Welcome to IE203: Application of Computer Graphics in Industrial Engineering

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

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...

Your instructor for this course:

Paul G. Ranky, PhD
Full Tenured Professor
Registered Chartered Professional Engineer
Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering; Also Professor in the NJIT IT Program
NJIT, University Heights, NJ 07102 -1982

Preferred Email contact: ranky@njit.edu

Please note, that for reliability reasons I have added another email address: cimware@mac.com . Please use this and send your email again if you don't get an answer from me within 3 working days. I can read the cimware@mac.com account over the Internet anywhere where I have Internet access, therefore even if I am away at a conference on NJIT business we can be in touch.

Tel at home (in case of emergency only, 24 hrs), but preferably during normal hours, meaning between 8.00 am and 10.00 pm: Tel: (201) 493 9561

Note, that my office is in ITC 2519 at NJIT (Newark Campus).

My office hours for the Fall 2006 semester are 9.00 pm to about 10.00 pm on Mondays, after class in FMH 309, and 1.00 pm to 1.30 pm on Wednesdays, in my office. Other office hrs. are available unless I am away on official NJIT business. If these are inconvenient hours for you please see me after class, or ask for an appointment by email, or by phone, and I'll be happy to see you as soon as I can. Pls. email me if you have a question, or if you need me anytime. I try to read my emails several times every day, including weekends, and even on most holidays.

More on the Professor’s past and current research work and professional background at: http://www.cimwareukandusa.com/aboutpgr.htm

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 every session in this course includes computer applications in the class, or lab., and some include laboratory exercises using real machines and processes to deepen our knowledge of the subject.

• 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 visual factories, visual / electronic product / process support systems, visual offices, and interactive user / maintenance manuals, and to understand various analytical IE methods.
• To introduce some basic terminology of computer graphics, interactive multimedia and the Internet.
• 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 various software packages, including Microsoft Office, Word, Powerpoint and Excel, as well as some of the basics of Adobe graphics and Apple 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 integration aspects.
• To design/ develop/ implement and validate an interactive multimedia presentation (web and/or CD-ROM oriented) on a specific area of Industrial Engineering with some advanced IE related computer graphics and 3DVR (3D Virtual Reality) and DEKA (Digital Educational Knowledge Assets) objects and features.
• To appreciate the power of computer graphics by analyzing the results of network simulation studies (OPNET software).
• 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 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, for Toyota, 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 be a professional information searcher, 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 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. 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!

1. 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!)
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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 2006

Please look up the accurate dates on the NJIT website. This is a summary below:

Monday
September 4
Labor Day - No Classes Scheduled

Tuesday
September 5
First Day of Classes

Monday
September 11
Last Day to Add a Course

Monday
September 18
Last Day for a Refund based on a Partial Withdrawal

Monday
October 24
Last Day for a Refund based on complete Withdrawal

Monday
November 6
Last Day to Withdraw from Course(s)

Monday
November 13
Spring Registration Begins

Wednesday
November 22
Classes Follow a Friday Schedule

Thursday-Sunday
November 23-26
Thanksgiving Recess-No Classes Scheduled

Wednesday
December 13
Last Day of Classes

Friday-Thursday
December 15-21
Final Exam Period

Friday  
December 15 
Deadline for Applying for May Graduation

Friday
December 22
Fall Grades Due in Registrar's Office

IE203 Course Schedule:

Wednesdays: 10.00 am to 12.55 pm. Classroom (pls. check the NJIT webpage for classroom allocations)

1. Class: NJIT Week 1, September 6: 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 Manufacturing and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management). What is the IE's role? (Virtual factory visits using DVD videos and interactive multimedia.) Class discussions.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Review the entire contents of your customized eLearning Pack (available from the NJIT bookstore: labelled Fall 2006 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 PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) 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.

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

Note, that the textbook DVD combo (inside the textbook) has 3 separate eBooks in one DVD. These being: CE/PLM, Rapid Prototyping, and Requirements Analysis. Use the CE/PLM eBook for the entire class. (In this course, we'll also use further 5 CDs/DVDs, as follows: Label1=PLM DVD, Label2=Netw eBook CD, Label3=FordR, Label4=GenR, Label5=DynSim). You'll see in this syllabus when and how we should be using them. Th einstructor will also guide you in every session what to do with what resources. Nevertheless they are in your eLearning Packs for you to keep them all, therefore explore them and LEARN! Sounds like a lot, but you'll enjoy it because you'll be able to turn the learned knowledge into real value.

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. Just look up the CE/PLM 3D eBook). PLEASE try to stay out of copyright infringement trouble! The USA, in particular, has a very strong legal system to enforce copyright laws on an international basis!

2. Class: NJIT Week 2, September 13: 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, and their application in IE. Laboratory exercises and demonstrations. 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 (label=1 in the DVD box in your eLearning Pack).

3. Class: NJIT Week 3, September 20: Internet and web-programming (cont.). The Internet and networking methods/technologies, standards. Computer graphics standards, and objects. Practical laboratory work in Internet programming. Student presentations of Assignment 1 (see below).

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: We'll learn how to program the web. Also, we'll learn about networking using the Networking eBook (label=1 in the DVD box).

Assignment 1 is due: September 20, (10%): In class project plan presentations. Based on your customized IE 203 eLearning Pack: 2006, 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 PLM (Product Lifecycle Management): Computer Graphics in IE' and give the class an 8-10 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, Explain Specifically: What is the Computer Graphics in IE Content in your project? Prepare this in paper format for a standup presentation, 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 27: Object oriented process modeling for IE-oriented graphics projects within a 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. (Course feedback and review questions).

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the process modeling chapter and templates (Visio or Omnigraffle) in the textbook DVD combo, in the CE/PLM eBook.

Assignment 2 (10%) Deadline: by October 6, 'My webpage' This is the way I will document and knowledge manage my IE assignments using Computer Graphics in IE methods and technologies over the web'

Assignment 2 outline: All we need at this stage is a good 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 4: Process modeling cont. System analysis and design session. CD-ROM 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 13, 'My process model: This is the way I will develop a Visual Factory using Computer Graphics in IE methods and technologies'

Assignment 3 outline: All of this should be on the web by now: 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. Then save them in .JPG format and put them up to your webpage. Test your results using other computers. over the web.

6. Class: NJIT Week 6, October 11: Requirements analysis methods and exercises using Excel programs. Interactive classroom exercises / virtual factory tours.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the Requirements Analysis eBook in the textbook DVD combo, in the CE/PLM eBook.

7. Class 7, NJIT Week 7, October 18: Hybrid Class: Requirements analysis and process modeling as an integrated system. Excel programs. Interactive exercises / virtual factory tours on DVDs. Requirements analysis as an innovation method and engine.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the Requirements Analysis eBook in the textbook DVD combo, in the CE/PLM eBook.

Assignment 4: (10%) Deadline: by October 20, 'My requirements analysis spreadsheet model'

Assignment 4 outline: All of this should be on the web by now: Short 1 page description of your requirements analysis goals. Then the detailed spreadsheet, with everything filled in as discussed in class, and documented in text too. Link the .xls file to your webpage, so that it stays as an active code object for me to test. Do not embed it; it does not work.

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 Friday this week.

8. Class 8, NJIT Week 8, October 25: Process risk analysis, and process modeling, and requirements analysis as an integrated system. Excel programs. Interactive classroom exercises / virtual factory tours on DVDs and solid model simulation models. Risk analysis as an innovation method and engine.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the Process Risk Analysis eBook in the textbook DVD combo, in the CE/PLM eBook. Also use DVD video labels 3, and 4 in the DVD box.

9. Class 9 NJIT Week 9, November 1: The demonstration, evaluation and case-based learning and reasoning-oriented application of various Microsoft, Adobe, Apple, 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.

Assignment 5: (10%) Deadline: November 3, 'My process risk analysis spreadsheet model'

Assignment 5 outline: All of this should be on the web by now: Short 1 page description of your risk analysis goals. Then the detailed spreadsheet, with everything filled in as discussed in class, and documented in text too. Link the .xls file to your webpage, so that it stays as an active code object for me to test. Do not embed it; it does not work.

10. Class 10, NJIT Week 10, November 8: 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 Process Risk Analysis eBook in the textbook DVD combo, in the CE/PLM eBook. Also use DVD video labels 3, and 4 in the DVD box.

11. Class: NJIT Week 11, November 15: CAD/CAM/PLM computer graphics. 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.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the Process Risk Analysis eBook in the textbook DVD combo, in the CE/PLM eBook. Also use DVD video labels 1 and 5 in the DVD box.

Assignment 6: (10%) by November 17, 'Product Disassembly Laboratory Lean Factory Assignment: Laboratory Report'

Assignment 6 outline: All of this should be on the web by now: Short 1 page description of your disassembly risk analysis goals. Explain the lab. What we did and why? What have we learned? Document the Disassembly requirements, the process, and the disassembly risks.

12. Class: NJIT Week 12, November 22, Thanksgiving week, Friday schedule, Hybrid class: 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 lab photos and video-clips.

Assignment 7: (10%) by December 1, 'CAD/CAM/PLM Computer Graphics Assignment'

Assignment 7 outline: Based on the DVD label=1, as well as the textbook and the CE/PLM eBook: Answer the following questions: What is PLM? Why is it important for an IE to understand PLM? What is digital design and manufacture? What are the benefits compared to the older methods and tools? Also, based on the DVD video (label=1) create 5 questions on your own and answer them with 8-10 sentences each.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the textbook DVD combo, in the CE/PLM eBook. Also use DVD video labels 1 and 5 in the DVD box.

13, 14 and 15. Class/Student Presentations: NJIT Week 13: November 29, 14: December 6, and week 15: December 13: 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 8: 'Final Models on Student Webpages, Virtual Factory Tour DVD Video Notes & Live Presentations in Class' (30%)

Assignment 8 outline: All of your assignments should be on the web by now. Use this opportunity to update and polish up all your assignments. Also, you have to do some extra work: View the DVD videos again: for DVD labels=3, 4, and 5 you should answer the following questions: Why is it important for an IE to understand the topic presented in the DVD? Based on your product / process or service innovation you have been developing with your 4 collaborative companies, how would you help and improve what you have seen in the DVDs? Also, based on each DVD video (labels=3, 4 and 5) create 5 questions each on your own and answer them with 2-3 sentences each.

Extra Bonus Assignment for extra 10%: 'Computer Networking and Computer Graphics in IE Modelling'. Please contact your instructor to discuss this assignment in more detail.

eLearning Pack Resources for this session: Use the networking 3D eBook, label=2 in the DVD box.

12.00 pm, December 15, 2006 = ABSOLUTELY THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT any new or reworked assignments! All submissions MUST be electronic. Please email to me the latest version of your web URL. Also, because of ABET requirements, this semester you should also print all your assignments and submit them in a nice folder. Thank you!

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).

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:

1. Title of the assignment: Assignment i: You have to invent a new product / process/ or service in the context of our focus this semester (i.e. Visual Factory and PLM) 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 in CIMpgr (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.
2. Your name, class, date, eLearning Pack IDs, CD-ROM serial numbers used, the learning pack number with 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Note, that each Assignment must have a section on the Objectives you have set.
6. You should also have a Description & Solution/ Documentation of the problem.
7. Add a Summary - explaining what you have accomplished of the set goals and how!
8. 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.

The final 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. (Follow the same architecture as above).

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:

1. The total course duration is 15 weeks, all class schedule and due dates as above.
2. 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.
3. Each assignment has to be posted on the student's own web page over the web, or CD-ROM in Internet compatible format (i.e. text in .HTML, images in .JPG, movies in .AVI, or .MOV, Excel spreadsheets in .XLS format).
4. No team web pages are accepted. NO duplicates of web pages are accepted. EVERY student must develop his/ her own customized assignments!
5. 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.
6. Grade "A" for this class requires min. 92% total. (Achievable maximum with the 10% extra bonus assignment = 110%)

PLEASE VIRUS CHECK EVERY POSTED FILE!

Course Improvement and Quality Surveys During the Delivery of the Course

========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.

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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 this 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;
  • 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