This program is intended to discuss the latest developments and progress in the fields of product realization. These include the latest methodologies, tools, techniques, analysis software and case studies from American industry as well as the most current research topics, teaching methods, laboratory exercises, student projects, problems sets and teaching aides for engineering undergraduate courses. The material presented can be taught directly in product realization courses or be incorporated as modules in manufacturing engineering centered curricula. Product realization is becoming an important element of global competitiveness in terms of achieving high quality and low cost products at the shortest time to market. Several tools and methods have become widely used for product realization and will be presented and discussed with classroom notes and lectures, software demonstrations and laboratory exercises such as: quality function deployment (QFD) or customer driven engineering for focusing the product users' input into the design specifications of new products; reducing cost through analyzing product design for production and assembly (both manual and robotic) by comparing and rating alternative designs and using the manufacturing process capability for setting the tolerance limits and quality level for new products. Several case studies developed by world class companies to illustrate product realization will be presented. Leading product realization advocates from these companies will share their expertise with the participants through open forum and plant tours. This program will increase undergraduate faculty experience with these concepts and encourage them to develop courses, capstone projects and incorporate modules of product realization into their curriculum.
