Brian Adams graduated from department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering in May 2002. 

Thesis title: Shockerphant Aerospace: A Flexible Simulation Model For Teaching Production System Concepts

(May 2002)

Abstract

Production Systems courses can be difficult to teach due to the complex nature of the subject. There are many interdependencies throughout the entire system that must be acknowledged. Understanding these cause-and-effect relationships is key to evaluating and designing a production system. Traditional instruction methods including textbook study and lectures introduce students to concepts, theories, and formulas involved in manufacturing systems. However, developments in simulation technology have enabled educators to give students a “real-world” model to apply the theories and techniques learned in the classroom. Most Industrial Engineering curricula now includes a simulation-based project for various Production Systems courses. These simulations have proven to be effective at enhancing the students’ education by complementing the lecture and textbook material. However, recent industry trends involving Theory of Constraints and The Lean Enterprise have required instructors to modify their curriculum. This proves challenging for instructors, because many of these concepts are counterintuitive to traditional manufacturing logic. This project proposes a flexible simulation model to meet the challenges faced by instructors and students as they try to expand current curriculum and get the most out of the simulation experience.