Streamlining the contents of a computer integrated manufacturing technology (CIMT) curriculum

The concept of introducing different aspects of computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) in engineering technology curricula has been pursued for the last decade at various levels of success across the USA. Educators were interested in aligning the university curricula with mainstream activities in industry. Over the years, however, both the understanding of the academic curriculum contents and industrial implementation of CIM has varied. In many institutions there are ongoing efforts of re-examining the CIM curriculum. At Indiana University-Burdue University Fort Wayne, such an effort is on the way within the Manufacturing Technology department with a program entitled computer integrated manufacturing technology. This paper discuss the process the effort has followed and shares a proposed curriculum.