Advisory Board
Present:
The Center for Manufacturing Excellence (CME) Advisory Board includes executives from the Blue Springs Toyota plant and other manufacturing businesses as well as industry experts. They guide the development of the Center’s programs and facilities to ensure it meets the needs of modern manufacturing companies.
Proposed:
The Center for Manufacturing Excellence has a wealth of industrial input from its advisory board partners. Economic developers and industry executives from Toyota, GE Aviation, Ingalls, Viking Range, and many more provide the CME an unparalleled perspective on manufacturing and how best to meet the needs of industry on a state, national, and global level.
Manufacturing Education
Present:
Students attending the Center can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with an emphasis in manufacturing. Courses focus on lean manufacturing and provide a background in business, accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources. Students will participate in hands-on work through an internship or work-study program in their last two years of study. Programs of study and degrees offered will be extended at a later date.
Proposed:
Students who participate in this unique program have the option of pursuing a degree in the School of Accounting, Business Administration, or Engineering. Courses focus on lean manufacturing and provide a background in accounting, business, finance, marketing, human resources, and engineering. This interdisciplinary approach to a professional manufacturing education helps to break down barriers and bridge gaps that exist between the technical and business worlds. The CME will develop a graduate program in the coming years.
Professional Development Education
Present:
In addition to the academic courses provided, the Center also provides extension programs for workforce training. Toyota Production Systems (TPS) is one course taught in both the academic setting and as an extension program. Additional programs are being developed for the Mississippi workforce.
Proposed
In addition to the academic courses provided, the Center also provides extension programs for workforce education. The CME Extension Services Programs utilizes the world renowned manufacturing philosophy of the Toyota Productions System (TPS) to improve working conditions, efficiency, and overall quality of a manufacturing outfit. Not only is TPS applied to local industry, but it is also taught to the CME students.
Industry-Led Research
Present
The Center will also address the needs of industry through research. The development of a graduate level program with research to meet the needs of industry is planned.
Proposed
The CME’s state-of-the-art facility and unique interdisciplinary academic approach offers a wealth of resources. The 47,000 square foot CME facility contains laboratory space, classrooms, meeting rooms, and a factory floor in excess of 12,000 square feet. Opportunities for joint research and development projects are welcomed
