Modern manufacturing is a growing field meant for innovative and creative workers. Between advancements in technology and the demands of consumers, this industry is ever-evolving. Whether you already work in manufacturing and want to climb the ranks, or you are just starting out, you may be interested in pursuing a manufacturing management career.

A manufacturing management career involves advanced, supervisor responsibilities within the manufacturing field — where you will manage workers, oversee production, ensure the quality of goods, and resolve questions and concerns with clients and customers. To get to this level, need a manufacturing management degree. But what does this type of degree entail? What will you learn from a manufacturing management program? Read on, as we break down some of the most valuable manufacturing management courses available today.

1. Technology in Advanced Manufacturing

This course introduces students to the manufacturing processes with a strong emphasis on technologies used. Students will learn about:

• The basics of production
• The types of sources of raw materials
• Production processes that include casting, molding, and forming

This course also highlights safety and quality for continuous improvement. It will prepare you for Production Certification Testing through Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC).

2. Manufacturing Logistics

This class serves as an introduction to logistics, getting students familiar with the basic concepts of product distribution and the language used within the logistics field. Students learn:

• The process of planning effective product distribution
• Methods of transportation and traffic management techniques
• Inventory control
• Protective packaging
• Customer service

This class prepares students for certification as a Manufacturing Logistics Technician (CLT) through MSSC.

3. Green Manufacturing

This class is more important today than ever before. It offers an overview of green technologies and sustainable jobs within the manufacturing industry. Students develop the skills needed to preserve and restore environmental quality and create a green working environment for companies. This course prepares students for Green Manufacturing Technician Certification Testing through MSSC.

4. Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

Solidworks is a CAD course which introduces students to Solidworks software and the basics of drafting, while preparing students to develop special skills for meeting the demands of modern, technical drawing. With this course, students will apply:

• Measurement
• Proper Dimensioning
• Geometric construction skills

These skills are all necessary, versatile, and applicable to a variety of manufacturing careers.

5. Lean Manufacturing Principles

With this class, you will learn the philosophical background, historical development, and basic concepts of lean manufacturing with a focus on the Toyota Production System. Students in this course learn about lean strategies around inventory, lead time, and cultural change requirements, as well as strategies for lean implementation, planning, goal setting and sustaining goals. The lessons taught in this class will:

• Promote continuous improvement
• Eliminate waste
• Reduce operating cost
• Improve quality
• Achieve measurable improvement in customer satisfaction

6. International Logistics

This class reviews principles and best practices for international logistics, including the transportation and distribution process. Other important topics covered in this course include:

• Currency
• Fees
• Tariffs
• Trade Policies
• Import and export regulations

7. Principles of Quality Management

This manufacturing management class is all about the theory and practice for quality control. This will introduce students to applied principles and many different philosophies for improving (and managing) quality manufacturing. Some areas of study include:

• Barriers to quality
• The emergence of management
• Contingency theory
• Critical systems thinking
• Managing responsibilities of a quality system
• A comparison of significant contributors to quality theories
• Organizations as systems

8. Facilities and Planning

This course offers students a broad, practical understanding of the facilities planning and design process—which is essential for a manufacturing management career. You will engage in real-world examples and problems to better understand the best practices of facilities planning. Some areas of focus include:

• The critical nature of a global supply chain
• The need for efficient material handling
• The tools of operations
• The systems involved in manufacturing and facilities
• The development of quantitative approaches to planning

9. Quality Management Systems

With this course, students are introduced to the fundamental tools of Statistical Process Control (SPC) as they are used to reduce costs, identify root cause, and increase productivity. This class focuses on the following topics, to prepare students for a management career:

• Basic statistical and probability theory
• Sampling techniques
• Process control charts
• Histograms
• Attributes and variable charts
• Managing responsibilities of a quality standards department
• Development of grades/standards of quality
• Acceptance sampling/inspection
• Recording and reporting/use of control charts

10. Product Development Management

In this manufacturing management course, students are taught concepts of material structure, property, and testing methods as they relate to material selection and processing decisions. Here you will learn the best practices for responding to customer needs (an essential quality of a manager), in terms of product creation and modification.

These are just a few of the many practical and career-based manufacturing classes available for students at Goodwin University. Of course, all of the courses offered in our manufacturing management program will help prepare you for an exciting management-level career within this constantly evolving field. Manufacturing management classes are offered days or nights, and on-campus, online, or a hybrid of the two.

Are you ready to jumpstart — or advance — your career in manufacturing? Learn about the Manufacturing Management Program at Goodwin University by calling 1-800-889-3282 or visiting us online.