Systems Engineering

This course provides an introduction to systems and systems engineering, tools in systems analysis, the system design process, design for operational feasibility and systems engineering management. (3 credits)

An overview of the project/program management framework and knowledge areas including plan development and execution, scope management, time management, cost management, quality management, human resource management, communications management, risk management, and procurement management. Typical program phases and life cycles observed in defense, construction, automobile, and software industries are covered along with program organizational structures, program management processes, and international project management. The role of software tools for program management and product development are discussed. Applications of Lean product development techniques are considered. Cutting waste and lead time in program management are covered. Case studies are used extensively throughout the course. (3 credits)

This course covers implementing Total Quality Management (TQM), undertaking Six Sigma Projects, and applying Baldrige National Quality Award criteria and ISO 9000 principles to improve quality performances in an organization. Topics include Definitions and Importance of Quality, Quality Costs, Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Product Specification and Critical-to-quality Measures (CQM), Statistical Quality Control (SQC), Robustness Concepts, Quality System Design and Evaluation. Six Sigma and DMAIC Methodologies, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) process, IDOV (Identity requirements, Deign alternatives, Optimize the design and Verify process capability) Methodology, and several other concepts and tools related to quality are also covered. (3 credits)

IMSE 501: Human Factors and Ergonomics

The analysis and prediction of human performance in industrial and other manmachine systems using work sampling, time-motion analysis, synthetic and standard time study, and learning curves, in the design of such systems are discussed. (3 credits)

IMSE 577: User Interface Design and Analysis

Current theory and design techniques concerning how user interfaces for systems should be designed to be easy to learn and use are presented with a focus on cognitive factors, such as the amount of learning required, and the information-processing load imposed on the user. Emphasis will be on integrating multimedia in the user interface. (3 credits)

Project planning, scheduling, and controlling functions are discussed in detail including work breakdown structure; CPM and PERT methods; resource allocation and leveling techniques; cost control and minimization; trade-off analysis; learning curves overlapping relationships and concurrent engineering; multiple project execution and optimization. Applications of Lean techniques in program management are discussed as well as the role of information technology in accelerating product development and reducing the program time. The importance of integrating supply chain in product development is also considered. Case studies and project management software are used throughout the course. (3 credits)

Topics presented in this course include safety requirements for production processes, equipment, and plants; organization and administration of safety programs, current safety laws, in addition to current occupational safety research. (3 credits)

This course will be a review of theory, concepts, models, methodologies and techniques for managing a supply chain. Students will be introduced to a variety of models and their applications that, a) create appropriate structure and install proper controls in the enterprise, and b) implement optimization principles utilizing value engineering, methods engineering, and behavior prediction techniques to synchronize the supply chain. Examples of supply chain of prominent industries will be described to enhance understanding of this emerging, yet highly relevant concept of our interdependent global economy. (3 credits)

Topics covered in this course include: statistics of reliability and life testing; application of stochastic models for failure based on Poisson and related processes; use of exponential and extreme value distribution in reliability; use of Markov process in the areas of equipment reliability, maintenance and availability. (3 credits)

Software engineering characterizes software production and maintenance as a process to be managed. A software process includes specification, design, verification and testing, and maintenance over a lifecycle. Related topics include metrics, design reuse, techniques for quality improvement and project management, software reliability and fault tolerance. (3 credits)

This course will discuss the current or future energy systems for automotive vehicles. Topics include liquid and gaseous fuels, direct energy conversion systems and fuel cells. Characteristics of various energy systems are discussed with respect to their performance, cost reliability, and environmental concerns. Fuel cell analysis and design is covered in detail. (3 credits)

This course presents an overview of drive characteristics, capabilities, and limitations; human variability and driver demographics; driver performance measurements; driver information processing models; driver errors and response time. Driver sensory 9/2014 capabilities, vision, audition, and other inputs; vehicle controls and displays; driver anthropometry and biomechanical considerations are also discussed. (3 credits)

This course provides the knowledge and skills needed to manage the design of a product or process. Topics covered include: creativity, types of products, types of processes, generalized design process, identification and translation of customer needs into engineering specifications, designing for function and quality factors, design for manufacturability, life-testing, cost estimating, reporting on design projects, and concurrent engineering. (3 credits)