Engineering and Production Management

Issues in production technology

What materials can be used to build vehicles which are safer yet weigh less? How should the composites in a rotor blade be joined to the steel foot section? Methods and solutions to production technology issues are the focus of the Master’s degree programme in Engineering and Production Management. The topics covered range from specific calculation methods through production techniques to the use of robotic systems. We’ll provide you with the necessary expertise to use the latest manufacturing and process technologies.

Factory planning and supply chain management

It’s essential to use cost-efficient production solutions in the competitive international world. Your knowledge of modern methods of logistics, materials management and production planning are crucial to the success of your business. Courses focusing on organisational aspects will deal with factory planning and supply chain management. You’ll also learn about personnel management and the use of modern ERP systems in business. We’ll also cover the basics of environmental, industrial and employment law.

Production technology

Production, a key element of the value creation process, is always linked to the use of raw materials and energy. You’ll examine the opportunities for designing energy and resource-efficient manufacturing processes and learn about product lifecycle management and sustainable production engineering. We always adopt an interdisciplinary approach to the production process and the technologies applied. You’ll learn to take a holistic approach to the process of developing and manufacturing a product and see the overall effects of modifying processes and methods.

The co-op Master’s degree programme allows you to consolidate what you have learnt while working at your training partner company. You have the opportunity to specify your particular areas of interest while, at the same time, laying the foundation for your subsequent Master's thesis. Together with your personal supervisor you can prioritise the following topics according to your own interests:

• Production technologies
• Energy and environmental technology
• Technology and innovation
• IT for business and production
• Management
• Business management and law

So you can specify the field in which you wish to work in consultation with your training company. Since you’ll be working within the company in an interdisciplinary fashion, you’ll gain in-depth experience in various topics. Our students generally specialise in two or three of the topics listed. The overall focus however remains on applied production technology.

Study mode

Engineering and Production Management is offered as a co-op programme. Theoretical blocks spent at the university alternate with practical periods at the employer offering the student hands-on training.

Theoretical blocks in the first year of study:

• October to December
• April to June

Theoretical blocks in the second year of study:

• January to March
• April to June

During the first three theoretical blocks classes take place between 8:30 and 16:30 Monday to Friday. In the last semester the timetable is determined in consultation with the students. Attendance is scheduled for weekend blocks on Friday and Saturday, also between 8:30 and 16:30. The exact times are announced at the start of each semester. Individual classes or lectures held outside these times are notified in good time.

Self-study

Engineering and Production Management is a demanding degree programme, both in terms of its content and organisation. The university’s lecturers make every effort to cover the subject matter comprehensively and thoroughly in class. Nevertheless it is inevitable that students must work on some of the curriculum content on their own or consolidate their knowledge in their own time. The time required for this varies greatly and often depends upon the student’s particular area of focus. However, during the theoretical blocks, students should reckon on average on two to three hours per day with an additional six to eight hours at weekends.

Attendance

At FH JOANNEUM attendance is, in principle, compulsory at all classes. Students may miss a maximum of 30 percent of classes in each course. No distinction is made as to whether a valid excuse for absence is submitted or not. If you miss more than this, your performance will be assessed as unsatisfactory and you will be disqualified from sitting the first examination.

A doctor’s note must be submitted if you are absent for a prolonged period due to illness. The head of degree programme decides upon exceptions to the compulsory attendance requirement: day release from class for special projects, etc. in the company may be requested by the training company.