SEM Concentration in the MBA Program

For students who are already in the MBA Program, it is possible to do a concentration in Systems Engineering & Management (SEM). This will help prepare students for successful careers in mid‐ to upper‐levels of mature technology‐ and engineering–based organizations. The concentration has been designed to meet the need for formalized education in design, engineering and management of complex systems involving a large number of interconnected components. It will develop a broad range of engineering and managerial skills that trains students to be good managers of large projects and programs that require expertise in both technical and managerial disciplines.

The SEM Concentration in MBA includes the following 6 courses, and a student will be required to take any 4 of these 6 courses:

NumberCourseCourse TitleCredits
1SYSM 6301Systems Engineering, Architecture and Design3
2SYSM 6304Risk and Decision Analysis3
3SYSM 6305Optimization Theory and Practice3
4SYSM 6325Requirements Design, Development, and Integration for Complex Systems3
5SYSM 6316Innovation Within the Corporation3
6SYSM 6332Technology and New Product Development3

Course Descriptions

  1. SYSM 6301 Systems Engineering, Architecture and Design (3 credit hours): Architecture and design of large‐scale and decentralized systems from technical and management perspectives. Systems architectures, requirements analysis, design trade‐offs, and reliability through case studies and mathematical techniques. International standardization bodies, engineering frameworks, processes, notations and tool support from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Prerequisites: none
  2. SYSM 6304 (OPRE 6335) Risk and Decision Analysis (3 credit hours): This course provides an overview of the main concepts and methods of risk assessment, risk management and decision analysis. The methods used in industry, such as probabilistic risk assessment, Six Sigma and reliability, are discussed. Advanced methods from economics and finance (decision optimization and portfolio analysis) are presented. Prerequisites: SYSM 6303 or OPRE 6301
  3. SYSM 6305 Optimization Theory and Practice (3 credit hours): Basics of optimization theory, numerical algorithms and applications. The course is divided into three main parts: linear programming (simplex method, duality theory), unconstrained methods (optimality conditions, descent algorithms and convergence theorems) and constrained minimization (Lagrange multipliers, Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker conditions, active set, penalty and interior point methods). Applications in engineering, operations, finance, statistics, and more will be emphasized. Students also will use Matlab’s optimization toolbox to obtain practical experience with the material. Prerequisites: none
  4. SYSM 6325 Requirements Design, Development, and Integration for Complex Systems (3 credit hours): Building on the premise that systems engineering is the “glue” that holds complex programs together, this course will teach the foundations of effective requirements development for complex systems. Students will learn principles and techniques used for early lifecycle development of system requirements. Additional topics will include an understanding of impacts of reliability, availability, maintainability, supportability, and transportability (RAMS‐T) on complex systems, though deterministic and stochastic modeling and analysis, and effective system integration planning. Practical skills are developed through the use of case studies and a significant group project. Co‐ Requisite: SYSM 6301, Systems Engineering, Architecture and Design
  5. SYSM 6316 (ENTP 6388) Innovation Within the Corporation (3 credit hours): Intrapreneurs are the entrepreneurs within established corporations who combine innovation, creativity and leadership to develop and launch new products, new‐product lines and new business units that grow revenues and profits from within. The course seeks to equip student with the skills and perspectives required to initiate new ventures and create viable businesses in dynamic and uncertain environments in the face of organizational inertia and other sources of resistance to innovation. Course topics include the elements of strategic analysis and positioning for competitive advantage in dynamic markets, and the structuring, utilization and mobilization of the internal resources of existing firms in the pursuit of growth and new market opportunities. Prerequisites: OB 6301 and ENTP 6370 or consent of instructor
  6. SYSM 6332 (ENTP 6375) Technology and New Product Development (3 semester hours): This course addresses the strategic and organizational issues confronted by firms in technology‐intensive environments. The course reflects six broad themes: (1) managing firms in technology‐intensive industries; (2) forecasting key industry and technology trends; (3) linking technology and business strategies; (4) using technology as a source of competitive advantage; (5) organizing firms to achieve these goals; and (6) implementing new technologies in organizations. Students will analyze actual situations in organizations and summarize their findings and recommendations in an in‐depth term paper. Case studies and class participation are stressed. Prerequisites: none

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