Dept. of Industrial & Information Systems Eng.

Department of Industrial and Information Systems Engineering (IISE)

The Institute of Industrial Engineers formally defines that industrial engineering derivatively called IISE is a discipline concerned with the design, improvement, and installation of integrated systems of people, materials, information, equipment, and energy. It draws upon specialized knowledge and skill in the mathematical, physical, informational, and social sciences, together with the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design to specify, predict, and evaluate the results obtained from such systems. Thus, the field of IISE covers a broad spectrum of technical activities including the classical techniques of work methods, production and facilities planning, operational research, human factors, and quality control, etc. Recently, it has also embraced the areas of manufacturing systems, organization and management systems, and information systems.

What do I study

We primarily aim at three major goals: productivity, quality, and flexibility. A variety of skills and techniques are used to achieve these goals in the most productive way possible, while continuously improving on them. The undergraduate curriculum allows a systematic blend of mathematics, basic science, engineering fundamentals, and industrial engineering tools that provides students with fundamental analysis capabilities and techniques. With that blend, students are equipped with sufficient system design and analysis capabilities to be confident in their problem-solving areas. The graduate programs provide students with ample expertise and strategies to survive in this rapidly changing environment, and prepare these students to be future leaders in the industrial engineering profession. A few examples of what IISE supports are as follows.

To design an optimal production planning and control system
To provide an optimal production schedule for manufacturing systems
To develop and implement an internet-based information system
To decide the best way to manage the distribution of a company's product
To find the best way to layout machines and equipment on a shopfloor
To design supply chain management systems that conform to an e-business market
To provide management and engineers with up-to-date enterprise innovation strategies such as 6-sigma, lean, and the theory of constraints.

IISE is an engineering discipline that offers the most wide-ranging array of opportunities in terms of employment, while other disciplines are dedicated to their specific areas. Furthermore, because IISE is the only engineering branch with close links to management, many industrial engineers move on to successful careers in management. Hence, for ambitious students who want to start and run their own company, an IISE will provide them with the best training. The job opportunities are so broad for graduates that they may be found in such various areas as traditional manufacturing and service industry, financial institutions, medical establishments, transportation companies, banks, consulting companies, high-tech corporations, government, etc.