Monash University Engineering handbook 1995

Copyright © Monash University 1995
Enquiries to publishing@udev.monash.edu.au

Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial and Computing)

Objectives

A graduate with the award of Bachelor of Engineering (Industrial and Computing) may be expected to display the following attributes.

Knowledge and understanding

A student will be expected to have a knowledge and understanding of:

* the theory and methodology used to analyse and model systems of relevance to industrial engineers; in particular designs which integrate material, information, human and financial resources, (through the analysis or production sequences and methods, optimum flows and layouts, and of work methods and procedures, and the organisation of labour);

* the need to optimise solutions to industrial engineering problems within a set of constraints posed by economic factors, safety and environmental considerations, strategic objectives and organisational culture;

* professional expectations relating to ethics and legal responsibility and will act accordingly.

Skills

The student should be able to:

* analyse existing work procedures;

* synthesise processes from its component parts;

* design and use productive systems which link information flow with material flow;

* use computer and other tools to simulate work methods and material flow;

* design and use information systems which monitor operational performance;

* apply computer programming to productive systems;

* collect and analyse data;

* plan and execute tasks using appropriate resources;

* communicate effectively;

* function individually and as a member of a team;

* focus on the client/customer needs;

* train other people;

* evaluate assumptions and arguments critically;

* adopt creative approaches towards problem solving, and

* integrate knowledge from different areas to synthesise a coherent analysis and design to a problem.

Attitudes

The graduate is expected to display:

* leadership in the context of quality improvements, cost containment and value adding in the manufacture of products and provision of services;

* awareness of current attitudes to and factors affecting organisational change, and take account of them in changes to the method of work;

* relevance of industrial engineering methodology towards improving the way work is conducted in manufacturing and service organisations

* commitment to safe practice with minimal adverse environmental impact

* appreciation of the needs and expectations of the community, and individuals in it.

Course of studies

Industrial engineers design productive systems comprising people, machines, materials and money. They are people with creative and innovative skills and a knowledge of engineering, computing and business principles. Their main aims are to create an efficient and effective workplace to achieve a high productivity and high performance - the maximum output from an organisation for the same input of effort and resources and the meeting of important objectives. These aims involve industrial engineers paying due regard to all production aspects, as well as product quality and human factors. Only in this way can a company compete in today's world and fulfil the needs of its customers, employees and owners.

Monash industrial engineering training, covers the basic applied sciences and engineering to provide skills in dealing with complex engineering equipment. This includes computer-based equipment, so skills in both electronics and computing are developed. But every company depends on its finance and on the skill of its employees, hence studies in both business and social subjects are also undertaken. Safety in the work place and a knowledge of new materials are also included. Industrial engineering draws on a broader range of skills than perhaps any other course at the Caulfield school. The degree course at Caulfield is strongly vocation-oriented in order to train industrial engineers who can quickly assimilate into professional employment.

The course is structured to provide a thorough understanding of the principles and applications of the various disciplines. In addition, it is designed to develop personal qualities that are essential for a professional engineer, such as personal communication skills, ethics, creativity and sound judgement to design and establish systems for the benefit of society.

The first year is common with the other engineering courses and covers basic studies including computer science and engineering communications.


Return to outline of undergraduate studies Return to engineering handbook contents Return to the list of Monash handbooks