The innovative "Global Manufacturing" joint course, initiated in 1995, matches highly motivated Industrial Engineering and Logistics Management students from the School of Engineering solving authentic business problems with peers from Stanford University's Department of Management Science and Engineering. 

 

The course has inspired a new cadre of manufacturing engineers and initiated constructive contributions to several companies, which have responded through upgrades and reorganization. Prof Fugee Tsung and Prof Emily Au engage students by offering opportunities to experience different facets of industry perspective with challenging situations presenting contrasting solutions. Negotiation and communication skills, invaluable traits for today's business practice, are honed to persuade team members to adopt specific solutions. Focused and selective case studies encourage lateral thinking, in-depth discussion and an appreciation of the global stage. Tomorrow's leaders are nurtured in a challenging and intellectual environment.

 

Students are divided into four diverse teams, each operating with a leading partner enterprise to conduct research and analysis on company specific challenges. Apart from hands-on experience in applying theoretical knowledge to practical problem solving, students master effective teamwork and the ability to network with various levels of management. Research includes key areas of production, retail, logistics and supply chain management. 

 

Businesses this year focused on travel, garments, software and IT. HKUST students received inclusive sponsorship and met their Stanford peers in January where collectively they researched current challenges. Stanford students returned later to HKUST, with solutions presented to company executives of the four partner organizations.