PLM curriculum development: Using an industry-sponsored project to teach manufacturing simulation in a multidisciplinary environment

This paper describes a course that was redesigned to meet industry's need for a product life cycle management (PLM) literate workforce. The objective of this interdisciplinary course is to introduce students to manufacturing engineering theories coupled with an industry-sponsored project. Throughout the building of an assembly line simulation, students are exposed to topics including process design, process verification, and workspace ergonomics. Moreover, practices of project management along with the theory of critical chain are built into this course. The end goal is to prepare students with not only the knowledge of PLM but also the capability of problem solving, communication, self-motivated teamwork, and leadership.