Welcome to NJIT: IE203Fall2007

Ver. Fall 2009, Last update November 23, 2009. (Update history: July 26, 2009)

Welcome to IE203: Application of Computer Graphics in Industrial Engineering ...

for Sustainable Lean & Green Visual Factory Networking / Visual Factory Management

This is a combined Welcome Letter and Course Outline / Syllabus. Please read it carefully. You will find all essential course information here.

This semester we'll focus on Computer Graphics in IE with Lean, Visual and Sustainable Green product, process and service system examples.

Please note, that this document might be updated during the semester. If anything is unclear please contact me in class, or in person during office hours in my NJIT office, or by email anytime, or by using my home phone number in case of an emergency (see all contact information below).

Please try to avoid asking trivial and factual questions that are clearly listed / answered here in the syllabus, or in the eLearning Pack material, or on NJIT's web page; (Examples include the following: 'What is the deadline for Assignment 2 ?', or, 'Do we have a class during Thanksgiving?'). Thanks; this saves us all time so that we can spend it on value adding opportunities... meaning helping you to learn and prosper...

Please note, that attendance in this class is compulsory and follows the NJIT faculty and student body accepted UG attendance rules. These rule will be strictly enforced, therefore lateness or missing classes is not permitted.

If for any professional or medical reason you cannot attend a class you must email your instructor asap with the professional reason(s) explained. Also note, that some lab. classes cannot be repeated in this class, therefore if you cannot turn up on the scheduled date you'll miss that assignment!

Thank you for your collaboration!

Contact Information...

Mailing Address: Paul G. Ranky, PhD
Full Tenured Professor
Registered Chartered Professional Engineer
Member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), Audit Division and Lean Enterprise / Advanced Manufacturing Division
Also Member of ASEE, IEEE, IEE, FEANI, SAE, PMI

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and also Professor of IT at NJIT
NJIT, University Heights, NJ 07102 -1982

You can email me at NJIT: ranky@njit.edu (Please note, that for reliability reasons I have added another email address: paul.ranky.njit.edu@mac.com. Please use this and send again your email if you don't get an answer from me within 5 to 6 working days. I can read the backup email paul.ranky.njit.edu@mac.com account over the Internet anywhere where I have Internet access, therefore even if I am away at a conference on NJIT business, or research we can be in touch.)

Tel at home (in case of an emergency only, 24 hrs, but preferably during normal hours, 8.00 am to 10.00 pm) you can call me at home: (201) 493 9561

Note, that my office is in NJIT ME Building room 310 at NJIT.

My office hours for the semester will be Mondays from 5 to 6 pm in ME310, and after my Monday class at 9 pm, and also 20 minutes BEFORE my Friday class, and also on-line. Other office hrs. are also available by appointment only. Pls. keep me informed of your progress by email, and I'll be happy to see you as soon as I can if you need help.

Find out more about the Professor’s past and current research work and background at (don't miss some of my best diving and skiing pictures...): http://www.cimwareukandusa.com/aboutpgr.htm

Some examples with videos of our related new R&D work we have completed for the LSC (The Liberty Science Center in New Jersey). These are the web sites: http://njit-lsc.njit.edu/pauldesign.html and http://njit-lsc.njit.edu/paulrobot.html

Enjoy!

Academic Calendar

Please look up the NJIT website.

Some really useful advice about the style of professional communication...

Often I get some truly friendly emails from my students... many of these include SMS-style text messages, 'buddy language', such as 'Hi Paul, how r you doin...', etc.

Whilst I am flattered by your friendly communication style, there is something I must bring to your attention. At NJIT it is not just my job to teach you analytical skills, but also professional courtesy and conduct so that you become successful in US and international industry.

For communication (emails) in my courses at NJIT you must observe the following:

Address professors and staff appropriately (no informal language or first-name basis)
Correct grammar (all capital letters are not acceptable, neither SMS abbreviations)

I hereby kindly inform you that these NJIT guidelines must be met in future electronic communication.

Regards,
Prof. Ranky

P.S.
Had I phrased my emails in a friendly SMS-style, or all in capital letters to my boss during my first job I would have been fired on the spot...

Content and Links

Course Objectives

How to Set up Your Internet Webpage at NJIT?

NJIT Academic Calendar

IE203 Course Schedule and Assignment Deadlines

Assignment Requirements & Assessment Criteria

Assignment Architectural Support Information

Course Improvement and Quality Surveys

Course objectives: Please note, that the course objectives fit into the IE Educational Objectives as defined by our Department, NJIT and ABET (the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology of the USA).

Every session of this course map develops and integrates one or more aspects of the IE program objectives into the course objectives. Almost every session of the IE203 course includes computer applications in the class lab., or students using their own computers with courseware, and some include laboratory exercises using real machines and real processes to deepen our knowledge of the subject.

A summary of the IE educational objectives:

Program graduates use mathematics, science, computational methodologies, and analytical techniques and fundamental principles of Industrial Engineering in their professional practice.
Program graduates are life-long learners, pursuing graduate education, and professional growth in Industrial Engineering and related fields.
Program graduates design, improve, and manage integrated systems of people, technologies, information, and resources in the socioeconomic environment of today and the foreseeable future.
Program graduates have communication skills, team work and management skills to pursue diverse career paths and advance in leadership positions.

A summary of the IE specific ABET outcomes (please see in green below those that are applied in IE203):

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering (1. Examples of topics discussed in the course to cover this outcome: company product, process, service engineering invention, web-page design engineering, engineering calculations, and others;2. Examples how the outcomes are measured: Every assignment is documented on the web by each student, then graded by the professor electronically with one improvement opportunity to re-submit for grading; 3. Examples how the overall teaching process is improved after each semester: Based on last semester's experience the Mobile Disassembly Laboratory exercise has been scheduled earlier, because this helped students to understand the integrated process model, and engineering analysis modeling methods and tools)

(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data (1. Examples of topics discussed in the course to cover this outcome: during the Disassembly Laboratory students design experiments to analyze and interpret data, and others; 2. Examples how the outcomes are measured: Every assignment is documented on the web by each student, then graded by the professor electronically with one improvement opportunity to re-submit for grading; 3. Examples how the overall teaching process is improved after each semester: Based on last semester's experience the methods and tools we use are explained with more practical objects and examples)

(c) An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability (1. Examples of topics discussed in the course to cover this outcome: Every student has to set up his/her own company in this class in collaboration with another 4 companies. All / most of (c) must be covered with a computer graphics in IE, PLM, product, process, or service system design / sustainable, green engineering focus; 2. Examples how the outcomes are measured: Every assignment is documented on the web by each student, then graded by the professor electronically with one improvement opportunity to re-submit for grading; 3. Examples how the overall teaching process is improved after each semester: Based on last semester's experience the way new products are designed, and companies are set up are explained with a stronger green design and manufacturing focus, and with more practical examples)

(d) An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams (1. Examples of topics discussed in the course to cover this outcome: students work in teams in many of the class assignments, as well as can work in a team for their assignments, nevertheless each student must submit their own assignments and document the entire work on the web by himself/herself; A another example, during the disassembly mobile-lab exercise students work in small teams, and assign different tsks to each other, such as a team member with IE focus, another with DFM/DFA focus, another with quality focus, and another with computer graphics-documentation focus. 2. Examples how the outcomes are measured: Every assignment is documented on the web by each student, then graded by the professor electronically with one improvement opportunity to re-submit for grading; 3. Examples how the overall teaching process is improved after each semester: Based on last semester's experience the methods and tools we use are explained with more practical objects and examples)

(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems (1. Examples of topics discussed in the course to cover this outcome: each student has to design his/her own virtual company to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems. At a smaller scale each assignemnt follows this requirement too; 2. Examples how the outcomes are measured: Every assignment is documented on the web by each student, then graded by the professor electronically with one improvement opportunity to re-submit for grading; 3. Examples how the overall teaching process is improved after each semester: Showing by example is a powerful way to teach this outcome)

(f) An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility (1. Examples of topics discussed in the course to cover this outcome: in the eBooks we use there is a Chapter on ethics and overall in almost every class we talk about our profession, and our professional responsibilities; 2. Examples how the outcomes are measured: Every assignment is documented on the web by each student, then graded by the professor electronically with one improvement opportunity to re-submit for grading; 3. Examples how the overall teaching process is improved after each semester: Ethical conduct is taught using IE examples)

(g) An ability to communicate effectively (1. Examples of topics discussed in the course to cover this outcome: some students present their first asignmet to class, and each student has to present his/her entire project to the entire class; 2. Examples how the outcomes are measured: Every assignment is documented on the web by each student, then graded by the professor electronically with one improvement opportunity to re-submit for grading; 3. Examples how the overall teaching process is improved after each semester: Showing various communication and presentation methods and tools by example is a powerful way to teach this outcome. Also every student experiences how they present: this is a powerful lesson to learn; Also, NJIT and the new Stabile Lab has excellent comunication facilities we can use)

(h) The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context (1. Examples of topics discussed in the course to cover this outcome: students see several different industrial and research examples (broad); they also see these in various countries on DVD video (broad and global); they have to set up a global enterprise in collaboration with 4 other companies (global); they have to understand the current globalization issues with China, India, etc.; 2. Examples how the outcomes are measured: Every assignment is documented on the web by each student, then graded by the professor electronically with one improvement opportunity to re-submit for grading; 3. Examples how the overall teaching process is improved after each semester: Showing various DVD videos andshowing lots of research and industrial examples (and challenges) help the sttudents to grasp the essence of this outcome.)

(i) A recognition of the need for, and the ability to engage in life-long learning (1. Examples of topics discussed in the course to cover this outcome: students create and maintain their own web pages as a knowledge capturing, communication, knowledge management and life-long learning method and tool.; 2. Examples how the outcomes are measured: Every assignment is documented on the web by each student, then graded by the professor electronically with one improvement opportunity to re-submit for grading; 3. Examples how the overall teaching process is improved after each semester: We put more emphasis on creating web pages, on knowledge management over the web and we also guide the students to teh NJIT library more)

(j) A knowledge of contemporary issues (We touch on this, but haven't got enough time in this course to explore the subject deeper)

(k) An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice (We touch on this, but haven't got enough time in this course to explore the subject deeper)

(l) An ability to design, develop, implement and improve integrated systems that include people, materials, information, equipment and energy (We touch on this, but haven't got enough time in this course to explore the subject deeper)

Please note, that as in previous semesters we will pecifically address visual factory management with eco-friendly, lean sustainable GREEN aspects of all of our system models and designs in this course. More on Green Engineering: http://www.cimwareukandusa.com/All-Green/Ranky-GreenEngineering.html

A summary of the IE203 course objectives (please review these together with the outcomes, as discussed above):

To provide an overall understanding of, and introduction to computer graphics and object-oriented interactive multimedia development and application methods in the industrial and systems engineering context for the purpose of designing lean, visual factories, visual / electronic product / process support systems, visual offices, and to understand various analytical IE methods.
To introduce some basic terminology of computer graphics, interactive multimedia and the Internet with an IE focus.
To develop the ability to apply mathematics, science and engineering in the computer graphics in IE context.
To design/ develop and apply system modeling techniques in the IE context.
To design and conduct laboratory experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data.
To design systems, built of components and objects, performing a desired process for a set of defined customer requirements and needs.
To understand the total quality rules and implications of computer graphics applications in IE and engineering in general (all assignments).
To understand the concurrent / simultaneous engineering and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) rules and implications of computer graphics applications in IE and engineering in general (all assignments).
To understand the implications of computer networking and Internet applications in IE and in engineering in general (all assignments).
To discuss various research and industrial case studies with the aid of interactive multimedia and Internet/ intranet programs as part of a library of Digital Educational Knowledge Assets (DEKA).
To understand, evaluate, test, learn and apply some software packages, including Microsoft Office, Word, Powerpoint and Excel, as well as some of the basics of Adobe graphics and some digital video tools, Internet/ intranet and web authoring tools, professional 2D Drafting, 3D CAD, CAM and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software tools, and some IE oriented analysis packages that support computer graphics on desktop as well as Internet/ Intranet networked computers. (Note, that all software in this course is dealt with on a non-bias, cross-platform-basis and/or platform independent basis with strong emphasis on the Internet as an integrating platform).
To understand some of the computer graphics and IE related system integration aspects.
To design/ develop/ implement and validate an interactive multimedia presentation (web- oriented) on a specific area of Industrial Engineering with some advanced IE related computer graphics objects and features.
To appreciate the power of computer graphics by analyzing the results of 3D simulation studies.
To design/ develop some team integration, presentation, communication and documentation skills of complex engineering systems (all assignments and class presentations).
To understand professional and ethical responsibility and to communicate effectively (all assignments and class presentations).
To address societal issues by communicating IE via computer graphics applications (all sessions).
To introduce, demonstrate and to some extent explain contemporary issues and the latest research areas and future trends in the field of computer graphics applications in IE.
To encourage life-long learning, planning, knowledge creation, knowledge absorption and knowledge dissemination processes for the benefit of mankind (all sessions).
To encourage environmentally friendly engineering problem solving methods for the simultaneous benefit of humanity, business, as well as Mother Earth (yes, it is possible to make money as well as look after humanity and the environment...). This is referred to in Japanese as the 'monozukuri' approach to engineering problem solving. Well known Japanese, US, and European corporations all follow monozukuri engineering problem solving methods.
To encourage, and to some extent develop innovation skills, adaptability skills, information management and communication skills using virtual tools and the Internet, relationship-building skills, and cultural understanding of global economies (all assignments).
In this course we attempt to promote Toyota's lean and green manufacturig and Genchi Genbutsu Engineering philosophy. The Japanese phrase literally means the actual part, the actual place, but for one of the best design, industrial and manufacturing systems engineering companies in the world, it implies 'go and see the actual situation first hand to truly understand the current reality'. (This philosophy obviously focuses on educating well-rounded engineers who can reason in a wide range of spectrums, as well as dig as deep as necessary to find the best alternative solutions.) This goal is implemented in this course supported by several analytically founded and simultaneously practical laboratory and in-class mobile laboratory exercises (these are hands on tasks, such as disassembling computers and other devices, whilst modeling the processes, as well as focusing on quality, assembly, lean, 5S, and other methods and attributes), as well as virtual exercises by means of virtual factory tours using DVD videos, and other advanced 3D interactive multimedia resources.
The 21st Century Engineer must simultaneously be an analytical, as well as practical Green Engineer, a professional information searcher, an information and knowledge creator, as well as somebody who can reason over several different sets of information and then select the best possible solution path under constraints... not an easy task. In order to help this process, in this course we'll visit several world-class US, Japanese and European factories and design studios on DVD videos. We'll also rely on NJIT's wast and advanced electronic library, see some of the typical information searches and how the results can be evaluated. For our purposes, we'll use NJIT's SCOPUS electronic database. You can reach it via: http://www.scopus.com.libdb.njit.edu:8888/scopus/home.url, all you need is your UCID and password (as offered by NJIT to every NJIT student) to access this site.

According to NJIT's policies, in this course the NJIT Honor Code will be upheld, and violations will be brought to the immediate attention of the instructor, the Chair, and the Dean of Students if necessary. Also, students will be consulted by the instructor and must agree to any modifications or major deviations from the syllabus throughout the course of the semester.

Please note, that as part of this course we'll learn how to design simple web-pages and document your assignments over the web. This is an essential skill you'll have to learn to progress within the computer graphics for IE knowledge domain. You will also learm about visual factories, visual offices, graphical electronic support systems for products and processes throughout their entire product lifecycle, including lean, sustainable green manufacturing. These topics are essential for you as a professional engineer.

These are the Basic Rules on How To Set Up a web page at NJIT as a Student:

As an NJIT undergraduate, graduate, live and/ or Distance learning, or in other words eLearning Student, or hybrid course student you are entitled to benefit of significant FREE computing resources, meaning hardware, software, as well as on-line email, web-site storage space, and related Internet and NJIT intranet server services. The steps below intend to help you on how to set up a web page for documenting your assignments for this course. Please read and follow each step. Obviously if you already have a web page, either through work, or business, or otherwise, please feel free to use that, or the one you prefer. (All we want is for you to learn the method, and then put all your assignments on the web, learn how to manage your knowledge over the web, and then email your URL with your assignments to the instructor for grading). Note, that you can use any suitable web authoring software. NJIT has a few on free offer too.

These are the steps to follow (as provided by NJIT's IT and Computing Services):

Hopefully all works... I'd like to see your beautiful webpages!

Visit: http://csd.njit.edu/resources/webservices.php and read the instructions for Home page Setup. If you don't understand the details offered, please contact NJIT Academic Computing at Tel: (973)-596-2900, and they'll take you through. (Note, that lines can be busy during peak times, such as at the beginning of the semester, or towards the end of the semester, therefore to sort this out the earlier the better!)
In class, the instructor will go through, step-by-step, in detail, on how to set up a simple web page with text, graphics and spreadsheets embedded. (Note, that the instructor fouses on methods, not the actual software tools.)
You should have an index.html file as your 'title page', because search engines will find you via the index.html file, and your hyper links to other files should be programmed passing through this index.html file.
Please make sure, that you create your index.html file in your public_html directory and have all your other .html, .jpg, .xlx, .mov, etc. files in the same directory, else you will have a 'path error', meaning that your files will not link when viewed by others over the Internet.
Last, but not least: ALWAYS test your uploaded assignment using your own, as well as somebody else's computer, to make sure, that everything works fine. (If you don't have a second, independent computer on the web, ask one of your classmates, or friends to check it for you, by sending him/her an email with a full URL in it, like this: http://www.mycoursewebpage.edu). Also note, that besides the class discussions (live class), the eLearning pack CDs have several examples on the architecture of simple and complex web-pages. All of these are in open source, please study them! We'll discuss some of this in class too!

NJIT Academic Calendar For Fall 2008

Please look up the accurate dates on the NJIT website.

IE203 Course Schedule:

Wednesdays: 8.00 am to 11.00 am. Classroom (pls. check the NJIT webpage for classroom allocations)

1. Class: NJIT Week 1, September 4: Introduction and overview of computer graphics in IE and this course. An explanation of the topics to be covered in the multimedia class / project presentations. An explanation of the syllabus and the assignments for the semester. Visual factory communication: the traditional vs. Internet-age methods and solutions. The visual factory defined in the IE context. Discussion: How visual information can help to improve quality, reduce cost, support operators and management, increase productivity, design, maintenance, production control, safety, service and many other processes. Concurrent Engineering, Lean Sustainable Green Manufacturing and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management). What is the IE's role? (Virtual factory visits using DVD videos and interactive multimedia.) Class discussions.

Please read and study technical articles and resources, provided by the instructor, covering important aspects, such as: Visual Factory Management with Computer Graphics in IE: Lean Six-sigma and Monozukuri (also spelled as mono-zukuri). We'll discuss these key methods, tool and technologies as the best factories execute these methods in Europe, Japan and the USA. (Note, that I learned these critically important methods from GM, Denso, Toyota, Honda, BMW, Bentley, IBM, Mori-Seiki, Fanuc, Rolls-Royce, and others, and I am keen to teach them to you too!)

‘Monozukuri’ is a Japanese phrase, and it means eco-friendly, sustainable green design, lean and visual manufacturing and assembly for the purpose of reducing waste, helping the environment, the communities and in the long term increasing profits and product quality. This principle is based on the long-term thinking and logic, that societies will eventually realize the effects of pollution, toxicity and environmental degradation, and therefore customers will turn towards environmentally safe products. Then, this long-term investment pays off in a relatively short time, because those companies that ignore these policies and carry on deploying wasteful production methods disappear quickly.

Key principles we'll discuss with several examples:

Principle-1: Design and simulate in the digital domain, meaning on the screen first, before anything is built on the factory floor, following eco-friendly, ‘monozukuri-focused’ product, assembly system and factory design rules.

Principle-2: Design products for automated assembly, but start with mostly human operated assembly systems and gradually introduce the appropriate level of automation.

Principle-3: Management decisions should reflect long-term thinking, even if this means initially hard-to-accept financial returns.

Principle-4: Develop outstanding leaders who fully understand and support the company philosophy, and wisdom. (Note, that company mission statements in teh 21st Century should include a sustainable, green design and manufacturing focus!)

Principle-5: Create a strong company culture that does not tolerate poor quality work and focuses on continuous improvement and waste reduction methods and tools. (Note, that by reducing waste at all levels the company becomes leaner, therefore more sustainable... )

Principle-6: Good leaders will spend time at all levels of the company to thoroughly understand all aspects of a decision (‘genchi genbutsu’).

Principle-7: Your company supply network plays a key part in designing products, processes and systems, therefore help them to continuously improve.

Principle-8: Decisions should be achieved by means of team consensus.

Principle-9: Design continuous process flow with built-in flexibility and agility to be able to produce several (e.g. 5-8, or even more) different product types on the same line.

Principle-10: Balancing the workload is essential to avoid high WIP (work – in –progress) and buffer size fluctuations (‘heijunka’).

Principle-11: The production control system should always focus on producing based on the market’s needs, not the factory’s maximum capacity .

Principle-12: Follow reusable, standardized processes. (This does not mean of course, that you shouldn't innovate and design new processes and continuously improve quality and sustainable lean and green processes.)

Principle-13: It is ‘OK’ to stop the line if the associate recognizes a quality issue that needs to be fixed immediately (‘jidoka’).
‘Jidoka’ literally means machines with human intelligence. As an example think of a ‘Smart’ machine, such as and automated robotized inspection station with vision.

Principle-14: Technology used should be the ‘appropriate, tested level of technology’ versus the latest, for the sake of using the latest technology.

Principle-15: Design continuous improvement techniques, or Kaisen methods into every process .

Principle-16: Design products and processes in the digital domain first, to avoid MUDA, MURA, and MURI.

MUDA MUDA means waste. It means many different types of waste, including: unbalanced workload, long waiting times and uncoordinated action plans between departments, as well as waste in terms of, "is the right man doing the right job?"
MURA MURA means irregularity, or differences and variability caused by men. Are individual differences wider than normal? Is co-ordination between associates causing unnecessary irregularities? Is the workload evenly distributed? Are the peaks preventing associates and managers from performing their jobs properly? Is the workload and the type of work balanced in terms of skills, responsibilities and authority? Is proper training provided?
MURI MURI means stress and strain. It reflects on problem areas such as: Is there a shortage of manpower? Is there an opportunity to simplify the operation unloading strain of the operators? Is there an opportunity to reduce organizational strain in the design and manufacturing office by organizing work and activities better? Is manpower and staffing acceptable? Is there a physical strain or ergonomics issue (e.g. posture, environmental pollution, and noise)?

Principle-17: Visual factory to support all sustainable, lean and green requirements.

Principle-18: Strive towards the wisdom of a learning organization through analysis and reflection (‘hansei’) and continuous improvement (‘kansei’).

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Please review the entire contents of your customized eLearning Pack (available from the NJIT bookstore: labelled Fall 2009 IE203). Understand what the 4 collaborative companies do. You must know them, since you have to collaborate with them. Try to invent a new product / process, or service in the area of computer graphics in IE with a visual factory and sustainable green engineering focus. Your instructor will help; don't worry, but it should be your invention. Then set up your own virtual company. This will be the 5th collaborating company. Please note, that the 3D eBook is a web compatible set of files in HTML (text) JPG for images .MOV for videos and Excel for executable code. Please note, that the aditional videos in your eLearning Pack are rendered using the latest MPG4 standard. To play these you'll need QuickTime 7 or later FREE from the Apple web site. (This is a cross platform compatible player.) Please reveiew them all, because by doing so you'll understand better how industry works, and why we are studying this subject. Thanks!

We'll view videos and virtual factory tours in class, have practical labs., and then we'll discuss what we have seen and learned. All of these will help to learn about analytical methods as well as the real world, to develop your assignments, learn marketable knowledge, and get an excellent grade for this class. A win-win for all of us if you follow my advise!

IMPORTANT: About Copyright: Please note, that all eLearning Pack resources, including the CDs and DVDs are individual user licences only, therefore should NOT be uploaded by any student onto the web, or on a server, because that would be in conflict with international copyright laws.

Obviously you can use individual text bits, images, video clips, 3D objects, active code, etc. from these valuable resources, and if you do, reference them in your Bibliographty section of your webpage (There are many examples for how to do this professionally in the Documentation sections of the 3D eBooks.) PLEASE try to stay out of copyright infringement legal trouble! The USA, in particular, has a very strong legal system to enforce copyright laws on an international basis; and they do without any hezitation.

2. Class: NJIT Week 2, September 11: Internet - based methods and technologies for computer graphics in IE. Digital Educational Knowledge Assets. How to take digital photos, interactive videos for IE applications? Structural and system design issues with software demonstrations. Computer graphics objects and component libraries, image processing and image preparation for the web using professional Adobe software tools, and their application in IE. Laboratory exercises and demonstrations. Introduction to MS-Excel and Visio. Web - oriented computer graphics methods, designs and applications. Web-design basics and issues of knowledge management over the web and secure intranet servers in factories for IEs.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: We'll learn how to program the web. Also, we'll learn about computer and machine / robot networking using the Networking 3D eBook (in your eLearning Pack).

3. Class: NJIT Week 3, September 17: Internet and web-programming (cont.). The Internet and networking methods/technologies, standards. Computer networking and the Internet. Computer graphics standards, and objects. Practical laboratory work in Internet programming. Student presentations of Assignment 1 (see below).

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Please refer to your 3DeBook and videos in your eLearning Pack. Please note, that the 3D eBook is a web compatible set of files in HTML (text) JPG for images .MOV for videos and Excel for executable code. You'll also see some visio-drawn graphics in your eLearning Pack. Please note, that the aditional videos in your eLearning Pack are rendered using the latest MPG4 standard. To play these you'll need QuickTime 7 or later FREE from teh Apple web site. (This is a cross platform compatible player.) Please reveiew them all, because by doing so you'll understand better how industry works, and why we are studying this subject. Thanks!

Assignment 1 is due: September 18, (10%): In class project plan presentations. Based on your customized IE 203 eLearning Pack, available from the NJIT Bookstore (pls. contact: Frank) set up your own virtual company, invent a product/process that relates to the following theme: 'Visual Factory and Lean, Green, Sustainable IE: Computer Graphics in IE' and give the class a 7 to 8 minute long presentation on what you are planning to accomplish in this class in this semester with your own company. This is a one page summary of your plans for your instructor, as well as a presentation to the class. You must hand in this single sheet summary after your presentation.

Assignment 1 outline:

Your name,
class,
date,
eLearning Pack ID (take your eLearning Pack to class to show us your collaborative companies),
the 4 Collaborating Companies,
Your Company,
Your Project Title,
Executive Summary of your project.

Please don't miss any of these items.

Explain Specifically:

What is your project?
What is the Computer Graphics in IE Content in your project?
How is your company (i.e. the 5th company) going to collaborate with the 4 eLearning Pack companies to create a lean, green and sustainable product, proces or service?
How are you going to utilize computer graphics in IE?
Explain each video in your eLearning Pack DVD with about 250-300 words on EACH VIDEO. Explain what is Computer Graphics in IE and Visual Factory Control is in the videos, and how you'll use this knowledge as you are building your own company (the 5th company). These are the videos in your DVD: DigiLife, HEXEL, MoriSeiki, RobonovaAndMindstorms, RockwellAutomation

Prepare this in paper format for a standup presentation, or on your screen in Word, or PowerPoint, but as soon as you have your web page up on the Internet, put it up as Assignment 1. (You can add images, text, video clips, etc. after this to your webpage.)

4. Class: NJIT Week 4, September 25: Process modeling for IE-oriented graphics projects within a green manufacturing/ design database and total quality rapid prototyping framework. System analysis and design session. Student laboratory session: Digital Educational Knowledge Assets, computer graphics objects and their application in IE. Methods and software demonstrations on computer graphics in IE. Object oriented process modeling for IE in general. The Internet and networking methods/technologies. We'll use the Networking 3D eBook thoughout th ecourse. Pls. take the DVD with you to class - from the eLearning Pack. (Course feedback and review questions).

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the process modeling chapter and templates (Visio or Omnigraffle) in the textbook in the DVD.

Assignment 2 (10%) Deadline: by October 9, 'My webpage' This is the way I'll document and knowledge manage my IE assignments, using Computer Graphics in IE methods and visual networking technologies over the web'

Assignment 2 outline: All we need at this stage is a simple and working webpage architecture for your assignments. (You can extend it later.) The instructor will help you, nevertheless you have the freedom to develop this webpage the way YOU want it.

Focus on simple solutions and color schemes that work! Make sure that you have a simple but effective opening page, where you indicate your name, the class, the instructor, the eLearning Pack ID, the collaborative companies (hyperlinked), your own photo (so that I can easily remember you! Very IMPORTANT!), and then a list of links to Assignment pages.

The instructor will help you to create standards, nevertheless you have the freedom to innovate and do your own thing, as long as it satisfies NJIT requirements and regulations. Please understand, that it is extremely important for you to learn knowledge management over the web, and this is why we are doing this. Have fun!

5. Class: NJIT Week 5, October 2: Process modeling cont. system analysis and design session. Networking 3DeBook and web-search for appropriate Digital Educational Knowledge Assets. Web oriented computer graphics methods, designs and applications. Web authoring methods. The demonstration, evaluation and case-based learning and reasoning-oriented application of various Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, Omni, etc. web authoring software packages.

Assignment 3: (10%) Deadline: by October 16, 'My process model: This is the way I will develop a Networked Visual Factory'

Assignment 3 outline: All of this should be on the web by now:

A short 1 page description of your Ao process: What are you planning to achieve and how?, dont' forget that you should be working with your collaborative companies, then
show at least 3 layers of lower level diagrams (of selected objects): A1, A2, ...Ai, then A11, A12,... etc. and even for at least one process at the A111, A112, ... level.
Besides the graphical objects, explain each of these processes in 3-4 sentences.

Use Visio or Omnigraffle, or other 2D drawing tools to draw these objects. (Templates are in your Networking 3D eBook in the DVD.) Then save them in .JPG format and put them on to your webpage. Explain your models / process models with a few sentences each. Test your results using other computers over the web.

6. Class: NJIT Week 6, October 8: Analysis methods and exercises using Visio and Excel programs. Interactive classroom exercises / virtual factory tours.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the eBook in the eLearning Pack.

7. Class 7, NJIT Week 7, and 8: October 16 and 23: Analysis and process modeling as an integrated system. Excel programs. Process modeling using computer graphics. Visio for PC users and OmniGraffle for Apple Mac users. Software lab. exercises: graphical programming. Interactive exercises / virtual factory tours on videos. Requirements analysis as an innovation method and engine.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the eBook in the eLearning Pack.

Assignment 4: (20%) Deadline: by November 6, 'My 22 visual models and graphic designs'. This is a CRITICALLY IMPORTANT DEADLINE!

Assignment 4 outline: All of this should be on the web by now:

Part1 (10% of 20%): My visual models and graphic designs (based on 22 images you have created, based on this syllabus, as well as on what you have seen in the resources in the eLearn Pack.
Part 2 (10% of 20%): Graphical CNC Machine Programming (10%) with a 1-2 page documentation what your program does. The program will be demonstrated and then discussed in class in detail with your instructor.

PLEASE NOTE, that in order to make sure that nobody slips in this class, the rule is, that all students who wish to get an 'A" in this class, MUST submit their first 4 assignments by the above deadline.

Sustainable, green visual factory analysis: Interactive classroom exercises / virtual factory tours on DVDs and solid model simulation model demonstrations. More on Green Engineering: http://www.cimwareukandusa.com/All-Green/Ranky-GreenEngineering.html

The purpose of a visually designed, managed and controlled factory is that all aspects of the organization / factory, including the administrative workplace, the design offices, the factory floor, etc. are set-up with signs, labels, color-coded markings, images, optionally with video and/or multimedia screens, etc. so that everyone follows best practice processes.

Properly designed visual factories support waste reduction, and therefore lean and often sustainable green goals too.

Static / dynamic visual factory signs, images, displays, etc. should communicate in a matter of seconds to perhaps a few minutes, what should be done, what is going on, understand correctly performed process, understand test procedures, and most importantly what is out of order, or out of place.

Your task:
In Visio (or using another good graphic software tool such as OmniGraffle on Apple), or any good quality computer graphics tool you like (e.g. SolidWorks, or AutoCAD, or ProE, etc.) draw high quality vector drawings with images (approx. 2000 x 1200 pixel, high resolution) covering the following areas. (Pls. make sure, that all drawings and all the images are copyright free, i.e. do not cut and paste from the web, but create your own drawings 100%: you can use image ideas from your eLearning Pack but you must acknowledge it professionally, like: 'Based on image Courtesy of Paul G Ranky' eLearning Pack, IE203', and also from this web site.

These are some of the examples we'll discuss in class in detail. They all represent important aspects of computer graphics in IE in terms of product, process or service system design. I have taken these images in the USA, Europe, and Asia. They are mostly in hi-def., therefore be patient as they download in full size. (The high resolution will enable you to analyze lots of aspects of these visual examples.)

Sample images are in your eLearnPack DVD, and others hyperlinked below:

Image-1, Image-2, Image-3, Image-4, Image-5, Image-6, Image-7, Image-8, Image-9, Image-10, Image-11, Image-12, Image-13, Image-14, Image-15, Image-16, Image-17, Image-18, Image-19, Image-20, Image-21, Image-22, Image-23, Image-24, Image-25, Image-26, Image-27, Image-28.

Also, I found this excellent website, that illustrates some of the challenges IEs (and others) are facing in terms of visual communications... http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/08/hilarious-signage-part-11.html

Having introduced the topic and the challenges, what you need to do is to create two novel examples for each item of the list below, totaling 22 drawings:

Signs / posters / displays etc. , that:

- Show, that every tool, fixture, device, etc. has a place and everything is in its place (e.g. a tool rack in which tools have a designated place)

- Controls inventory, indicates performance (e.g. following lean concepts, a lean inventory sign, or display)

- Indicates non-conformances (e.g. an out of control situation)

- Indicates when help is needed (e.g. a display indicating what help is needed and where)

- A visual display, that informs employees in the area. For example, charts showing the monthly revenues of the company or a graphic depicting a certain type of quality issue that group members should be aware of.

- A visual control that is intended to actually control or guide the action of the production or administrative team members.

- What are our goals?

- What are our key measures?

- How is the factory performing in relation to those goals?

- What is preventing us from reaching our goals?

- How individual operator / associate efforts contribute toward success?

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the DVD videos in your eLearning Pack, as well as the ones shown in class.

9. Class 9 NJIT Week 9, October 29: The demonstration, evaluation and case-based learning and reasoning-oriented application of various Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, Siemens, etc. and web authoring software packages. Spreadsheets and graphics. Student Internet and multimedia laboratory session. Factory communication: the traditional vs. Internet-age methods and solutions using computer graphics in IE. The visual factory as an opportunity for IEs.

10. Class 10, NJIT Week 10, November 6: Product disassembly laboratory exercise, focusing on PLM, DFA, Process Failure Risk Analysis, process flow, lean aspects, and a 5S introduction (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain).

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the eBook in the textbook DVD combo.

11. Class: NJIT Week 11, November 12: Communication, Computer Networking, CAD/CAM/PLM computer graphics. Communication methods. Computer networking basics. Integration methods and issues. Interactive multimedia development and validation/ quality control session and student presentations. Continuous assignment/ project improvement session based on team and class feedback. Lean and Six-Sigma concepts and examples. Computer Graphics in IE for material selection and support of CAD, CAD/CAM and Lean Factory manufacturing systems engineering. Computer graphics in network simulation and shopfloor networking. PLM as an innovation method and engine.

Assignment 5: (20%) by November 19, 'Product Disassembly Laboratory Lean, Green Visual Factory Assignment: Laboratory Report'

Assignment 6 outline: All of this should be on the web by now:

Show your disassembly process steps and your DBOM (Disassembly Bill Of Material).
Take photos and if you have a digital camera pls. take it to class.
Short 1 page description of your disassembly risk analysis goals.
Explain the lab. What we did and why?
What have we learned?
Document the green, sustainable manufacturing / assembly / disassembly aspects, the requirements, the process, and the disassembly risks.

12. Class: NJIT Week 12, November 19: Student Presentations: Spreadsheets and web-enabled spreadsheets with computer graphics. 5S methods and practical applications for visual factories (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain). Interactive multimedia development and validation/ quality control session and student presentations. Continuous assignment/ project improvement session based on team and class feedback. (Course feedback and review questions).

Please review our past lab photos and video-clips, as well as these Disassembly Lab. pictures:

Assignment 6: (20%) November 20 and December 4: Communication Skills and Live Presentations in Class' Please note, that the class will be split into two groups based on the roster. The first group will present on November 20 and the second on December 4. Please do not miss these dates!

Please find below the links to the November 20, 2009 Disassembly Laboratory exercise:

Picture-1, Picture-2, Picture-3, Picture-4, Picture-5, Picture-6, Picture-7, Picture-8, Picture-9, Picture-10, Picture-11, Picture-12, Picture-13, Picture-14, Picture-15, Picture-16, Picture-17, Picture-18, Picture-19, Picture-20, Picture-21, Picture-22, Picture-23, Picture-24, Picture-25, Picture-26, Picture-27, Picture-28, Picture-29, Picture-30, Picture-31, Picture-32, Picture-33, Picture-34, Picture-35, Picture-36, Picture-37, Picture-38, Picture-39, Picture-40, Picture-41, Picture-42, Picture-43.

Assignment 7 outline: Present to the class your revised assignments.

The interactive multimedia project presentation in front of the class and an Internet-linked computer, based on your web-pages, speradsheets, computer graphics, process models and requirements analysis models. (Imagine you talk to your Board of Directors in your virtual company, with the 4 eLearning Pack company directors and CTOs, who are naturally IEs, present.

These are some important rules to follow when you present:

The fundamental idea behind communication is to:

1. Take a picture/ video clip from your own head,

2. Explain it however you can,

3. Have your audience re-build the picture / video clip within their minds.

Whether the copy of the picture matches the original will depend on how well the message was conveyed. Ideally though the process should be interesting for the listener (and encourage them to stay awake) while building your credibility.

During your presentation focus on the following:

1. Introduce your project objectives (max. 5% of 20%)

2. Discuss content you have created, based on your web page (max. 10% of 20%)

3. Summarize your results and explain possible further work (as a truly lifelong learner...) (max. 5% of 20%)

Make sure you follow these rules:

1. Clarity of Interaction: Both parties are responsible for understanding the message at hand. Even the most confident public speaker in the world could not succeed if their audience is asleep. But if the message is clear and concise then you’re at least halfway there. When interacting with people you are trying to get a reaction from the audience.

2. Confidence, correctness and command of your topic are crucial to showing that you know what you are talking about. The audience’s image of you will improve dramatically if they see confidence. During this process, it is also important to earn the listeners' trust, as well as demonstrate ‘what’s in it for them’ by paying attention to you. By adjusting your presentation to the type of audience, it shows an extra effort to them, and genuine care on your part that you want them to understand the message.

3. Communicate the listener’s incentive right from the start. Word choice is also important. Be aware of ‘hot phrases’ for your audience. Recent news or sensitive issues can throw them off unexpectedly. If they become defensive in the middle of what you’re saying because of a poor word choice, it can be difficult to get them back on track.

4. Keep in mind, that according to major studies, only:

7% of communication is your word choice,
38% is inflection and tone, and
55% is non-verbal.

Clearly, it is just as important what you do with your body as with your mouth and your brain.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the eBook. Also use the videos in the eLearning Pack.

13, 14 and 15. Class/Student Presentations: NJIT Week 13: November 20, 27= no class, and December 4: Student Assignment / Project Presentations: Interactive multimedia development and validation/ quality control session and student presentations. Continuous assignment/ project improvement sessions based on team and class feedback. (Course feedback and review questions).

Assignment 7: (10%) December 10: Final Assignment submission, including ALL reworks!

BONUS OPPORTUNITY for Extra 10% for the entire course:

Optionally (for extra 10%) conduct a Video Conferencing (VC) session using SKYPE, or whatever other software (e.g. iChat) you wish to use (free over the web) VC with one of your classmates and discuss each others' assignments / work. Try to create a collaborative sustainable green quality audit team spirit and document your findings... This is what you should document professionally (pls. note, that if you don't document this session as below, then I cannot give you the extra grade points; sorry):

1. What was the purpose of the video-conferencing session?
2. What software did you use for VC and how? (Must include 3-4 screen prints of the VC session as a proof.)
3. What did you discuss and achieve during the VC session? (Offer a script of your discussions in professional English, not in 'hej dude whatsup' language...)
4. How do you like this video-conferencing approach for collaborative problem solving?
5. What were the main challenges?
6. What worked well, and what did not, and why?
7. In comparison to a face-to-face visit, versus VC, what is the estimated carbon footprint saving to the environment? How did you calculate this result? (Hint: search the web, there are some really useful carbon footprint calculators for free!)
8. What are Green Engineering benefits of using VC? More on Green Engineering: http://www.cimwareukandusa.com/All-Green/Ranky-GreenEngineering.html

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the eLearning Pack and the software access provided by NJIT.

11.59 pm, December 9, 2009 = ABSOLUTELY THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT any assignments! All submissions MUST be electronic = by email / with a web URL in it.

Assignment Requirements & Assessment Criteria:

Please make sure that you understand the assessment criteria. When completing the assignments for this course you'll be continuously assessed on the following aspects (please see again our course objectives above).

Generic Assignment Architectural Support

Based on class and team discussions, interactive multimedia CD-ROMs, DVD videos, labwork, traditional published papers and web articles,etc. prepare ALL assignments in an electronic format (over the web), with text, computer generated diagrams, and images, active code, etc. that in generic terms cover the following:

Title of the assignment: Assignment i: You have to invent a new product / process/ or service in the context of our focus this semester and computer graphics in IE. Then you have to set up your own virtual company, and collaborate with the 4 eLearning Pack companies using IE methods. As an example, the process modeling assignment is about creating a System Model and Design Diagrams following an object-oriented process modeling method, illustrating the process of collaboration between your company and the 4 eLearning virtual companies. Your goal is to put your new product / process / service on the market. The eLearning Packs and the class lectures will give you all the resources you need for all assignments and the final.
Your name, class, date, eLearning Pack IDs, the collaborative companies involved (each learning pack has at least 4 collaborative companies that you should study and incorporate their services into the object-oriented system model you create).
If you have done the work in a team, list all team members, state who has done what and submit SEPARATE ASSIGNMENTS clearly reflecting YOUR contribution to the entire team's effort. NOTE again, that we cannot grade teams. We grade individual students working (preferably) in teams! We encourage teamwork, as far as the methods and the discussions go, nevertheless each student must submit his/ her assignments individually.
DO NOT DUPLICATE sheets, or any other work in assignments, claiming that your team mate has done it. Again, please note, that you should collaborate on methods and in terms of discussing data and results, BUT EACH of you MUST submit a separate assignment that YOU have CREATED for THIS Class! NO DUPLICATION PLEASE, and do NOT copy paste from the web; You'll shoot yourself in the foot! Give credit to all references, pictures, figures, video clips, etc.
Note, that each Assignment must have a section on the Objectives you have set.
You should also have a Description & Solution/ Documentation of the problem. In each assignment you should have a Green Engineering focus. More on Green Engineering: http://www.cimwareukandusa.com/All-Green/Ranky-GreenEngineering.html
Add a Summary - explaining what you have accomplished of the set goals and how!
Furthermore you should include a Bibliography & References section. In terms of assignment documentation structure, please follow the sample generic structure provided in the eLearning Pack eBooks for this class.

Lateness, unless there is an acceptable professional reason is NOT tolerated! Please don’t be late!

According to NJIT's policies, in this course the NJIT Honor Code will be upheld, and that any violations will be brought to the immediate attention of the Dean of Students. Also, students will be consulted with by the instructor and must agree to any modifications or deviations from the syllabus throughout the course of the semester.

IMPORTANT Schedule and Due Dates:

The total course duration is 15 weeks, all class schedule and due dates as above.
Students will be required to complete each assignment as individuals. They are encouraged to work in teams to understand the methods, but each assignment has to be done by an individual student using the customized learning packs available from the NJIT bookstore.
Each assignment has to be posted on the student's own web page over the web, or CD-ROM/DVD-ROM in Internet compatible format (i.e. text in .HTML, images in .JPG, movies in .AVI, or .MOV, Excel spreadsheets in .XLS format).
No team web pages are accepted. NO duplicates of web pages are accepted. EVERY student must develop his/ her own customized assignments!
Please note, that due to ABET (Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) accreditation in this semester and next year, all Final Assignments must be completed electronically based on an electronically stored and submitted professional document, as well as printed (for the benefit of the ABET auditors) in an appropriate, well presented, clean, Project Folder. The Project Folder, to be completed by each individual student, must have the student's Name, Class, Date of Submission, this Syllabus of the Course, the Collaborative Companies, and ALL assignments electronically (on CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM in web-compatible format), as well as in printed format.
Grade "A" for this class requires min. 90% total. (Achievable maximum with the 10% extra bonus assignment = 110%)

PLEASE VIRUS CHECK EVERY POSTED FILE!

IMPORTANT ground rules on improving assignments during semester, and after end the end of semester, after having received your grade:

In accordance with NJIT regulations, I allow you to improve your assignments during the semester. The best approach for all of us is if you complete your assignments (as specified above) on time, then I email you a grade for your assignment, and then if you can improve it, you email the URL again, and hopefully I can give you a better grade at this point of time.
This is a very popular feature of this class because this learning process brings the best out of you. (Remember, your success is my success too!)
The problem starts, when there are too many students and they carry on re-submitting their assignments more than once during the semester. I typically cannot cope with this workload... I see this, because I keep a record of your assignment grade changes. (Consider the numbers: I often have 100+ students in a semester, each working on 6 assignments, that is 600 assignments, and with re-submits typically around 1200 assignments per semester; you see my point...).
Also, because of semester end time constraints, the last assignment cannot be re-submitted.
Even more important: once you have received your grade the only way you can improve that grade is if you re-take the course. This is because if I allow you to do extra work between the end of semester and graduation / commencement, than I should offer this to every one of my students... because I treat every one of you EQUALLY!
If you want an 'A' please make sure, that you follow the deadlines as above, and submit every one of the assignments, with every question, problem answered.

... and to make sure, that we all remember... the NJIT Grade Scale:

90-100 = A
85-89 = B+
80-84 = B
75-79 = C+
70-74 = C
60-69 = D
0-59 = F

Course Improvement and Quality Surveys During the Delivery of the Course

Please note, that the purpose of all of my surveys is Continuous Quality Improvement.

IE203 Computer Graphics in IE Course Analysis for Quality Improvement Purposes

1. Did you read the course syllabus on the web? [yes] [no]

2. Is it clear what we are trying to achieve together? [yes] [no]
If [no], what is not clear?

3. Do you like your customized eLearning Pack with 3D eBooks and DVD videos? [yes] [no]
Explain why?

4. Do you like the fact that the instructor asked each individual
in the class what their personnel interests were? [yes] [no]

5. Do you like the fact that the instructor offered additional reading and learning resources? [yes] [no]

6. Do you think it is important to understand lean production control methods and graphics in the IE context? [yes] [no]

7. Do you think it is important to understand industrial collaboration methods in the IE context? [yes] [no]

8. Do you think it is important to understand process modeling methods in the IE context? [yes] [no]

9. Do you think it is important to understand requirements analysis and risk analysis methods in the IE context? [yes] [no]

10. Do you think it is important to understand and learn how to set up and program web pages in the IE context? [yes] [no]

11. Do you think it is important to learn spreadsheet programming methods in the IE context? [yes] [no]

12. Based on what you have seen and learned from the course during the first 4 weeks, which topic areas do you rate as ‘most important’ in this course?

13. Based on what you have seen and learned from the course during the first 4 weeks, which topic areas do you rate as ‘least important’ in this course?

14. Do you have a suggestion? Please explain. (Your input is very important for us. We follow a continuous quality improvement process. Your input will help us to improve.)

Result: During the past 5 years, based on over 140 inputs, over 95% of the answers offered by the students approved the above by indicating 'yes'. Students in this class like the fact, that the learning packs are customized, and that they have significant multimedia, web and active code content. Sometimes students feel, that there is too much to learn in this class, but years later they indicate in their emails, that 'Professor, I am using in my work everything we learned in IE203...' Nobody rated any of the topics to be 'least important'. In terms of needs / new requirements, the class has emphasized the importance of web-programming, web graphics, spreadsheet programming, CAD, and real laboratory activities (besides computer labs.), therefore these activities and subject areas have been increased during the 2002 to 2006 time period.

=============================================================

Informal Quality Feedback Form (Ranky, December, 2006)

Please review the following topics for this class by rating each topic between 0 to 10 (0 = meaning not important / poor quality and 10 = extremely important / excellent!). This feedback form will help your instructor to maximize quality satisfaction.

1. Web-based syllabus (... OK it is long, but is it helpful? Did you read it?):

Over 90% stated yes, and rated it very high (8-10) ('Typical response: ... it is long, but has all the detail...')

2. eLearning Pack with DVDs and 3D interactive eBooks. (Do you prefer interactive, full color learning resources, or static, black & white traditional printed books?:

100% stated yes, prefer the interactive eBooks versus the traditional printed textbook. Some asked for a printed version too (pls. note, that every eBook can be printed from a browser if you have the money for the ink... some are over 800 pages long...obviously interactive active code, videos, spreadsheet cannot be enjoyed on paper...)

3. Visual factory and computer graphics in IE focus on how to find and reduce waste to become leaner:

Over 95% stated yes, and rated 10

4. Object-oriented information system models and process modeling:

Over 90% stated yes, and rated this very high (8- 10) (Some felt, that the Visio software tool was difficult to use and that we should explore other graphics software tools too; agree...)

5. CORA: QFD (Quality Function Deployment); Requirements Analysis

Over 90% stated yes, and rated this very high (8-10). Many felt, that after the disassembly laboratory this method, process modeling and requirements analysis became much clearer. Action: we'll do more labs in the future, combining analytical as well as practical activities and skills.

6. Real world challenges and examples on DVDs, based on virtual factory and R&D tours:

Over 95% stated yes, and rated this very high (8-10), claiming, that practical real-world challenges and demonstrations were very valuable because they could see several US and international factories in many different industries on DVDs. (Note, that before, during and after the DVDs we analyzed and discussed contents in detail.)

7. PFRA: Process Failure Risk Analysis:

Over 90% stated yes, and rated it very high, and claimed, that it became clear after the disassembly laboratory (which follows the analysis class of discussing the process risk analysis method).

8. How the learned methods and tools fit together, and how we can integrate them for specific computer graphics in IE applications:

Over 80% stated yes, and rated this high, between 7- 10. Which is very good, considering, that most students don't understand the real-world of corporate America at this stage yet.

9. Laboratory classes / demos: Over 95% stated yes, laboratories are very important, and asked for more practical laboratory content (something we should do more / improve for next semester; subject to funding...)

-Web design lab. (with Mr. Solano, TA): Very important lab, but some felt, that it should have been explained better. (We'll improve on web design issues.)

-Spreadsheet development lab. (with Mr. Solano, TA): Very important lab, most felt, that it was very good. (We'll carry on with this lab next semester.)

-Computer graphics software tools lab. (Ranky, as well as Mr. Solano, TA): Very important lab, but some felt, that we should have more software demos and software content, and that the Departmental Computing Laboratory was out-of-date (agreed; we'll have to improve in this area with new laboratory development; funding hopefully on the way...).

-Computer disassembly lab. (with Ranky): Very important lab, over 90% felt, that it was excellent, and that they have learned a lot. (This became even more evident during the presentations of excellent web-based lab-reports with pictures, text, process models, requirements analysis models, risk analysis models and even some video clips over the web.)

-Humanoid robot lab. (with Ranky): It was the most popular lab., 100% felt, that it was excellent, very interesting, lots of fun... (We'll have to do more of this in the future).

10. Any hot topics you think we should cover in the future? Please list and explain.

Some felt, that the assignments were sometimes a bit complex (they need more explanation, agreed). Also, most students want more practical labs., more software tools to learn, better computer labs, more practical laboratories where they can work with real devices, machines, robots. They would like to work with more humanoid robots and how they can be integrated into our society in the future... (All agreed... we are working on these new labs; subject to funding...)

Summary of Course Modifications and Improvements (2002-2006) based on student surveys and feedback (organized by the instructor, using forms shown above, as well as informal discussions), and semester end surveys (organized by NJIT, using the standard NJIT course evaluation forms):

Student Surveys: Based on the 2002 student survey, all requests were implemented, and the assignments were explained better.
The web-based assignment documentation requirement was moved from Assignment 1 to Assignments 2 and 3.
A step-by-step note was put up on the web on: 'How to set up web pages at NJIT as a student', and in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 assistance was offered for this activity by one of Dr. Ranky's graduate RAs)
Based on the 2002 - 2005 surveys the real-world laboratory content has been increased. More CAD/CAM demonstrations and activities were offered too.
Based on the 2005 survey, for 2006, more visual factory, digital design and digital manufacturing, CAD/CAM and PLM content has been added, coupled with practical laboratory work in real-world IE process / robotics and machining labs, in the classroom, using kits, as well as in computer labs.
Based on the 2006 surveys it is clear, that students would like to use more software tools, and participate more in practical laboratory sessions. They also like humanoid robots and how these devices will shape our society in the future. (We'll try to do more of all these in the future, subject to lab. funding...)
Student Feedback: I have to admit, that student feedbacks like these make me VERY HAPPY:
- Professor Ranky, It was a great semester and Guess what...I am very thankful to the material learned in ur class because i am working with one of the company that wants their factory to have a Visual Managment phase... So after all I will be using your dvd's very often. Thanks, Akin Patel'.
- 'Dr. Ranky, I could finally breath after checking my grades. The material provided is so phenomenal, that though at times one would have questioned if I will be EVER using this information in real life, I realized this time to time that the material is about topics I didn't know, things that I might not have given a thought otherwise, and things I would have not learnt until and unless I were lucky as you to meet the people and visit places that you did just to prepare this course. You truly own all the credit for the hardwork and success of your students. I am looking forward to the TQM class. Happy a wonderful Christmas and a good luck on swimming with sharks. I've heard of your passion for swimming/ diving and hope to see your exciting videos next year, Usman;
- Thank you for your teaching it was a great experience for me and
  everything that I have learned I am going to utilize it in my
  professional life. I hope that we cab see and that you can be my
  professor again, thank you again for everything
  Rahadames
- Thank you for a rewarding semester, Ryan
- Dear Dr. Paul G. Ranky,
  Please see the URL to all my assignments for this course. It was nice having you with all the great resources in this class. Please keep up this great work. Hope to hear from you soon. Regards, Moses
- Hello Professor Ranky, I'd like to say once again that I really enjoyed your course and know that the material you taught us will be very handy during our futures as IE's. Once again, I'm sorry if at any point throughout the term we as a class gave you the impression that we weren't fascinated with the material. I hope that my presentation yesterday showed that wasn't the case. Thanks for your time -Akash R. Shukla
- Gustavo Truyol here, I 'm sending you the assignment page with all the assigment (PLM included). I learned a lot in your class, I hope to take any other of your classes in the future.
- I am still using CORA, FRMA. Every time I use it it works! If there are updated versions please let me know. I see now how revolutionize was the concept when you first put it out. Now years later there are some similar items, but not as equal in my view. Thank you. Ivan
- A1. I really enjoyed the contents of IE 203, we gained knowledge of a little bit of each course that lie ahead such as Work Measurement and Standards, Quality Control, and other courses. Yes, the final project helped me with communication skills when I had to present to top managers during my summer internship. This project also helped me write a informative and straight to the point PowerPoint. Yes, all of these aspects have been very useful in my professional career, I was really confused at what tasks I would need to complete a work but this course has clarified Industrial Engineering for me. More disassembly projects during the semester would improve future IE’s quality assurance and lean factories skills.
  
  A2. Yes, the lecture by itself was very interesting and informative, I can’t say this about many courses. The lecture was quite long but the information given was worthwhile and eye opening into the IE profession. The only suggestion for improvement is that the book was not used as often. I used the CD-ROM provided with the book and never opened the regular book. I was wondering if the book was eliminated would it affect the course in anyway because you get the same valuable chapters on the CD-ROM.
  
  A3. I believe the professor’s flexible availability was proven helpful, when you need help completing the hardest part of the course, starting a web page. You had prompt and positive responses to any questions asked and provided much feedback.
  
  Thanks for a great experience! ------- by Andrea Kimborough (NJIT IE203 Class 2005). Emailed by Andrea to me on November 5, 2007 in response to one of my Continuous Quality Assessment and Lifelong Learning surveys:
- More responses:
- Q1. How did you like the contents of IE203, Computer Graphics in IE
  (the course I taught to you): Can you use the contents taught in
  industry? In particular do you find web page design with graphics,
  visual, lean factories, process modeling, requirements analysis, risk-
  analysis, presentation and comms. skills useful in your profession?
  PLEASE explain briefly why and how... Any suggestions for improvement?
- The value of IE 203 is not realized until you apply the methodology in your first internship/or full time position. It was the foundation for my first internship and I believe it to be the foundation for Industrial Engineering. It is 100% useful to my profession! Lean, Kaizen, 5s, etc save companies millions of dollars if used properly.
- Q2. Did you like the delivery and learning resources of the course?...
  with interactive multimedia 3D eBooks, videos, spreadsheets, etc. Do
  you think, that the lifelong learning emphasis in the course was
  important? Any suggestions for improvement?
- Suggestions for improvement at this point would be hard for me to say only cause I took the course 4 years ago. The course was effective enough to have left a perfect imprint in my mind. The multimedia portion of the course was a new learning method for me at the time, and a very effective one. Everything was visually pleasing and arranged in a very friendly manner, which was very important to me because I am a visual learner. If something isn't visually pleasing, it's either hard for me to absorb the information, or I loose interest.
- Q3: Course management quality: Do you think, that the instructor's
  email and home telephone availability during weekdays as well as
  weekends is important? OR, the instructor should only be available
  during lecture hrs and office hrs at NJIT, and by email during official
  weekday hrs. Any suggestions for improvement?
- I feel communication by email is very effective because it saves both parties time. If I really needed to see you, I would email or call you to make an appointment, otherwise, I prefer email. I prefer a professor who checks their email regularly and replies accordingly. Hanisha (IE203)
  Q1. How did you like the contents of IE203, Computer Graphics in IE (the
  course I taught to you): Can you use the contents taught in
  industry? In particular do you find web page design with graphics,
  visual, lean factories, process modeling, requirements analysis, risk-
  analysis, presentation and comms. skills useful in your profession?
  PLEASE explain briefly why and how... Any suggestions for improvement?
  
  A1: I noticed that most industries follow risk analysis . Also, the
  material provided me with a better understanding on subjects such as:
  project management (RAM and Work Breakdown Structure), human factors
  (list the problems and improve the product), inventory management, etc.
  An example of a good designed website is the orca computer website, in
  the VSE section they offer video of their visual simulation (offering
  the video of simulation)
  
  Q2. Did you like the delivery and learning resources of the
  course?...with interactive multimedia 3D eBooks, videos, spreadsheets,
  etc. Do you think, that the lifelong learning emphasis in the course
  was important? Any suggestions for improvement?
  
  A2: The part that I liked the most was the visual material, such as,
  the video on manufacturing, especially the difference between companies
  (The mini-cooper assembly and the Ford assembly). The only suggestion
  is that there weren't any references to the DVD content in the book(the
  book didn't noted the additional material and info that was on the DVD)
  
  Q3: Course management quality: Do you think, that the instructor's
  email and home telephone availability during weekdays as well as
  weekends is important? OR, the instructor should only be available
  during lecture hrs and office hrs at NJIT, and by email during official
  weekday hrs. Any suggestions for improvement?
  
  A3: Contacting with the instructor during the weekdays and weekends
  helped to improve my work, I really appreciated that whenever I sent an
  email, the instructor would answer me in less than an hour. I didn't
  have any phone conversation, since, it would've been a little hard for
  me to ask or understand material involving graphics and visual images,
  even a table is hard to explain over the phone. Personally, I prefer
  email because I could show the actual work and give time for the
  instructor to give feedback
  
  Best regards,
  Gustavo Truyol (IE203)