Our department offers two study abroad programs for students to advance their studies and global understanding of industrial engineering overseas. Within these programs, students will be exposed to diverse approaches and perspectives on engineering, improve their technical language proficiency and communication skills, and gain exposure to international standards within different regulatory environments.

See below for more information on our study abroad programs.

History and Application of Lean and Quality in Japan

The course will be conducted over three weeks in Kobe, Nagoya, Yokohama and Tokyo, Japan with easy access to both city and industrial zones.  The course includes two weekends for students to sightsee and explore the island of Honshu, including historic sites in Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, or Tokyo.

The course will focus on lean manufacturing principles, historical figures in lean and quality, and cutting-edge technologies, while immersing students in Japanese culture.

The course interweaves classroom lectures, visits to leading companies, historical sites and museums related to lean and quality, and opportunities to explore the philosophy of continuous improvement.  The course also includes a lecture and workshop at 1or 2 Japanese universities.

The topics and learnings are applicable for all of the College of Engineering disciplines.  Prerequisite:  None.

To apply today, contact course instructor Dr. Gary Null or visit UTK in Japan – Apply Here

Applied Human Factors and Art in Florence

This mini-term summer course will be conducted over three weeks in Florence, Italy, the heart of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance, with several day trips, and a 4-day trip to the ancient capital city of Rome.

The course interweaves an understanding of how and why to apply human factors principles to improve work and life, gained through the study of Italian manufacturing, products, and living space, with an examination of how the human form and daily life has been represented in various art forms over history.

In the course of the mini-term, students will complement lessons and discussions with guest lectures, facility tours, cultural immersion activities, artistic study, and appreciation of Italian life.

For more information, contact course instructor Laura Knight.

Reliability and Business Excellence

This summer course is a “big picture” look at applying current engineering knowledge in a business environment within any industry. The curriculum integrates engineering knowledge and concepts with applied real-world situations to enable continuous improvement and success. Students will have the chance to tour several companies to support learning and discussion.

Upon course completion, students will be able to answer the following questions:

• What role has engineering played in innovations and progress?
• What is operational excellence? How do you attain it?
• What’s the difference between reliability, maintainability, lean mfg., TPM, RCM, Six Sigma, and other tools and techniques, and how do they fit together?
• What do the best companies do differently?
• What is the impact of size, volume, complexity on operational excellence?
• What are the elements of a successful continuous improvement process and how do you implement/sustain it?
• What is the role of leadership and individuals?
• How does improved reliability impact safety, equipment uptime, quality, culture, and cost?
• If you spend a day at a factory, how do you know if it’s efficient and effective?

To apply today, contact course instructor Klaus Blache.