Continuous Improvement Academic Courses

Continuous Improvement using Lean Principles:

ENT 3982 Principles of Lean

Knowledge and experience in quality and continuous improvement are highly valued by today's employers. The principles are being applied in engineering, healthcare, business, service, nonprofits, and higher ed. In this class, you’ll learn about the 5 principles of Lean and several Lean methods and tools

ENT 3983 The Culture of Continuous Improvement

In a continuous improvement culture, a leader’s role is to empower employees. Problem solving in this culture is highly participative, focusing on the problem, not the person, and is performed by the people who actually do the work. In this class, you’ll learn the 3 fundamentals of Lean, use the problem-solving cycle to test and learn your way toward your goals, and coach others to solve problems

MET 4510 Lean Manufacturing and Production Planning

Modern methods for the systematic planning and control of operations and an understanding of lean manufacturing concepts. Focus is on reduced lead times and elimination of waste.

MEEM 5655 Introduction to Lean Manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is emerging globally as a paradigm by which business units must function to be globally competitive. Quality, cost, and delivery have become critical measures that directly affect profits and in turn the success of an organization.  Significant improvements in all of these three measures come from a continuous elimination of waste, or non-value added activities, in manufacturing.  Numerous tools are available for the elimination of waste and making businesses “lean.”  This course will familiarize students with this philosophy of lean manufacturing and arm them with a basic toolset that enables the identification, measurement, and elimination of non-value added activities in a manufacturing setting. 

Quality-Related Methods, Techniques, Mathematics, and Practices:

BE 2110 Statistical Methods for Biomedical Engineering

Topics include descriptive statistics, sampling methods, probability, statistical inference, causality, elementary design of experiments, statistical process improvement methods including Six-Sigma techniques, clinical trial methodology, and variance analysis.

BUS 2300 Quantitative Problem Solving

Stresses development of quantitative decision and analysis skills to solve problems with cases, exercises, simulations, and mathematical modeling. Topics include regression analysis, decision analysis, stochastic environments, data sources and errors, utility theory risk preference, linear programming, and simulation analysis.

CM 4125 Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory

An integrated biological process laboratory experience, including fermentation with downstream bioseparation, for the production of a purified product of potential commercial interest. Features process measurement-analysis-improvement, metabolic pathway analysis, quality assurance, and safety.

ENT 2961 Teaming in the Enterprise

Develops group problem-solving skills. Stresses interpersonal skills and skill assessment, communication, group process and teamwork, and action planning. Uses active, hands-on learning.

ENT 3956 Industrial Health and Safety

Instruction of health and safety in engineering practice. Integrates the study of health and safety regulations, risks, and potential for improvement. Also covers the tremendous financial, ethical, and public relations implications of disregarding this critical aspect of engineering.

ENT 3959 Fundamentals of Six Sigma

This course introduces tools used for process improvement focusing on the DMAIC approach used widely in industry today.

ENT 3964 Project Management

Project definition, developing a work breakdown structure, responsibility assignment and milestone development. Covers techniques for project scheduling and practical application of Gannt and PERT/CPM charts; resource management and application of critical chain method; project budgeting and cost estimation; project monitoring, control, evaluation, and termination; and project teams, their structure, and interactions.

ENT 3967 Design for Six Sigma

This course emphasizes the design for Six Sigma (DFSS) tools and methods used widely in industry to optimize new products and services.

HU 4625 Risk Communication

Examines models for communicating risks associated with environmental, safety, and health hazards. Considers the diverse roles assumed by the public under each of these models and means of ensuring that risks are communicated fairly, honestly, and accurately.

MA 2710 Introduction to Statistical Analysis

Introduction to statistical reasoning and methods. Topics include uses and abuses of statistics, sources of data and data quality, graphical and descriptive methods, correlation and regression, probability and statistical inference. Labs involve data generation and analysis aided by statistical software.

MA 2720 Statistical Methods

Introduction to the design and analysis of statistical studies. Topics include methods of data collection, descriptive and graphical methods, probability, statistical inference on means, regression and correlation, and single variable ANOVA.

MA 3710 Engineering Statistics

Introduction to the design, conduct, and analysis of statistical studies aimed at solving engineering problems. Topics include methods of data collection, descriptive and graphical methods, probability and probability models, statistical inference, control charts, design of experiments.

MEEM 3900 Engineering Design Process

This course introduces methods for concurrent design, manufacturing, and assembly that will be utilized later in their Senior Capstone Design or Enterprise project experience. Course topics will include thinking styles, teamwork, creative problem solving, brainstorming, Pugh method, technical report preparation, economic decision making, quality, analytical and experimental design optimization, DFA, DFM, GD&T, codes and fasteners, robust engineering, engineering ethics, patents and IP, and innovation in the workplace.

MEEM 4650/5650 Quality Engineering

Introduction to the concepts and methods of quality and productivity improvement. Topics include principles of Shewhart, Deming, Taguchi; meaning of quality; control charts for variables, individuals, and attributes; process capability analysis; variation of assemblies; and computer-based workshops.

MET 4210 Applied Quality Techniques

Basic knowledge required to improve processes in the workplace. Includes the design of simple experiments, statistical process control, lean methodologies, and corrective and preventative action.

MGT 2000 Team Dynamics and Decision Making

Develops individual and group problem-solving skills using active, hands-on learning. Emphasizes problem identification and problem solution under conditions of ambiguity and uncertainty. Stresses creativity, interpersonal skills and skill assessment, communication, group process and teamwork, and action planning.

MY 4940 Materials Science and Engineering Design of Experiments

Six Sigma strategy to solving materials engineering problems, including: Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve- Control to reduce process variation, Design for Six Sigma tools for new process development, and the use of Minitab software in statistical engineering methods. Communication and teaming skills are also addressed.

OSM 3200 Project Management

Focuses on application of systems analysis to project definition and selection. Covers project teams, their structures, and interactions; cross-functional communication in technological project management; project management planning, scheduling, and control tools; project monitoring, evaluation, and termination; multiple project management and inter-project relations.

OSM 4100 Operations Strategy

Addresses issues in operations management, quality, finance/accounting, marketing, supply chain, and technology to provide an interdisciplinary focus on strategic planning for operations. Also addresses issues associated with global initiatives and changing technology.

OSM 4650 Six Sigma Fundamentals

Course is framed in context of six sigma methodology. Topics include principles of Shewhart, Deming, Taguchi; meaning of quality; control charts for variables, individuals, and attributes; process capability analysis; variation of assemblies; and computer-based workshops.

SSE 3500 Service System Operations

Focuses on the operation of service systems in a customer-focused environment. Topics will include work measurement, performance management, and process evaluation and improvement. Supply chain, demand management and lean practices will also be introduced.