Technology Leadership and Innovation Courses

A detailed survey of organizational structures, operational, financial, marketing, and accounting activities; duties of management, planning, control, personnel, safety, wages, policy, and human factors necessary for effective management.

Lean manufacturing is a systematic approach to eliminating non-value added activities throughout a production system. Five basic principles characterize a lean production system: value definition, value stream mapping, flow optimization, pull production, and continuous improvement.

A study of industrial supply chains. Emphasis is on in-plant shipping and receiving functions; modes of distribution; functions of, and services provided by supply chains. Emphasis is placed on how manufacturers, distributors and end users can provide value in the supply chain.

An introductory course into the components of teaching engineering/technology (E/T) education in today's public schools. Students explore the K-12 E/T education curriculum, national standards, and professional associations. Development of educational objectives and effective lesson planning is discussed.

A course for teacher education majors that provides rationale and techniques for integrating engineering and technological literacy into the K-12 mathematics and science curriculum. Experiences focus on the engineering design process as it relates to mechanisms, robotics, materials, electrical circuits and electronics

This course focuses on the development of design and communications technology taught in middle and high school technology education courses. Students present design and communications technology lessons. Students explore activities in secondary design and communications technology in a laboratory setting.

This course focuses on the development of manufacturing technology knowledge and skill required to teach middle level technology education courses. Students prepare and present manufacturing technology lessons and learning activities. Students explore, through laboratory activities, content areas included in secondary manufacturing technology.

This course focuses on construction technology knowledge and skill required to teach middle technology education courses. Students present construction technology lessons and learning activities. Students explore, through laboratory activities, the variety of content areas included in secondary construction technology.

A course designed to develop understanding of, and insight into, the basic aspects of accident prevention and safety. Specific attention will be given to (1) the psychological aspects of accident prevention; (2) the principles of accident prevention; (3) the practical aspects of planning, implementing, and maintaining a safe environment; and (4) standards, current laws, and regulations. Field trips may be required.

Prerequisite: IT 230

Sales and sales management techniques for analyzing distribution challenges and providing solutions through effective communication; establishing credibility, effective questioning techniques, developing and presenting solutions, anticipating objections and gaining a commitment, plus techniques for building, developing and compensating an effective sales organization.

Prerequisite: IT 230

A course designed to develop understanding of types of warehouses, methods of organizing the warehouse environment, and determining efficient inventory control procedures. Purchasing of products, storage of inventory, placement of inventory and other internal logistics management topics will be explored. Real world projects conducted in lab environment will be utilized.

Prerequisite: MA 159 or Equivalent

Basic concepts of quality systems in business and manufacturing settings are presented. Basic statistical methods as applied to quality control, and an introduction to sampling plans are included. Field trips may be required.

Prerequisite: Junior or consent of instructor.

The course provides a basic understanding of automatic identification and data capture technologies and concepts with regard to how their deployment affects business and industry. Laboratory applications of bar codes, radio frequency identification, card technologies, and biometrics will be emphasized.

An introduction to OSHA and standards development for occupational health in general industry. Special emphasis is on fire protection and egress, flammable and combustible liquids, electrical, personal protective equipment, machine guarding, industrial hygiene/blood borne pathogens, ergonomics, and ISO 9000/14000 integration.

Students gain experience in determining content and writing instructional objectives. Emphasis is placed on developing good testing instruments and evaluating those instruments as they relate to measuring student achievement in the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains.

Prerequisite: IT 114/214 and PHYS 218 and IT 342  or  STAT 301

This course is a study of the role and scope of total productive maintenance (TPM) in manufacturing. The three types of maintenance activities: corrective, preventive, predictive, and their associated quantitative techniques are studied. Reliability and queuing theory are discussed. Team projects are required. Field trips may be required. 

Prerequisite: MA 159 and Junior in IT or consent of instructor

A course designed to focus on work design and ergonomics in manufacturing. Specific attention will be focused on introducing the terminology and the techniques used in work design and on the fundamental concepts embodied in industrial ergonomics. During scheduled laboratory times, exercises will permit the student to apply the concepts of industrial ergonomics. Field trips may be required.

Prerequisite: MGMT 200T or consent of instructor

The course is designed to familiarize students with various methods of pricing strategies, marketing concepts, and the terms and procedures involved. Special emphasis will be on computer applications and case study problems that help and enhance marketing of products and services. Field trips may be required.

Prerequisite: IT 230 or consent of instructor

A study of the various aspects of logistics in industrial systems and product support. The development, implementation, and control of physical transportation systems, product distribution, warehousing, and inventory policy models will be emphasized. The impact of logistics and transportation in the global environment will be discussed. Case studies and software applications will be included.

Prerequisite: IT432 and IT 434

A course designed to build upon previous distribution-related courses with subjects related to managing a distribution enterprise. Modules in sales management, strategic planning, supply-chain logistics, purchasing, and the legalities of distribution manufacturer relationships will be combined with case studies to provide students with practice in making decisions and establishing policy from the manager's point of view. Field trips may be required.

Prerequisite: IT 114/214 and MET 245 or consent of instructor

A study of industrial organization and management, research and development, production, personnel, and sales. Examples of the procedures necessary to provide a product or service are included. Field trips may be required.

The problem-solving skills learned in IT 34500 are applied to manufacturing, distribution, or business data collection problems. Depending on the problem, one or more of the available data collection technologies will be used to address the issue of concern. Field trips may be required. Permission of instructor required.

Prerequisite: IT 342 or STAT 301

A study of the six sigma quality and process improvement methodology, using the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) process. The course addresses advanced topics in statistical quality as they pertain to the six sigma methodology and provides preparation for the Green Belt Certification exam.

Prerequisite: MA 159 or equivalent and Junior or Senior

An introduction to financial statements and to the study of the costs of production in terms of break-even and least-cost alternatives, including present and future costs when related to the time value of money, budgeting, labor and overhead, production, cost control, and the role of the supervisor and the engineering technologist to cost control. Computer applications for determining rate of return for complex problems are introduced.

This course provides future technology education teachers with information on designing, organizing, and managing technology education facilities. An in-depth study of specific laboratory requirements related to safety is covered. Management skills related to students, equipment, and supplies are addressed. Students design a technology education laboratory.

Students identify and demonstrate a variety of instructional techniques appropriate for teaching secondary technology education. Students plan lessons and assess their effectiveness on student achievement. Methodological insights and understanding for teaching technical subject matter is stressed.

Prerequisite: IT 442 and MET 242 or 245

This capstone course integrates all aspects of manufacturing activities and materials handling focusing on lean concepts. A systematic approach is used to design a manufacturing facility integrating principles of lean production systems and eliminating waste through continuous improvement. Computer simulation and projects are required. 

An introduction to measurement strategies in industrial, technical, and human resource development environments. The evaluation of measurement outcomes will be the primary focus of the course.

Examines the contemporary issues of continuous improvement in quality and productivity in manufacturing and service industries. Includes a close examination of the evolving philosophies bearing on the scope, improvement, and costs of quality assurance programs in industry and technology.

Principles and procedures in planning, organizing, and developing instructional content for industrial, technical, and human resource development courses.

An introduction of methods of designing biometric testing, performance, and evaluation analyses. Specifically, methods of evaluating fingerprint, face recognition, iris, and voice recognition data are explored using ROC curves, CMC, Rank statistics, and DET curves. The course examines testing requirements from submission of IRB documents to the final analysis. A component of comparative analysis within modalities is included.

The objective of this course is to provide in-depth knowledge of global supply chain management and its application in industries. This course explores supply chain management, expanding beyond the linkage between producer and distributor to include other enterprises in the product life cycle, beginning with concept design and ending in disposal. Learning methodologies include lecture, case study, and collaborative student group activities in applied research. Permission of department required.

An introduction of test methodologies from disciplines outside of biometrics, which include: usability, ergonomics, human factors, and human-computer interaction, in order to demonstrate how biometric data analysis can benefit from understanding how humans interact with biometric sensors during the testing and evaluation of biometric systems. The course explores test methods, case studies, and prior biometric testing reports in order to develop a test methodology that includes information on how users interact with biometric systems. Permission of department required.

Examines biometrics technology as it relates to security, access control, and the authentication of individuals. The course will examine biometric technologies including iris, face, finger, hand geometry, dynamic signature verification, skin print analysis, and voice recognition. Permission of instructor required.

Examines biometrics technology as it relates to security, access control, and the authentication of individuals. The course will examine biometric technologies including iris, face, finger, hand geometry, dynamic signature verification, skin print analysis, and voice recognition. Permission of instructor required.

A study of the utilization of microcomputers in a variety of manufacturing and technical functions. Current DOS and Windows software will be emphasized. Permission of instructor required.

Emphasis on content priority and sequence, sources and assessment of instructional materials, instructional methods, and pertinent research.

Principles and procedures in locating, evaluating, producing, and integrating instructional materials and aids into industrial, technical, and human resource development programs.

Examination of the interrelationship of manufacturing and distribution, with an emphasis on the necessary channels that link the producer to the distributor. Permission of instructor required.

The factors influencing decisions during the initiation, implementation, and termination of industrial and manufacturing projects are examined. Students work as project teams, using project management tools to develop implementation strategies. Permission of instructor required.

Advanced study of technical and professional topics. Emphasis is on new developments relating to technical, operational, and training aspects of industry and technology education.

Independent study of a special problem under the guidance of a member of the staff. Does not substitute for either M.S. thesis or M.S. project credit. Permission of instructor required.

A formal investigation of a particular problem under the guidance of the advisory committee. Not applicable to a thesis option plan of study. Enrollment during at least two consecutive terms for a total of three credits is required. Permission of department required.

Theory and practice in the development of comprehensive solutions to problems in industrial, technical, and human resource development environments. Solutions based on emerging procedures will be emphasized. Permission of instructor required.

This course covers topics of fingerprint capture, fingerprint feature extraction, fingerprint matching, and attacks on fingerprint systems. The course requires analysis of real fingerprint data and the integration of fingerprint recognition in existing infrastructures. Development of a fingerprint recognition system is required. Prerequisites: IT 54500 and either IT 50700 or STAT 50100.

This course provides a technology neutral approach to the discussion of biometric system interoperability. It examines the issues of biometric sub-systems of different biometric modalities and sub-systems of the general biometric model. Students will be able to critically evaluate the impact of interoperability of sub-systems on the performance of the entire system. Prerequisites: IT 54500 and either IT 50700 or STAT 50100.

An analysis of basic administrative functions in technical and human resource development. Developing and managing budgets, staff, operations, and clientele services in a variety of delivery systems. Permission of instructor required.

Research MS Thesis. Permission of instructor required.

A survey of the concepts that provide a foundation for the understanding of individual and group behavior in organizations. Special emphasis on typical interpersonal and leadership relationships. Typically offered Fall Spring Summer. 

Introduction to applied leadership in the context of organizational functions, structures, and operation.

Mastery of the basic knowledge managers need to effectively lead individual employees. Includes primary measures of performance success, leadership strategies, core leadership actions, and a comprehensive theory that explains how the strategies and actions cause positive attitudes and increased performance.

An applications-oriented course in presenting technical information and conducting problem-solving and decision making meetings. Special emphasis on leading and facilitating interactive meetings, as well as structuring information for effective presentations.

Prerequisite: OLS 386 and OLS 388

A course in complex problem solving and creative thinking with an emphasis on the ethical impacts of these solutions.

Supervised work experience directed toward professional development in supervisory or related leadership positions. Rotational work-study periods planned and coordinated by department staff in conjunction with the student and the employing organization.

Principles, practices, and methods of employee training. Introduction to systematic training program design, development, and evaluation. Emphasis is on the supervisor as a trainer.

Prerequisite: OLS 386 and OLS 388

Analysis and discussion of case problems concerning typical leadership and personnel situations that impact upon the supervisor/manager. Emphasis directed toward development of attitude, philosophy, analytical ability, and problem-solving skills within the working environment.

 Introduction to and overview of fundamental concepts of leading organizational change.

Prerequisite: OLS 252

The group process, team development and exploration of dynamics that impact group and team performance.

Prerequisites: OLS 386 and OLS 388

An introduction to project management concepts and practices in the context of human resource development projects.

Service learning is a reflective experience in which students are actively engaged in the community and integrate that experience into the classroom.

Prerequisite: OLS 386 and OLS 388

A study of the methods for dealing with innerpersonal, interpersonal, and political disputes by means generally outside the traditional court system. Students will investigate the theoretical and practical aspects of conflict assessment, negotiation, problem solving, mediation, and arbitration.

Prerequisite: OLS 386 and OLS 388

A study of how organizational leaders create an environment conducive to high levels of employee self-motivation, quality, and productivity (TQM). Actual case situations are used to illustrate the application of course content.

Opportunity to study specific problems in the field of personnel, safety, supervision, and training under the guidance of an OLS faculty member.

A practicum designed to combine University study with work experience directly related to the student's plan of study.

Leadership involves relationships and social influence processes in an interactive relational context. In this survey course, the foundational concepts and theories of human behavior that enable effective leadership is examined. Organizational behavior at the levels of the individual, group, and organization are discussed, with the goal of predicting, shaping, and evaluating workplace behavior.

A survey course emphasizing the human resource function (and its development) in the context of the work organization. Human resource development topics include exploration of various training and development techniques, the relation of training to organizational strategies, training needs analysis, evaluation of training, and career development. The strategic approach to human resource management also is covered, including what human resource professionals can and should do to help the organization succeed.

An introduction of the tools of organizational decision making and for students to learn to integrate functional area knowledge and analysis in the organizational context. A variety of analyses are introduced, including budgeting, audits (i.e., cultural, strategic), planning, classification of core competencies and strategic capabilities, and understanding value chain, industry and competitor analyses, and basic project management. Using cases and real organizational problems, students will: (1) identify types of organizational reports and understand how to evaluate them; (2) demonstrate knowledge of when to request various analyses and; (3) understand how to complete some common organizational analyses and reports.

A survey of key, recent, and essential elements of organizational theory and design that provide the foundation for diagnosing, developing, and critiquing organizational decisions and forms. Questions and issues to explore include: Why do organizations exist and why do they survive? Why and how do organizations differ? Why and how do organizations change? Multiple frameworks from the social sciences that are useful for understanding organizational processes will be applied.

This introductory graduate seminar explores the theory and practice of change in organizations. The process of organization development is explored, as well as basic OD interventions. Issues and challenges of organization development also are discussed.

Focuses on methods of understanding and improving the performance of collaborations and work teams. A holistic view of teams is obtained by combining psychological theories and current practices in contemporary organizations. Topics include task design, team composition, member role structures, member socialization, influence and power, leadership, decision making, and training. Students are asked to watch and reflect on collaborative work relationships. A heavy emphasis is placed on experiential learning, including case studies and a variety of team-learning exercises.

Addresses the theoretical and practical issues associated with the design of effective compensation systems. Covers compensation philosophy, strategy, and policy, including topics such as performance-based pay, equity considerations, job evaluation, and benefits.

This course is a senior undergraduate and graduate course designed to provide students with the comprehensive study of contemporary diversity issues facing supervisors and human resource professionals. Issues relevant to supervisors and human resource professionals are discussed at a level where students will be able to manage a diverse workforce and develop policies and practices to assist organizations to avoid problems and litigation.

An examination of all aspects of the staffing process beginning with workforce planning and applicant recruitment and ending with termination and outplacement. Recruitment and selection methods used by organizations are evaluated using scientific and ethical criteria, and discrepancies between research recommendations and practice are explored.

Provides students with a deeper understanding of the process of creativity and design and its role in modern organizations. Students should develop sufficient knowledge to make informed decisions about innovation-related issues, to participate on design teams, and work on developing the cross-functional skills essential for developing and /or commercializing product, process, or service innovations in traditional and in start-up environments.

Introduces students to contemporary theories, concepts, and applications of virtual teamwork. Students explicitly examine the differences in virtual and collocated team development, and use emerging theories (e.g., team identity theory) and perspectives (e.g., online community development) to predict and explain virtual team behavior and leadership decisions. This course requires Internet connection and completion of some collaborative tasks while maintaining only computer and technological linkages to widely dispersed team members.

Explores determinants of employee attitudes and job satisfaction and modification of attitudes and morale. Ways to reduce barriers between management and employees are investigated, as are organizational communication issues, diversity issues, procedures to resolve disputes, employee involvement strategies, and working effectively with unions and maintaining non-union status.

Supervised field practice in training activities in business, government, and industrial organizations which maintain training programs staffed by qualified training personnel. Permission of instructor required.

This course will enhance the student's ability to harness the talents of diverse members in organizations and take full advantage of cultural similarities and differences. Various activities will link theory and experience and help students predict and understand the worldly context of organizations.

Review of current managerial education and development theories and practices; discussion of fundamental social, economic, and political changes affecting business and the work of managing; implications of these changes for individual manager development and continued growth.

A survey and analysis of the law governing human resources. Students will strengthen their understanding of the legal framework in which human resource administration takes place by studying employment discrimination, compensation laws and regulations, employee selection guidelines, and other topics.

Current topics and issues in the legal, behavioral, and technical environment of human-resources management. Topics may include employment practices, labor-management relations, wage and salary administration, treatment of employees on the job, or productivity-improvement programs. Employs seminar format with emphasis on applications research. Course may be offered in traditional, distance, or blended format.

The function and management of training and development in the world of work.

Explores issues and practices in technologically-driven international organizations pertaining to the six major HR functions (recruitment and selection, performance management, training and development, organizational development, compensation and benefits, and labor-employee relations). These are considered in the context of technologically-driven multinational organizations with the United States being the foundation for comparison. The course is strategic in focus. A "best practices" approach, utilizing the case method, is emphasized.

Exposes graduate students to the theoretical foundation and empirical research associated with emerging strategies and theories in the study of world-class leadership. The structure of the course is four fold: the discovery of critical leadership skills and behaviors, discovery of critical world-class leadership strategies, encouragement of self analysis, discovery of leadership strengths, and conducting research on leadership issues. Permission of instructor required.

Development and improvement of interpersonal and group dynamic skills for effective leadership in organizations. Emphasis on action learning and real-world application of skills. Course may be offered in traditional, distance, or blended format. Open to all graduate students with special consideration given to senior OLS students with 3.0 GPA and School of Technology graduate students.

Advanced study of technical and professional topics. Emphasis is on new developments relating to technical, operational, and training aspects of industry and technology education. Course may be offered in traditional, distance, or blended format. Course format may vary, depending upon topic of course.

Explores issues in leadership and organizational change. Included are change theories, utilizing resistance to change, contemporary approaches to change, the future workplace, and researching best practices in organizational change.

This course explores issues and practices in technologically-driven organizations pertaining to the roles and functions that coaching and mentoring play in employee development. A "best practices" approach, utilizing the case method, is emphasized. Presented from the point of view of a human resource manager/leader, the focus of the course is on identifying coaching opportunities, enhancing communication skills, developing and implementing coaching and mentoring strategies, and evaluating the outcomes of these strategies. Attention is directed to facilitating personal coaching mentoring skills. Course may be offered in traditional, distance, or blended format. Permission of department required.

This course is designed to provide students from all functional backgrounds with skills needed to approach interdependent relationships and negotiations with confidence. Included is an examination of how leadership and influence is gained, maintained, used, abused, and lost in the pursuit of interpersonal and organizational objectives that are often in conflict. Students in the course will develop a framework for analysis, gain knowledge about one's own tendencies in negotiation, and have a chance to experiment with negotiating techniques in various contexts. Topics include: integrative and distributive negotiations, individual differences in bargaining styles, coalitions, team negotiations, negotiating through agents, and ethical issues in negotiation.

A seminar course covering safety promotion, human factors considerations, contingency planning and crisis management, theft and misuse of organizational resources, and investigations and preventive measures. Other topics covered include promoting employee health and creating psychosocially healthy organizations.

Focuses on affect, motives, attitudes, beliefs, values, ethics, morals, will, commitment, preferences, norms, expectations, responsibilities, and other key concepts as they relate to leadership. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the kind of ethical dilemmas they may face in the workplace. A variety of methods, such as invited speakers, case studies, or readings are used to deepen the understanding of these issues and provide practical examples. Students will develop their personal philosophy, as well as the skills and confidence needed for ethical leadership in their professional careers.

This course examines concepts, models, and methods useful for developing strategic initiatives in industrial/technical business environments. Focuses on planning concepts, including industry structure, strategic mission, organizational structures, competitor analysis, and related areas. Graduate status or senior standing with consent of instructor. Graduate students without an OLS background may be required to take leveling courses.

An examination of ethical, legal and policy issues facing business and technology leaders. Topics include ethical decision making, corporate social responsibility, codes of ethics, public policies and government regulations, international business practices, technology innovation, risk management in a global environment, and specific areas of law- employment, health and safety, environment, contract, warranties and liabilities, intellectual property, technology law, and international laws and regulations. Graduate student standing or senior status with consent of instructor. Graduate students without an OLS background may be required to take some leveling course.

Opportunity to study specific problems in the field of supervision and personnel under the guidance of a qualified faculty member within the department. Does not include thesis work. Permission of instructor required.

A formal investigation of a particular problem under the guidance of the advisory committee. Not applicable to a thesis option plan of study. Enrollment during at least two consecutive terms for a total of three credits is required. Permission of instructor required.

Theory and practice in the development of comprehensive solutions to problems in industrial, technical, and human resource development environments. Solutions based on emerging procedures will be emphasized. Permission of instructor required.

This course focuses on the planning and executing of research designs after identifying a real organizational challenge or problem. Students will develop their own methods for uncovering and diagnosing organizational problems, reviewing relevant literature, formulating solution models and recommendations, and helping client organizations implement changes. Students are required to prepare and present an action learning project, with an emphasis on documenting ways they have and can make a difference in an organization.

Research MS Thesis. Permission of instructor required.