Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (Manufacturing and Supply Chain Engineering) Ghent University

Overview

The Industrial Engineering and Operations Research (Manufacturing and Supply Chain Engineering) program from Ghent University combines the disciplines of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research into a single study programme.

Industrial Engineering (IE) is the engineering discipline that deals with analysing, designing, and optimising complex operational systems, with the aim of improving their effectiveness and efficiency, and thus increasing their productivity in a sustainable manner. A unique feature of IE is the consideration of the human element as a crucial factor in these systems.

Operations Research (OR) is the discipline that studies mathematical models, both deterministic and stochastic, and a wide range of simulation and optimisation techniques. For an IE engineer, these OR tools are essential in designing and managing operational systems.

The combination of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research thus creates an engineering profile that can play a key role in various industries. Students choose from two main subject modules, 'Manufacturing and Supply Chain Engineering' or 'Transport and Mobility Engineering'. Some pertinent application disciplines include Industry 5.0, connected robotics, sustainable smart cities. The IE/OR programme effectively prepares students for taking up leading roles in manufacturing and service industries worldwide, by thoroughly training them in technical principles of the design, planning and control of systems.

Careers

Companies in all branches of industry, public services, and scientific research are eager to recruit IE/OR engineers. They have the skills to lead the continuous day-to-day improvement of systems that create products and services, but also to innovate and develop new products and services. IE/OR engineers are typically recruited as production manager, business analyst, project manager, supply chain consultant, etc. and they usually grow into senior technically specialised roles, or management positions quickly.

Accreditation

This study programme is accredited by the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders (Dutch: NVAO). Accreditation was extended following the positive outcome of the institutional review in 2022.