Title: Infusing innovation into a manufacturing engineering course

Authors: Young B. Moon

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institute for Manufacturing Enterprises, Syracuse University, 149 Link Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA

Abstract: Manufacturing processes are essential components to realise any innovative ideas for new products. Yet, typical ways of teaching manufacturing processes are microscopic, separate from the context under which they are employed. The paper presents the teaching of manufacturing processes through a systems approach. Particularly, a semester-long project of developing new products provides a realistic context for the application of manufacturing processes. At the conclusion of the course, students present detailed product specifications and manufacturing processes along with physical prototypes. Creativity and innovative thinking are encouraged throughout the project.

Keywords: innovation; new product development; NPD; technical education; higher education; universities; curriculum design; product specifications; product prototypes; manufacturing engineering; entrepreneurship; systems thinking; United States; USA; manufacturing education; creativity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2010.029472

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2010 Vol.7 No.1, pp.35 - 50

Published online: 30 Nov 2009 *

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