Manufacturing in a Global Context: A Graduate Course on Agile, Reconfigurable Manufacturing

This paper describes the contents and organization of an advanced, graduate-level class which, while primarily focusing on principles of modern manufacturing, connects them with product design and business process issues, and places them in the context of two important trends: globalization and information-driven economy. The course aims to analyze the technical and business dimensions of various manufacturing paradigms, and identify concepts relevant to globalization and fragmented markets. It also emphasizes creativity in designing global products and touches on preparing simple business plans for starting new companies.