Title: Innovations in collaboration in the design of a low mass vehicle

Authors: Roger Shulze, Subrata Sengupta

Addresses: College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA. ' College of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Michigan-Dearborn, 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA

Abstract: The Institute for Advanced Vehicle Systems at the University of Michigan-Dearborn conducts research on advanced vehicle systems. Its driving project was the design a low mass vehicle (LMV) 30% lighter than the Toyota Echo. Over 35 individual projects were conducted. Technical results and break-through technologies are summarised. The LMV project involved innovative collaboration among faculty researchers, students from three institutions and industry partners. One innovation was researchers working on a common driving project, assuring that individual projects complement each other. Another was utilising the experience and expertise of industry partners. A third was the automotive design studio, teaming engineering and design students with industry professionals to gain hands-on experience in automotive design. One outcome of LMV research was students gaining what the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology calls |professional skills| – abilities to communicate effectively and be effective team players. Partner companies say they value graduates with these skills.

Keywords: Institute for Advanced Vehicle Systems; IAVS; low mass vehicles; LMV; automotive design studios; innovation; collaboration; collaborative enterprise; industry partners; professional skills; effective team players; communication; effective communication; teamwork; Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology; ABET; advanced vehicle systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCENT.2009.026457

International Journal of Collaborative Enterprise, 2009 Vol.1 No.1, pp.66 - 82

Published online: 11 Jun 2009 *

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