Industrial Planning

The classes will be of a theoretical-practical nature, comprising both an expository component and a problem-solving component. Among these problems, case studies will be used to incorporate uncertainty, both in the outcome of the problem and in its definition, in order to simulate real-world planning challenges as realistically as possible. Computational tools, such as spreadsheets, will be extensively employed in the resolution of these problems.

This curricular unit aims to provide students with a broad perspective on the planning of industrial activities, particularly regarding how operations and the resources required for such operations should be managed and controlled. Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be familiar with and able to apply the basic tools of operations management, as well as to adapt them to different organizations and production systems according to the intended objectives.

It is also intended that students understand the limitations inherent in applying these methods to real-world situations, arising both from discrepancies between real systems and the models used, and from the randomness that is always present in real systems. The ability to critically analyze the results obtained through the application of the methodologies taught is also one of the learning objectives.

Introduction to Operations Management. Introduction to Project Management using CPM (Critical Path Method), PERT (Project Evaluation and Review Technique), and time/cost models. Characterization of production systems according to their operation and objectives. Sequencing of operations in different types of production systems. Implementation and balancing of manufacturing/assembly lines. Forecasting methods (linear regression, classical decomposition, smoothing). Introduction to Materials Management Systems (MRP).

NAO