STUDENTS TRYING RESEARCH SKILLS IN THE WORK PLACE

Industrial technology students from Southeast Missouri State University rolled up their sleeves and tried their skills in the work place during a senior level course, entitled "Manufacturing Research in a Global Society" this spring.

The students were divided into seven research groups which studied plant layout, industrial safety, machine utilization, preventative maintenance and quality control at four Southeast Missouri manufacturing facilities Dana Corp. and Spartech Plastic, both of Cape Girardeau; Purolator Products of Dexter, and NPS Corp. of Perryville.

"We want to get students involved in research and development facilities and to give them exposure to the real world," said Ralph Pittman, associate professor of industrial technology at the university.

The course, taught for the first time last semester by Pittman, is designed to introduce students to the industrial environment by requiring them to conduct actual research and development projects drafted by local industries.

"Students have to write a proposal, and later present their findings to the participating companies' board of directors.

The students work focused on plant layout at Dana Corp., located alongside Highway 74 at Cape Girardeau.

"It was beneficial to the students and to our people here," said Terry Drennan, Dana plant manager. "It gave them a hands-on approach in a dynamic manufacturing setting.

"This is something that is not in the handbook," said Drennan. "This is tangible."

Students assigned to the Dana project studied new approaches to its production line. As a result, Dana has implemented the students recommendation, "exactly as they presented them," said Drennan.

Students who worked with Spartech Plastics conducted a safety analysis of the manufacturing facility land studied its vendor rating procedures and quality control methods.

"It think the class was very successful," said John Wathen, Spartech quality assurance manager. "The safety study was informative and we're making moves to implement some of the suggestions."

Lindell Barks, a senior from Sedgewickville, majoring in production technology, particpated in the Spartech study.

"I think our recommendations will save Spartech on costs," he said. "By implementing our findings, they (Spartech) will be assured of they are using good materials. That gives me a little self-respect, knowing that they have implemented what we have researched. That means more to me than just a grade."

A NPS in Perryville, students studied preventative maintenance and researched the uses and productivity of various pieces of equipment.

"We felt they gave us information we would not have normally gotten through our own resources," said Tim Schwent, NPS executive vice president.

Schwent also feels the NPS project enhanced students understanding of the industry.

"Any exposure students can get outside the classroom is a great benefit to them," said Schwent.

Students focused on plant layout and machine utilization at the Purolator Products firm in Dexter.

Purolator plans to implement most of the results of the study.

"I was pleased with the rate of acceptance of the course among the students," said Pittman. "They agree it was worth the effort because of the experience gained in the field.

"The industries get the full benefit of the research activities," said Pittman. "The projects were fruitful both for the students and the industry."

Pittman said the course would be offered again next fall.

"Any industry interested in participating in the course should contact me," said Pittman ((314)-651-2649. "We be looking at manufacturing project such as robotic utilization, statistical process control, motion and time analysis, plant layout and industrial safety."