What does industrial engineering comprise?

Jun 30, 2009

ASK THE EXPERT<br><br>Dear Sir, <br>I would like to know what Industrial Engineering and Management is all about and its status in Uganda’s economy. Most of the research about it is based on American and European-based economies, so do I have any cha

ASK THE EXPERT

Dear Sir,
I would like to know what Industrial Engineering and Management is all about and its status in Uganda’s economy. Most of the research about it is based on American and European-based economies, so do I have any chances of succeeding in Uganda?
AN

Industrial engineering is also known as operations management, management science, systems engineering, or manufacturing engineering.

It covers various fields, including management science, financial engineering, engineering management and supply chain management.

Industrial engineers are involved in the creation of wealth and prosperity.

This is achieved through designing and implementing better, more productive systems in both a manufacturing and a service environment. Industrial engineering is an interdisciplinary programme.

Industrial engineers design, install, fabricate and integrate systems that include people, materials, information, equipment and energy necessary to accomplish the desired function.

The areas of employment are in manufacturing, service and consulting. Industrial engineers often are responsible for productivity improvements, supply chain optimisation, project management, feasibility studies for new technologies and applications.

They are also responsible for healthcare management and logistics as well as systems integration and engineering.

This field is relevant to the Ugandan economy, especially now that the country is moving towards industrialisation.

Unfortunately, this course is not offered anywhere in Ugandan universities. However, Karuma Kagyina, the assistant commissioner in charge of engineering in the works, transport and communication ministry as well as a former president of the Uganda Institute of professional engineers says, you should not give up.

He says taking a degree in mechanical engineering at undergraduate level in Uganda may be a good way for you to channel into industrial engineering at postgraduate level in a university outside Uganda. This not only provides a good background for you in this field, it also opens doors for you to finding a scholarship to take up this course in Europe, America, India or other places where this course is offered.

This, though, will depend on whether you pass very well at the undergraduate level.

Makerere University (Faculty of Technology) and Kyambogo University will be good places for you to start.

Kagyina says once you graduate as an industrial engineer, you have opportunities to work in different sectors because your skills are critical to the growth of this country. Keep faith alive.

Compiled by Stephen Ssenkaaba

Ssenkaaba@newvision.co.ug

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