Research

The Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering focuses on applied operations research, information engineering, and advanced manufacturing systems, with emphasis on environmental sustainability. Applied operations research is the application of advanced analytical methods to make better data-driven decisions with less risk. Researchers use mathematical and computer models that incorporate simulation, optimization, probability, and statistics to understand complex systems and improve system performance, including that of closed-loop supply chains. Information engineering involves the design and use of systems through which data are discovered, generated, collected, and processed to produce information required to support engineering decisions, process characterization, estimation of the impact of system improvements, and operations research modeling efforts. Specific topics include data mining, experimental design, decision theory, and statistical analysis. Advanced manufacturing includes the production of advanced products, using advanced processes, and/or organized with advanced manufacturing systems. Current efforts concern rapid manufacturing systems, advanced metrology and inspection, instrumentation, control and automation systems, and industrial energy efficiency.