The objectives of this course are to develop a basic understanding of machine intelligence and explore modern tools in designing intelligent manufacturing systems. Through the lectures, on-site visit, reading assignments, and course project(s) the participants will examine how knowledge-based systems (KBSs) and learning systems can effectively improve the performance of machine tools, work cells, and overall manufacturing enterprises.  At the end of the course each student should be able to: - Identify the basic components of manufacturing automation - View modern manufacturing automation as an intelligent system - Summarize the benefits of flexible manufacturing and open-architecture controllers - Describe how laser material removal processes can improve product quality - Understand how knowledge-based system (KBS) technology can improve manufacturing enterprises- Appreciate the role of knowledge acquisition in designing intelligent automation - Describe the basic operation of artificial neural networks (ANNs) - Design simple neural networks for signal processing, control, and pattern classification applications - Understand the essentials of fuzzy sets and systems - Apply fuzzy logic to intelligent control, production planning and scheduling - Evaluate object oriented and relational data bases - Describe fuzzy data mining and clustering (Lead Instructor: George Knopf, Western Ontario) 

Design for Manufacturability (DFM) involves a variety of systematic design approaches that ensure all elements of the product life-cycle from conception through to final disposal are addressed by the engineer during the product design process. In this course, the participants will develop an understanding of the various tools and techniques used to design high-quality products at the lowest possible cost. General topics to be covered in the course include: Design for Manufacture (DFM): Product life cycle; engineering design methods; general approaches to DFM; integrating design and manufacturing data; managing the engineering design process; organizational barriers to DFM. Design for Competitive Advantage: Design to cost; time-to-market; time-to-breakeven; design to value; mass customization. DFM and Quality Engineering: Customer needs and expectations; Quality Function Deployment (QFD); product and process FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis); Taguchi methods (TM). Design for X (DFX): Design for assembly (DFA); design for reliability; design for environment; design for human factors; software tools for DFM. (Lead Instructor: George Knopf, Western Ontario)

A course on Finite Element Analysis (FEA) as a productivity tool.  Topics covered include FEA powers and shortcomings, avoiding common pitfalls and misconceptions, alternate and preferred modelling approaches, reliability of results, integrating FEA with other Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools and finally streamlining FEA and CAD with FEA oriented Solid Modelling practices. (Lead Instructor: R. Buchal, Western Ontario)

Rapid Mechanical Design addresses all aspect of mechanical design, including consideration for end-of-life issues, with the focus and emphasis of the course being on rapid product development.  In this course, the participants will be introduced to the various state-of-the-art methodologies and off-the-shelf tools and facilities for rapid design. The course will have an introductory section on a limited set of classical design topics in order to prepare the students for the in-depth discussion of the advanced topics on rapid prototyping.   The introductory topics will include: Manufacturing Management Strategies, Concurrent Engineering, Conceptual Design, and Design for X. The advanced rapid-design topics are categorized into virtual and physical prototyping. Virtual prototyping topics include: Geometric Modeling (including major CAD software packages), Computer-Aided-Engineering (CAE) Analysis, Engineering Optimization, Design of Experiments, and Virtual Reality. Physical prototyping topics include: Introduction to Polymerization, Sintering, Casting, and Chemical Machining, Material-Additive Layered Prototyping (including Photolithography, Sintering, Deposition, Lamination, and Laser-Induced-Fusion Based Rapid-Prototyping Systems, Material-Removal-Based Prototyping, and Reverse Engineering.  (Lead Instructors: Beno Benhabib, Toronto, Gene Zak, Queen's) 

This course will explore the role of engineering within the collaborative innovation process from an application perspective, as well as the engineering interface with others in the innovation chain. Drawing on proven techniques, it will increase competency in integrated design thinking and intrapreneurship to elevate project success rate. (Lead Instructor: David Strong, Queen's)

This course provides an overview of ergonomic problems that are addressed in engineering design: including biomechanical, physical and physiological issues.  Case studies will range form the design of vehicle cockpits to process control rooms, from industrial manual materials handling tasks to human direct robots, and from domestic tools to biomechanical devices.  Specific topics include: anthropometry, work space design, environmental conditions (light, noise, humidity, temperature, motion), physiology, materials handling capacity, gender issues, tool design, product design and structured ergonomic design evaluation techniques.(Lead Instructor: Tim Bryant, Queen's)

Mechatronics is the integration of mechanical, electrical, computer and control engineering. This course deals with the analytical tools required to design, model, analyze and control mechatronic systems. Properties of linear and nonlinear systems, system identification methods, process modelling, sensor and actuators, computer interfacing, computer control of machines and processes (PLC and PC based). Laboratories will include PLC based automation applications and PC based advanced robotics.(Lead Instructor: Brian Surgenor, Queen's) 

The concept of materials selection as an integral part of the design process is presented. Issues addressed include: choice of material; method of manufacture; failure modes; tailoring of microstructure to obtain optimal properties and in-service performance. Content will be reinforced through case studies that consider a variety of material classes.

An overview of industrial energy management given. The advanced technical procedures required for assessing energy saving opportunities (ESOs) in industrial equipment and systems are covered. Both new and existing equipment are considered. A review of heat transfer, fluid mechanics and thermodynamics is given to support the analysis of various ESOs.

Whether working in the public or private sector, engineers are constrained by financial realities. Knowledge of accounting - how it works, its assumptions, and its usefulness - is an essential prerequisite to informed to informed participation in business decision-making. The purpose of this course is therefore to provide a sound basic understanding of accounting - the "language of business" - and to develop skills in the interpretation and use of accounting information. The course will provide a thorough understanding of how accounting information is used in organizations. We briefly consider reporting to external parties (financial accounting), and consider in more depth the measurement of product and activity cost (cost accounting), and the use of cost information for decision-making, planning, budgeting, and the measurement of performance (management accounting).(Lead Instructor:  David Sharp, Western Ontario)

The focus of this course is mastery of the fundamental elements of all effective professional communication: assessing the communicative situation, understanding the needs and expectations of the audience, creating an effective and suitable message, and projecting confidence and competence through an appropriate communication style. The course combines theoretical understanding with practical application in four areas of communicative competence: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students will prepare and present a variety of messages and will be involved in the critical appraisal of the messages of others. (Lead Instructor:  Jennifer MacLennan, Western Ontario)

The objectives of the course are to provide an introduction to the basic theories and concepts in marketing, with an emphasis on businesses marketing to other businesses (B2B marketing); to develop an effective decision- making framework to address practical problems and issues in marketing; to illustrate the need to integrate marketing decision-making with the other functional areas within an organization; and to offer specific insights into selected marketing contexts; e.g., services, new/high technology, developing and managing relationships, and marketing in the global environment. Emphasis will be placed on e-business and how the Internet and the World Wide Web have greatly changed the role, efficiency and effectiveness of the marketing function, especially in the business-to-business marketplace.(Lead Instructor:  David Blenkhorm, Western Ontario)

This course sets out to build on engineering leadership skills and to enhance methods for leading teams. Common leadership challenges will be addressed such as change management and vision setting. The elements of leadership include: dependability, resourcefulness, strategic thinking as well as organizational, communication and teamwork skills.

Technological entrepreneurship is more than having a good idea and a solid business plan, it is a process intimately connected to new product innovation and design. The steps required for successful introduction of a new product will be addressed: identification, evaluation and selection of opportunities; planning, financing and executing the new venture.

Advanced Project Management builds from the basic tools of project management to introduce participants to the reality of managing projects within the context of engineering organizations that can be complex, where multiple projects may be in place, where membership is drawn from a variety of specialization's and individual differences abound and where team-based functioning is the norm.  The course will address issues such as management of multiple projects, individual differences, project leadership, working in teams, and change management. Case studies of managed projects will be used in the course. (Lead Instructor:  Harvey Kolodny, Toronto)

This course has three instructional objectives: (i) acquire, understand and apply general knowledge of operations and supply chain management; (ii) advance managerial insights from both the C-suite and frontline points of view with regards to the value to be realized through efficient and effective work-related efforts; and (iii) enhance confidence in addressing operational and supply chain issues. (Course Leader: David Barrett, Western University)