Survey of Manufacturing Company Expectations Based on the SME Four Pillars of Manufacturing Engineering

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers has published a detailed study of manufacturing educational needs entitled Curricula 2015: A Four Year Strategic Plan for Manufacturing Education. A principle component of the study is the organization and visual representation of the key topics for manufacturing education into a graphical form designated the Four Pillars of Manufacturing Engineering To assist in program and curriculum improvement of our manufacturing technology major, a survey has been conducted of alumni, employers, advisory board members and other associates of our program. The topics identified in the Four Pillars of Manufacturing Engineering were specified along with others, and respondents were asked to indicate (in their opinion) how important each topic was for our graduates. This paper summarizes and analyzes the results of this and some previous surveys, and indicates appropriate curriculum revisions to best satisfy the current and anticipated needs of our manufacturing company ‘customers.’ Major Points: Brief description of our manufacturing technology program Explanation of the multiple surveys, objectives of each, and methodologies used to gather data Documentation of data received, summary and analysis of results, and listing of significant comments by respondents Implications of the results for adjustments in subject matter topics, applications and technologies for our curriculum and similar programs This paper provides documentation and evaluation of some manufacturing company priorities for a manufacturing technology program. This can benefit similar programs considering their effectiveness to fulfill the expectations of the manufacturing industry, and enhance the jobreadiness of students to better serve these ‘customers’ of our academic services. An additional benefit of this survey and evaluation is the validation of the topics and structure of the Four Pillars of Manufacturing Engineering, with the opportunity to contribute to evolutionary improvement if appropriate. Institutional Context The Manufacturing Technology major at our university is offered in the Department of Technological Studies, which is designed to prepare students for careers in professional and technical fields throughout industry. Classroom activities feature application-oriented experiences that reinforce the theory presented in lecture and readings to provide broad, foundational experiences in cutting edge technologies and applied sciences. Course work and associated laboratory assignments place emphasis on researching, designing, experimenting, fabricating, and managing. The manufacturing program is accredited by ATMAE. 1 P ge 25218.2 Beginning in the 2011 to 2012 academic year our school transitioned from quarters to semesters, and required significant adjustments to the subject matter presented in a variety of classes. Several classes have been consolidated, requiring elimination of some specific topics. To assist in the determination of the highest value topics that manufacturing companies are expecting of new graduates, it was decided to conduct a survey of this population. Survey Background and Process We have conducted a variety of surveys over the last several years to assist in this process. These were normally presented to our industrial advisory board and alums of our program, testing the topics currently being taught or considered, and requesting suggested additions. Some of these results are summarized in Appendix A. In June of 2011 the Manufacturing Education and Research Community of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) presented “Curricula 2015: A Four Year Strategic Plan for Manufacturing Education.” 2 (Additional information is available at the website www.Curricula2015.com). Within this document they organized the body of knowledge topics for certified manufacturing technologists and certified manufacturing engineers into a visual model, titled the Four Pillars of Manufacturing Engineering. These topics were derived from the ABET criteria for Manufacturing Engineering Programs (see Appendix B). It was decided to use these topics in the survey and to have respondents rate their importance for a Manufacturing Technology program. A preliminary survey to a limited population was conducted and presented at the ATMAE Annual Conference. 3 Thirty-one respondents in this initial study provided some direction for my fall classes, and guidance for revisions to a this extensive survey. Summarized results from this survey can be found in Appendix C. To expand the audience and participation it was decided the utilize SurveyMonkey with the “Select Plan” permitting unlimited questions and responses. Requests for participation were broadcast through a variety of channels. These included the ASEE Engineering Technology Listserv, the SME electronic newsletter, and LinkedIn, along with direct emails to our programs industrial advisory board, manufacturing alumni, employers of graduates and interns/co-ops, and managers who have supported our program. The specific invitation to participate was as follows: “If you have industrial or academic manufacturing experience please submit this survey of subjects for manufacturing technology or engineering technology programs. These are derived primarily from the SME Four Pillars of Manufacturing Engineering, with ABET foundations. This should take 10-15 minutes; your specific answers are anonymous. Completing this survey will enter you into a drawing for a $20 gift card.”