 credits, 1 hour lecture, 2 hours lab (quiz). ...statistical concepts of forecasting, times series, regression and correlation, decision-making based upon statistical and probability models, use of both descriptive and analytical statistics, statistical applications in industrial engineering and management.
Personal Finance, 1 credit, 1 hour lecture. ... a topic that is essential to a useful, satisfying, and secure family, professional, and personal life and includes practical aspects of savings, investments, automobile ownership (purchase, financing, insurance, maintenance, costs), home ownership (purchase, financing, insurance, maintenance, costs), personal and family budgeting, retirement planning, credit, wage structure and benefits, seeking and changing jobs, economic history, money and banking, etc.
Commercial and Industrial Safety, 1 credit, 1 hour lecture. An introduction to the management of safe working conditions in organizations in general and particularly to factory, construction, and commercial situations. Safety-related topics covered include: policy; management triad (behavior, technology, & institutional rules); liability & insurance; communication, consideration and action; suggestion systems; union relations, government regulation, and economics.
Waste Material Management, 2 credits, 2 hours lecture. Reducing material waste is a management, engineering, economic, disposal, and environmental problem with major regulatory implications. This course is based upon the curriculum designed mainly for managers of all types of operations as published in Waste Material Management - an Approach to the General Theory by Landa (see description at www.politicalbookreviews.com/waste_material_management.htm ). This particular topic is of great importance to industrial engineers since the effective management of waste material, in all phases of commerce, manufacturing and logistics, offers large and significant reductions in costs. And, the problem of waste disposal (and thus, management) includes all types of organizations and activities.
Introduction to management, 1 credit, 1 hour lecture. Since the great bulk of the graduates of an Industrial Engineering - A.A.S.* program will eventually spend most of their careers in supervision and management, a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of the management function and guidance to self-study of the field is essential. This course objective is to furnish historical insight and prepare students for the most effective education, whether gained by formal training through an institution or by means of self-teaching. It is an approach to self-education in management. Content includes: Biblical basis; Ancient legal-lawgiver; Military organizational development; Growth of modern governmental and corporate structure; Schools of management theory (classical, behavioral, management science/mathematics); Related Disciplines (Business administration, Engineering control theory, Mathematics, Social science, Management techniques, Communications, Public relations); Preparation for and education in management, Corporate politics, Introduction to the Public Library. *A.A.S.: Associate of Applied Science degree
Presentations, 1 credit, 1 hour lecture. It is imperative that the industrial engineer not only create and develop ideas for improvement but also be able to communicate and market the ideas to management. This requires skills which are not unlike those of a salesperson. A successful engineer and manager is a person of thought and action. Action on proposals will not occur unless the proposed idea is worked out, lobbied for, prepared in great detail, and skillfully presented to upper management. Topics covered include arranging data and arguments; "shopping" the proposal; lobbying; developing oral, written and printed arguments; preparing display and audio-visual materials; and the actual presentation. And then, follow-up action is pursued.
Note on Student Performance and Writing Skills: "Writing Across the Curriculum" is one of the educational fads which has emerged and then disappeared from the scene. It is, actually, a very good idea for training graduates in communication skills. The bulk of the advanced / professional preparation courses listed here apply a major portion of the grade to writing and reporting, rather than, solely, via exams. The conclusion of this curriculum writer is that the student must be able to apply knowledge to specific cases and develop sound application solutions. Easily graded exams e.g., multiple choice, short answer, or small problem types do not test, properly and fully, the student's ability, as an industrial engineer, to apply theory and standard data in the solution of practical problems.
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Engineering Audits Explanation of full-scale auditing as applied to industry, government, education and which would be classed as engineering audits
Please direct comments and suggestions on this curriculum to Henry C. Landa at
krdxzxwficoa@milwpc.com*
*Do not click on this e-mail address since it has some gibberish attached to confound the "SPAM ROBOTS" which march across the Internet vacuuming up e-mail addresses; Use it as you see it (write it down & then use it).
*The use of "minimalist" does not refer to the membership in a moderate socialist group of politicians in the United Kingdom; it refers to having a comprehensive but minimum number of topics in the curriculum. That is, here is all that you need to completely educate an industrial engineer (at the Associate degree level), but no more unessential, "nice to know" or "fuzzy" ideas as to what an educated person should know ... as an industrial engineer.