Global Perspectives in Reliability in Austria

Vienna is the federal capital and largest city of Austria. With 1.9 million residents, it contains nearly one-third of Austria’s total population, and is its cultural, economic, and political center. Apart from being regarded as the City of Music because of its musical legacy, Vienna is also said to be “The City of Dreams” because it was home to the world’s first psychoanalyst – Sigmund Freud. The city’s roots lie in early Celtic and Roman settlements that transformed into a Medieval and Baroque city, and then the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is well known for having played an essential role as a leading European music center from the great age of Viennese Classicism through the early part of the 20th century. The historic center of Vienna is rich in architectural ensembles, including Baroque castles and gardens, and the late-19th-century Ringstrasse lined with grand buildings, monuments and parks.

In this exciting and vibrant destination, Students will learn the details behind what makes companies excellent and sustainable. You will attain skills regarding what to look for and questions to ask and get an opportunity to analyze several companies. The book used will be “The Relativity of Continuous Improvement” written by the instructor, 2015. Several cultural events will be planned to enhance the Viennese experience.

Program Dates: TBA

Learn more about studying abroad in Austria

A Peek at Your Experience

This list is subject to change as excursions and activities are finalized closer to the program date. Below is a prospective list. 

Vienna, Austria

• Go on a city walking tour
• Taurob Robotics Tour
• Borealis Tour
• Chocolate Factory and Museum 

Steyr, Austria

• Magna Factory Tour
• BMW Plant Tour
• Greenpower Tour

Academics

This course is a “Big Picture” look at things that students need to know about taking all that has beeen learned to-date and putting it to practice in a business environment at any industry. It integrates engineering knowledge and concepts with things that need to be understoon in real world situations to enable continuous improvement and success. This course is applicable to all College of Engineering students. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, specific questions that students will be able to answer are:

• What role has engineering played in innovations and progress?
• What drives German engineering excellence? What can we learn from it?
• What is business excellence?
• What do the best companies do differently?
• What is the impact of size, volume, complexity on business excellence?
• What are the elements of a successful continuous improvement process?
• What is the role of leadership and individuals?
• What is the relationship between reliability, maintainability and availability?
• What is the relationship between human factors and quality?
• How are organization structure, leadership style and workforce involvement related?
• What metrics should be used?
• How important is workforce involvement?
• How can I best implement to enable successful change?
• What can I do to make a difference?

Housing & Meals

Students will stay in double or triple occupancy 4-star hotel rooms. Breakfast is provided daily at the hotel.