The main role of an industrial and systems engineer is to organise and work harmoniously with others to streamline operational procedures, improve productivity and overall system performance. The ultimate goal is to increase efficiency, reduce operating costs, and increase customer satisfaction. ISE is different from other traditional engineering disciplines whereby knowledge and skills are applied to specific areas. For example, traditional manufacturing engineers usually work in a production environment. In contrast, ISE provides students with the opportunity to work in a variety of organisations including both the industrial and commercial sectors. In this connection, industrial and systems engineers have much more flexible career paths. ISE graduates are employed in organisations engaged in new product development, transportation, theme parks, logistics services, banks, public utilities, business development consultancy enterprises, government departments, etc. The ultimate objective of the ISE discipline is to provide leadership in the design of integrated industrial and commercial systems for the advancement and well-being of the community.

Programme Characteristics

Emphasis on student-centred learning and the integration of theory and practice are hallmarks of this programme. An example of this emphasis is the Integrative Studies in Product and Process Design subject that adopts a real-life problem-based approach to learning. Students work in teams to run a simulated product development company. They engage in various tasks commencing from analysing a newly proposed product from a marketing perspective, and are then required to do detailed product and component design. The materials, components, manufacturing processes, tooling, impact on the environment and cost are then analysed in a systematic manner. Throughout the subject, apart from the introduction and task briefing sessions, activities such as lectures, seminars, tutorials, and guided studies are used as vehicles for students to acquire knowledge through a highly flexible learning process.

In their final year, students can specialise in areas such as product engineering, logistics engineering, knowledge engineering, and product technology, through the selection of their Final Year Project and Electives, the latter of which are selected from a large pool of options.