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Degrees and Schools
A number of degrees are appropriate for this line of work including business administration, industrial engineering and industrial technology. Someone with work experience in manufacturing may want to pursue to a business degree while someone without experience will need to obtain a degree in industrial engineering, industrial technology or similar field. Business programs can be found at most universities and many colleges while industrial engineering and industrial technology degrees are much less common. Although associate's degrees are available, a bachelor's or master's degree will be required for most positions.
Coursework
Industrial engineering programs will include coursework similar to that listed below:
- manufacturing processes
- engineering statistics
- decision modeling and risk analysis
- production system design
- production planning and control
- quality planning, design and control
- human factors
- operations and maintenance management
- computer simulation modeling and analysis
Industrial technology programs combine technical, operational and management training and typically include courses such as the following:
- manufacturing materials and processes
- applied electricity and electronics
- industrial automation
- industrial communications
- organizational management
- industrial safety
- organizational behavior
- human relations
Online Classes and Programs
Business degrees are widely available online and are a good choice for individuals with manufacturing experience or who have an existing technical degree. Only a few industrial engineering and industrial technology degrees are available at the bachelor's or master's level online since hands-on learning is an important component in this field. Associate level degree programs available online do not provide the level of training needed to become an industrial production manager.
Employment Requirements
Most positions require a bachelor's degree in business administration, industrial engineering or industrial technology but relevant work experience is often important also. Many industrial production managers move up from jobs as production supervisors, who in turn have had experience as production workers. Larger and more technologically complex plants may look to fill positions with individuals with master's degrees in business or industrial engineering, even if the person doesn't have production experience in the industry. Many employers also prefer to hire individuals with knowledge of quality, efficiency and process improvement strategies such as Six Simga, Lean Manufacturing and statistical process control (SPC).
How to Evaluate Schools and Programs
When selecting an industrial engineering or industrial technology degree program, prospective students should consider the following questions:
- Electives - Does the program offer electives that support the student's career goals? How many electives will the student be able to take?
- Flexibility - Can the program be customized to based on students interests and career goals? Can a student minor in another area such as business management?
- Job Placement - What companies and positions are graduates working in? Does the school help students find a job?
- Reputation - What is the program's reputation among potential employers?
- Accreditation - Is an industrial engineering program accredited by the engineering accreditation agency known as ABET, Inc.? Is an industrial technology program accredited by The Association of Technology, Management and Applied Engineering? Is the school accredited by a regional accrediting agency?
Industrial Production Managers Job Description
Every company that manufactures a product needs to have educated, knowledgeable production managers to oversee daily manufacturing runs as well as ongoing efficiency, quantity and quality goals. Industrial Production Managers are responsible for the smooth functioning of a manufacturing plant or process. To that end, they manage costs, personnel, quality, production efficiency and machinery. They need to have sufficient knowledge of the manufacturing environment they work in as well as strong management and business skills. Roles can include shift supervisor, production supervisor, operations manager and plant manager.
The responsibilities of industrial production managers typically include those listed below:
- recruit, hire, train and supervise personnel
- create work schedules
- monitor production runs
- resolve issues on production floor
- monitor product quality
- identify and implement production efficiencies
- initiate quality improvements
- coordinate with procurement, sales and logistics departments
Resources
APICS - The Association for Operations Management - APICS is an international industry group that provides training, certifications and other resources to professionals in the field of operations management.
Association for Manufacturing Technology - The AMT sponsors the annual International Manufacturing Technology Show and facilitates networking, idea sharing, collaboration and business opportunities for its membership.
Association for Manufacturing Excellence - The AME sponsors conferences, workshops, facility tours and networking for professionals in the manufacturing industry.
Institute of Industrial Engineers - The IIE aims to enhance the skills and effectiveness of industrial engineering professionals through education, certifications and networking opportunities.
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