SJSU Catalog

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Introduction

What Do ISEs DO?

Industrial and Systems Engineers (ISEs) figure out how to do things better. They engineer processes and systems that improve quality and productivity. ISEs make significant contributions to their employers by saving money while making the workplace better for fellow workers. In addition to manufacturing, industrial engineers apply their skills in a variety of settings such as hospitals, airlines, utilities, and government agencies.

The ISE Program at San José State University

The BS - Industrial and Systems Engineering prepares engineers for a broad scope of systems analysis and design challenges that deal with improving the overall performance of an organization or system. The ISE's focus is on productivity improvement, with concern for the human aspects of work as well as with finding the right combination of resources to ensure that the organization performs at its best. Utilizing the latest computer-based analytical and modeling technologies, ISE bridges the gap between management and operations, applying organizational development, continuous improvement, Total Quality Management, ergonomics and production systems expertise. The goal of ISE is to assure that the organization's systems are efficient, productive, safe and will not lead to cumulative injury, and that they incorporate the right tools and equipment. An industrial and systems engineer may be employed in almost any type of industry, business or institution, from retail establishments to manufacturing plants to government agencies to hospitals. The program prepares students to enter the profession immediately or to go on to graduate school. The undergraduate curriculum is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering Technology (A.B.E.T.).

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Industrial and Systems Engineering program is to serve society, with emphasis on the manufacturing and service sectors by:

• Providing undergraduate and graduate industrial and systems engineering education that prepares students to effectively apply engineering knowledge to the evaluation, design, and operation of complex industrial, service, and governmental systems comprised of people, equipment, and supplies through the application of modeling, measurement, and economic methods.
• Contributing to the enrichment of the profession and to the development of knowledge through faculty leadership, scholarship and professional practice.
• Meeting the needs of working professionals for continuing education in the fields of operations research advanced statistical methods, ergonomics and human factors, production planning and control and related topics.

Educational Objectives

The objectives of the BSISE program are to educate Industrial & Systems Engineers who will be able to:

• Function effectively as an ISE professional in any industry, government, or service organization designing, improving, and implementing efficient business processes.
• Use methodologies and computational skills to identify, formulate, and develop solutions for problems normally encountered in their organizations.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data efficiently and effectively to solve systems analysis and engineering problems.
• Evaluate the impact of their proposed solutions to engineering problems in the broader context of the organization or society.
• Effectively communicate using written, oral and electronic media to articulate technical problems and their proposed solutions.
• Recognize the need for life-long learning and growth within their chosen profession and to be familiar with the strategies they may employ to accomplish this.