NU vs. WUSTL vs. CMU [math/operations research/industrial engineering]

karkri
Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:27:11 +0000

Industrial Engg is much broader than OR. Actually OR is considered one area of IE. OR is application of mathematical models and analysis to obtain optimal solutions to real world industrial problems.

Below is an excerpt from the NCState website ([Questions & Answers about Industrial Engineering](http://www.ise.ncsu.edu/about/whatIsie.html)). It was the same thing I was taught when I did IE and OR courses as a part of my Mechanical Engg degree several moons ago.

"Industrial Engineering at the undergraduate level is generally seen as a composition of four areas. First is operations research, which provides methods for the general analysis and design of systems. Operations Research (OR) includes optimization, decision analysis, stochastic processes, and simulation.

"Production generally includes such aspects as economic analysis, production planning and control, quality control, facilities design, and other aspects of world-class manufacturing.

"Third is manufacturing processes and systems. Manufacturing process deals directly with materials forming, cutting, shaping, planning, etc. Manufacturing systems focus on the integration of manufacturing process, usually through computer control and communications.

“Finally ergonomics deals with the human equation. Physical ergonomics view the human as a biomechanical device while informational ergonomics examines the cognitive aspects of humans.”