Program Overview

Program Overview

The Engineering and Technology Management (ETM) program at Washington State University offers various degree and certificate options for working professionals. The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of engineering and technology management.

Course Information

E M 538 Lean Tools for Systems Improvement

This course teaches students how to improve a system using lean tools for reducing waste, and the Theory of Constraints is used as a method to select which project the lean principles are applied.

• Term: TBD
• Duration: 16 weeks, Live Online
• Price: Non-Refundable Application Fee: US$90
• Admission: Apply online via EngineeringCAS. Priority application deadlines by term:
  • November 15 (Spring)
  • July 15 (Fall)
  • March 15 (Summer)

Course Objectives

The objective of this class is to learn management principles for implementing lean tools for long-term system improvements.

• Semester Credits: 3
• Prerequisites: None
• Location: Global Campus

Course Details

• The course meets at times posted via web conferencing software.
• Selective for:
  • Certificate: Six Sigma Quality Management
  • Certificate: Industrial Leadership
• Elective for: Master’s Degree

Gain Expertise in

• Continuous Improvement Tools
• Material Flow and Facilities Layout
• Design of Cellular Layouts
• Equipment Efficiency

Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Learn and apply continuous improvement tools
• Analyze material flow and facility layouts
• Design cellular layouts
• Calculate equipment efficiency using performance, quality, and availability
• Learn about applying Poka-Yokes
• Conduct motion studies
• Learn about maintenance
• Reduce machine downtime using SMED
• Environmental Improvements and the 5S Methodology

Program Requirements

Master’s Degree Requirements

Minimum requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A transcript
• At least one letter of recommendation
• A personal statement
• A résumé showing work experience

Certificate Program Requirements

Minimum requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A transcript
• A personal statement
• A résumé

Additional Information

• The ETM program is designed for working professionals, and we highly value your work experience and determination.
• We may be able to offer provisional admission to those who do not meet the Graduate School’s minimum 3.0 GPA requirement.
• The program accepts both academic and professional letters.