Project 1.1.3 Manufacturing Research
Introduction
The term manufacturing can refer to many different process components. Not only
does it mean “to make products” or “to make products efficiently,” but it also refers to
the many different types of manufacturing that exist, the materials used, and the
mechanisms employed.
How do you gather information? Do you watch the news, read newspapers and
books, surf the Internet, or talk to friends? How do you know which of your sources
are reliable? When you hear gossip at school, how do you determine whether it is
true?
In this project you will be asked to conduct research for your class. Your goal is not
only to learn about a topic, but to teach your classmates as well. You will be asked
to cite several sources for your findings to justify their validity.
Equipment


Computer with presentation software
Engineering notebook
Procedure
In this project you and a partner will research a topic in manufacturing and create a
presentation for your class. A list of topics is provided below.
1. Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM)
2. Computer-aided design (CAD)
3. Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
4. Just-in-time (JIT)
5. Automation
6. Lean manufacturing
7. Robotics
8. Six sigma
9. Automated storage/retrieval system (ASRS)
10. Automated guided vehicle (AGV)
11. Kaizen
12. Flexible manufacturing system (FMS)
13. Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)
14. Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
Save information and graphics to your student network folder to be used in the
development of a presentation. Make sure you record and properly reference all
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing Project 1.1.3 Manufacturing Research – Page 1
information sources in your engineer’s notebook. Your research should focus on the
following information:




What is it? (definition)
Who created or affected it?
How has it changed throughout history? Go back as far as you can.
What is it like today?
Develop a five- to ten- minute presentation that includes the following information:






Title slide with your name, class, period, and selected topic
Definition
A timeline showing the history of the topic
Major changes that have occurred in the topic
People who have influenced the topic
A reference page of at least four Internet sites and other sources used to
gather your presentation information; record in APA style
You will present your findings to the class.
Conclusion
As you listen to your classmates’ presentations, take notes so that you can answer
the four questions above for each topic. The grid below has been provided to assist
you.
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing Project 1.1.3 Manufacturing Research – Page 2
Topic
Definition
People
History
Today
Computerintegrated
manufacturing
(CIM)
Computer-aided
design (CAD)
Computer-aidedmanufacturing
(CAM)
Just-in-time (JIT)
Automation
Lean manufacturing
Robotics
Six sigma
Automated
storage/retrieval
system (ASRS)
Automated guided
vehicle (AGV)
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing Project 1.1.3 Manufacturing Research – Page 3
Topic
Definition
People
History
Today
Kaizen theory
Flexible
manufacturing
systems (FMS)
Programmable logic
controller (PLC)
Computer numerical
control (CNC)
© 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Computer Integrated Manufacturing Project 1.1.3 Manufacturing Research – Page 4