IEEM Newsletter, Issue No. 5 (Special Edition)

Abstract

IEEM Newsletter Issue No. 5 Special Edition The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management School of Engineering IEEM Newsletter Issue No.5 Special Edition Stanford Tour Opens Eyes Industrial Engineering Magic on Disneyland Besides the famous Mickey Mouse, what would pop into your mind when Disneyland is mentioned? It is now time to start thinking about Industrial Engineering! Indeed, the knowledge of Industrial Engineering has been one of the key elements used by Ms. Erin Wallace, the senior vice president of Walt Disney World Resort Operations, to climb up her career ladder in the magic kingdom, according to Industrial Engineer, a magazine for Industrial Engineers. Magic makers can hardly afford mistakes. Besides finances and strategies, guest services are critical to the impression guests have when they visit Disney World. Wallace proudly relies on her industrial engineering skills to make sure no guest is disappointed. 'I look at industrial engineers as problem solvers, and truly when you think about all the things you learn as an IE, it's all for the aim and goal of solving problems in a multitude of different environments. I'm working to try to solve some of the largest kinds of problems in operations and then I also have the knowledge of how to utilize those support areas that enable operations to perform better,' said Wallace. (extracted from P. 30 May 2002 Industrial Engineer) Industrial engineering at Walt Disney World began in 1971. By 1980, its role had expanded to support all divisions of the company and other special development projects. The work of the industrial engineering teams can be divided into the following categories: • Capacity/demand planning and process improvement initiatives. The FastPass system that reduces customer waiting time for some of the Disney attractions is one of the latest innovations developed by the industrial engineering department; • Flexible bus routing, which has increased the efficiency of the 234-bus fleet; • Customers relationship management implementation; and • New theme park development. For example, the IE teams have expended much effort in developing the Hong Kong Disneyland. 15 of our third-year-students (5 FYP teams) have finished their final year projects associated with Hong Kong Disneyland, with the following topics: • Logistics Planning for Hong Kong Disneyland • Warehouse Management for Hong Kong Disneyland • Resort Services for Hong Kong Disneyland - 'internal vehicle and driver pool' • Resort Services for Hong Kong Disneyland - 'the custodial service project' • Optimizing the 'food and beverage' supply chains at Hong Kong Disneyland' PTC-G10503 Mr. Andrew Bolstein (left), Director of Park Operations & Industrial Engineering, Hong Kong Disneyland and Prof. C.Y. Lee (right), Head of the Department of Industrial Engineering & Engineering Management, HKUST. Jointly offered by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Stanford University every year in the Spring Semester since 1995, IEEM 550 has aimed at providing a group of highly motivated cross- culture- team students with an environment to solve industrial problems. IEEM undergraduates are offered this great opportunity. The course focuses on issues that are global in nature, and are related to the Product Development, Strategic Planning and Design of Supply Chains. Three to four students from each institution work together as a team to tackle a defined problem sponsored by an industrial company that has interests in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. Managing cross-border, cross-function, and cross-culture aspects are also discussed. Julian Wong, one of the IEEM 550 students shared his experience and said that, 'This course offered me a challenging and rewarding opportunity to know about specific industries and work with foreigners. Stanford University has a very beautiful and grand campus. I was able to feel their passion and intelligence once I stepped on it. I'm definitely sure this valuable experience enhanced my communication and thinking skills which will benefit my future career.' 'It was an interesting and unforgettable experience. Through working a collaborative project with Stanford students, I explored cultural differences and strengthened my knowledge and skills,' said Fiona Yip, another IEEM 550 student this year. The President of Stanford University (third from left, upper row) and our students in the Stanford University bookstore Students of Stanford University bidding our students farewell in a restaurant in US 3 The Mentorship Program is based on a recognition that students can gain insight, confidence, and enhanced life skills through the support and guidance of practicing professionals in engineeringrelated fields. The mentors, on a voluntary basis, provide guidance for the professional and social development of the students. Our mentors come from leading industries such as Hongkong International Terminals Limited, Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation, GeoLogistics Limited, OOCL(HK) Limited, Shiseido Dah Chong Hong Cosmetics Limited, and the HK Trade Development Council. Students and mentors can choose to meet wherever they like, from the casual environment of a cafe to a much more formal office setting. Mentors can bring students to their companies for visitation or may even bring students outside HK for field trips. This can enhance the communication between mentors and students. Some students may also be offered job opportunities in their mentors' companies after graduation or during their studies. 'The trip in China allowed me to get insight into the well developed logistics planning in China and be amused by their competitiveness. In addition to that, I have been benefited from this mentorship program in terms of self development and knowledge of the business world. From my mentor, I got a clear picture of how the society is working and I know how to behave in such a world.' said Billy, one of the participants. Since the establishment of our department in 1993, we have had more than 500 graduates receiving Bachelor's (BEng), Master's (MSc/Mphil), and Doctoral (PhD) degrees, as well as Master of Technology Management (MTM) and Executive Diploma in Transportation Logistics Management (EDTLM). Our graduates are professional engineers who take up supervisory and managerial functions in consulting firms, banks, airlines, international couriers, container and aircargo terminals, freight forwarders, shipping companies, global manufacturers and retailers. Examples of these companies are Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group, Broadair Express Ltd., DHL, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Ltd., Exel, Park'N shop, etc. Below, some of our graduates share with us how they have benefited from IEEM. 'I am so proud of graduating from UST IEEM and being an Industrial Engineer. Industrial Engineer is in 'hot' demand in job market and UST IEEM graduates are regarded as smart and ef f icient . I can assure you wi th unforgettable life experiences at UST IEEM', said Daniel Lau. (BEng 2002, MSc 2004, Engineering Trainee in Esquel Enterprise Limited) Daniel Lau (BEng IEEM 02, MSc IEEM 04) 'IELM enhanced me with technical knowhows. I am impressed by the st rong connection between principles and real-life practices. With support from the department, I was also able to step out of university and interact with professional bodies and business. I fully enjoyed the student life in HKUST IEEM. It brings me forward to the world in actions.', said Chan Ka Kei Raimond. (BEng 2003, External Vice President of Session 2001-2002 of IEEMSS, HKUSTSU; Assistant Consultant in TQM Consultants Ltd.) Raimond Chan (BEng IELM 03) 'It's definitely a wise choice to study in IELM. It helps me to broaden my horizons and take a look at the real business world. Together with the technical skills that I've learnt in class, I am ready to face any challenges', said Alan Cheung (BEng IELM 2001, Assistant Distribution Officer in Kerry Logistics Ltd) Alan Cheung (BEng IELM 01) Another alumnus, Edmond Wong, (MSc 2002, Assistant to Directors in Yue Po Engineering Company Ltd.) told us that the master's program in IEEM enabled him to excel in his profession. 'I got useful knowledge such as quality control and pract ical experience of workshop planning, which can directly be applied to my job.' Edmond Wong (MSc IEEM 02) One of our EDTLM graduates, Jason Wan shared with us that, 'The program has certainly benefited my career development. The program helped me to improve my product knowledge through interacting with classmates from different related industries. The total logistics concept such as Supply Chain Management, One-Stop Shop and VMI help me to understand the current market trends and the way to fulfill requirements of customers in a global perspective.' Jason Wan (EDTLM 02, Manager-Global Sales Centre International Cargo Division, Nippon Express Co., Ltd.) has been transferred from HK to Tokyo, Japan regional sales office, responsible for the overall management of global sales centers Alumni Sharing - How IEEM Benefited Their Career IEEM Mentorship program - A Real Industry Exposure Students present their gifts to their mentor. 2 Opening ceremony of mentorship program