RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF TRANSPORT AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
SELF-EVALUATION REPORT
on the professional study programme
after Bachelor studies
PRODUCTION ENGINEERING
Riga 2000
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Contents
1. Information about the Applicant of Programme.............................……….
1.1. Short review of the Institute of Instrumentation and Automation
Engineering (IIAE) …………………………………………………………….
1.2. Short review of the Institute of Quality Engineering (IQE)…………………
1.3. Short review of the Institute of Industrial Business Systems (IIBS)………
2. Description and Analysis of the Professional Study Programme
“Production Engineering” ………………………………………………………….
2.1. Professional Engineering Studies after Bachelor Studies, Contents and
Analysis ………………………………………………………………………...
2.1.1. Specifics of IIAE………………………………………………………………..
2.1.2. Specifics of IQE………………………………………………………………...
2.1.3. Specifics of IIBS………………………………………………………………..
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3. Organisation and Control of Professional Studies ……………………...….
3.1. Order of Designing, Accepting and Confirming Study Programmes …….
3.2. Collaboration between Structural Units in Performance of Programme…
3.3. Principles of Assessment of Students Knowledge…………………………
3.4. Organisation of Performing Laboratory, Seminar, Study and
Qualification works……………………………………………………………..
3.5. Comparison with Institutions of Higher Education in EC…………………..
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4. Academic Staff and Its Qualification ………………………………………….
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5. Research Work in the Framework Study Programme …...…………………
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6. Study Foundation …………………………………………………………………
6.1. Study Literature………………………………………………………………...
6.2. Material, Technical and Financial Resources……………………………….
6.3. Possibilities to Choose Study Subjects……………………………………...
6.4. Chances of Additional Learning and Other Activities………………………
6.5. Democratic Principles in Management of Study Programme……………..
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7. Prospect of Study programme and Development Plan ……………………
7.1. Prospect of Study Programme………………………………………………..
7.2. Development Plan for Study Programme……………………………………
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8. Summary
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Supplementary :
1. Decision No 405 of RTU Senate on Programmes of RTU from 25 Sep
1995, copy, 1 p. ……………………………………………………………………
2. Order No 321-66 of RTU Rector on Committee for study programmes from
10 Sep 1996, copy, 4 p. …………………………………………………………..
3. Order No 910-24 of RTU Rector on Presidents of Committees for study
programmes from 13 Nov 1996, copy, 1 p. …………………………………….
4. Contract between RTU and FESTO SIA from 16 Feb 1999, copy, 2 p ……..
5. Professional engineering study programme after the Bachelor studies
within the study programme “Production Engineering” directed to
Instrumentation Engineering, copy, 4 p. ………………………………………
6. Professional engineering study programme after the Bachelor studies
within the study programme “Production Engineering” directed to Quality
Assurance and Management Engineering, copy, 4 p. ………………………...
7. Professional engineering study programme after the Bachelor studies
within the study programme “Production Engineering” directed to Tools and
Technology, copy, 5 p. ……………………………………………………………
8. List of the academic personnel teaching the compulsory subjects of
Bachelor study programme within the study programme “Production
Engineering”, copy, 1 p. …………………………………………………………..
9. CV of the academic personnel, 34 p. ……………………………………………
10. Decision No 411 of RTU Senate from 29 Apr 1996, copy, 2 p. ..........……….
11. Decision No 410 of RTU Senate from 23 Mar 1996, copy, 1 p……………….
12. Decision No 407 of RTU Senate from 27 Nov 1995, copy, 1 p………………
13. Decision No 429 of RTU Senate from 30 Mar 1998, copy, 2 p. ……………...
14. Decision No 430 of RTU Senate from 27 Apr 1998, copy, 1 p………………
15. Decision No 427 of RTU Senate on Regulations for Examinations from 26
Jan????(Apr) 1998, copy, 4 p…....………………………………………………
16. Model account on laboratory work, copy, 4 p. ..............……………………….
17. Regulations for working out the Engineering project, copy, 14 p. ...........……
18. RTU Promotion Councils P-15 and P-16, copies, 2 p. ..........…………………
19. Decision No 450 of RTU Senate from 29 Mai 2000, copy, 1 p. ..........………
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20. Decision No 449 of RTU Senate from 25 Feb 2000, copy, 2 p. ..........………
21. Questionnaire for professional students. 4 p.. ..............………………………
22. Questionnaire for employees. 2 p. ..............……………………………………
23. Informative and advertising materials on the programme ......………………..
24. Descriptions of study subjects (in Latvian) .....................……………………...
25. Descriptions of study subjects (in English) .....................……………………...
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1.
Information about the Applicant of Programme
The Academic study programme “Production Engineering” has been designed
according to the Deci sion No 405 of Senate of Riga Technical University from 25 Sept
1995 (Supplement 1) with regard to prospective study (Bachelors, Professional engineers)
directions at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (at present Faculty of Transport and
Mechanical Engineering).
On 10 Sept 1996 Rector of RTU has signed the Order No 321-66 (Supplement 2)
establishing a Committee of 7 persons including the leading professors of the Institute of
Instrumentation and Automation Engineering (IIAE), Institute for Quality Engineering (IQE)
and Institute of Industrial Business Systems (IIBS) for conducting the study programme
“Production Engineering” (Programme No 16). The president of Committee was Prof.
J.Rudzītis, director of IIAE nominated by the Order No 910-24 of the Rector of RTU from
13 Nov 1996 (Supplement 3).
Consequently, the Professional study programme “Production Engineering” is
based on three Institutes (IIAE, IQE, IIBS) of Faculty of Transport and Mechanical
Engineering which are promoting the accreditation of this programme.
1.1.
Short review of the Institute of Instrumentation and Automation Engineering
(IIAE)
General Information. IIAE has been established with the Decision of Senate of RTU
from 25 Oct 1993, Minute Script of Session No 388 confirming the Statute of the Institute.
The Institute was constituted by associating:
- Chair for Instrumentation and Automation Engineering;
- Chair for Mechanisation and Automation of Industrial Production Processes;
- Research Laboratory for Automation of Welding Processes.
At present the constituents of Institute of Instrumentation and Automation
Engineering includes Professor Group for Measuring Instruments and Metrology and
Research Laboratory for Automation of Welding Processes.
Staff of Institute. Personnel constitutes of Academic Personnel (10 positions),
Technical Assistant Personnel (5 positions) and research workers (7 positions) and 10
doctoral students. Professor Group for Measuring Instruments and Metrology is led by
Prof. J.Rudzītis, he is the Director of IIAE as well. Manager of Research Laboratory for
Automation of Welding Processes is Prof. V.Ataušs.
Educational Activities. IIAE along with other Institutes participates in the
organisation of Professional engineering studies in the programme “Production
Engineering” teaching 7 study subjects.
Links with Other Organisations. In educational work IIAE maintains links with
following organisations:
In Latvia: Latvian National Centre of Metrology (Rīga), SIA Latvian Standards
(Rīga), A/S “Rebir” (Rēzekne), A/S “Valmiera Glass Fiber” (Valmiera), SIA “ACOT
TECHNOLOGIES” (Rīga), SIA “FESTO” etc.
Abroad: Feinprüf GmbH (Germany), Rank Taylor Hobson Ltd (United
Kingdom), Mitutoyo Ltd (Japan), Physicalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (Germany), Allied
Signal Co (USA), Danfoss Ltd (Denmark) etc.
With foreign universities: Technische Universität Ilmenau, Technische
Universität Chemnitz (Germany), Copenhagen Technical University (Denmark),
Pennsylvania State University (USA) etc.
Interaction with above-mentioned organisations is manifold including transfer of
modern equipment for teaching students in the programme “Production Engineering”
(Contract with FESTO SIA, Supplement 4).
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1.2.
Short review of the Institute of Quality Engineering (IQE)
General Information. IQE has been established with the Decision of Senate of RTU
from 29 May 1993, Minute Script of Session No 385 confirming the Statute of the Institute.
The Institute was constituted by associating:
- Chair for Machine elements and Machine and Mechanism Theory;
- Reliability Centre.
At present the constituents of Institute are Professor Groups for Quality Systems
and for Reliability and Quality Monitoring.
Staff of Institute. Personnel constitutes of Academic Personnel (9 positions),
Technical Assistant Personnel (3 positions) and scientific personnel (3 postgraduate
doctoral students). The Professor Group for Quality Systems is led by Prof. N.Salenieks,
he is the Director of IQE as well. The Professor Group for Reliability and Quality
Monitoring is led by Assoc. Prof. E.Balcers.
Educational Activities. IQE along with other Institutes participates in the
organisation of Professional engineering studies. 10 study subjects are produced in the
programme “Production Engineering”.
Links with other Organisations. In educational work IQE maintains links with
following organisations:
- In Latvia: Latvian National Quality society, Institute of Quality Systems,
Association of Latvian Scientific and Technical Societies, Latvian Association for
Development and Education in Transportation, “Invest -Riga”, LATAK, “TUV Nord Baltic”,
as well as with industrial enterprises – “Latvenergo”, “Jauda”, “Dambis”, “Liepājas
metalurgs”, REBIR, “Latvijas finieris”, “Rīgas piensaimnieks”, “Gutta”, “Spilva”, “Kaija”,
“Selga”, Ventspils Nafta”, “Grindex”, STATOIL, ABB, SKF, MoDo Paper, “Hanzas
Maiznīca”, “Latvijas Dzelzsceļš” etc.
- Abroad: European Organisation of Quality (EOQ), European Foundation for
Quality Management (EFQM), American Society for Quality (AOQ), American Statistical
Association (ASA), Kordonsky Foundation, MIT USA.
- Foreign Institutions of higher education; Loughborough University of Technology,
Leiceter De Montfort University (United Kingdom), Technische Universitaet Berlin,
Hochschule Wismar, Magdeburg Otto Guericke Universitaet (Germany), Linkoeping
University, Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), Norwegian Institute of Technology
(Norway), Helsinki Technical University (Finland).
1.3.
Short review of the Institute of Industrial Business Systems (IIBS)
General Information. IIBS has been established with the Decision No 386 of Senate
of RTU from 28 June 1993 confirming the Statute of the Institute.
The Institute was constituted by joining:
- Chair for Tool Production;
- Chair for Technology of Materials:
- Chair for Machine Manufacturing Equipment.
At present the constituents of IIBS are Professor Group for Theory of Material
Cutting and Tools, Professor Group for Technology of Material Working and Group of
Study Laboratories.
Staff of Institute. IIBS staff Personnel constitutes Academic Personnel (7 positions),
Technical Assistant Personnel (2 positions) and research workers (1 position) and 3
doctoral students. Assoc. Prof. R.Dorošenko leads professor group for Theory of Material
Cutting and Tools, he is the IIBS Director as well. Professor group for Technology of
Material Working is led by Prof. J.Ozoliņš.
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Educational Activities. IIBS participates along with other Institutes in the
organisation of Professional engineering studies covering 12 study subjects. Institute
conducts engineering studies in the subjects Maintenance and Repair of Technological
Equipment, Woodworking Technology and Technology of Materials.
Links with other organisations. In teaching students IIBS maintains links with
following organisations:
- In Latvia: Latvian National Metrology Centre (Riga), AS Bolderāja (Riga), AS
Latvijas Finiers (Riga) etc.
- Abroad: Maschinen Arbeitstechnik (Germany), NCC (Sweden), Institute of
Superhard Materials (Ukraine), KAAS STAAL KONSTRUTIOB (Denmark) etc.;
- Foreign Higher education institutions: Fachhohschule Lübek (Germany), Ruse
Higher Technical School (Bulgaria), Rostov State Road University (Russia), Copenhagen
TU (Denmark). Collaboration with above- mentioned organisations in manifold, including
consultations, research work, contracts on several calculation areas and scientific grants.
2. Description and Analysis of the Professional Study Programme “Production
Engineering”
Professional study programme after Bachelor studies “Production Engineering”
comprehends Engineering studies (2 years).
For entry in Engineering studies the candidate should have the Bachelor’s degree.
After 2 years studying and defending the Engineering project the student receives the
qualification Engineer in Production Engineering (code 475222) according to the Decision
No 449 of RTU Senate from 25 Apr 2000 (copy of Decision is presented in Supplement
19).
2.1.
Engineering Studies after Bachelor Studies, Contents and Analysis
Engineering Studies within the study programme “Production Engineering” are
organised in several directions conducted accordingly by IIAE, IQE, IIBS.
Length of Engineering studies is 2 years. When Engineering student has
completed the whole study programme and has defended the Engineering project he
should receive the qualification Engineer in Production Engineering in relevant specialist
direction.
2.1.1. Specifics of IIAE
IIAE teaches the Engineering students in the direction Instrumentation Engineering
confirmed with the Decision of RTU Senate No 419 from 7 Apr 1997.
Conditions of Performing Engineering Studies Programme
Aim. Engineering studies aim to provide the higher professional education in the
direction “Instrumentation Engineering” of “Production Engineering” in the branch of
Mechanical Engineering.
Objectives and Expected results. The programme of Engineering studies provides acquisition of the
basics of professional knowledge, subjects of humanities and social education, relevant basic theoretical
and economic subjects, as well as suitable elective study subjects.
During Engineering studies student gains knowledge necessary for further professional activities:
- knowledge about structure of instruments, structural analysis and synthesis, standard and
specialised parts of instruments and application of computer for their calculation;
- skills of application of theoretical knowledge for setting up and solving specific problems in the area
of production technology of instrumentation;
- skills of application acquired knowledge for designing new instruments, components of automation
equipment, cutting and pressing tools, dies with regard to precision, loads and environmental impact;
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- basic skills of research work including experimental investigation and analysis of reference data
found in literature in the area of instrumentation production;
- skills in applying computers and relevant software in engineering business;
- basic knowledge in the area of quality assurance in production process.
Gained academic education should impart a certain cultural level of the individual enabling
performance of public activities, getting and keeping in touch with local and foreign intellectuals.
Curriculum of Proposed Master Education
Study programme provides acquisition of basic knowledge in design of instrumentation, technology
of producing instruments, technological equipment for producing instruments, application of computers and
relevant software in engineering activities, as well as several subjects of modern technologies – prospective
systems of production equipment, flexible manufacturing technology.
Study programme provides also some additional theoretical subjects – Probability theory for solving
engineering problems and Calculation of dimensional tolerances.
In addition programme contains subjects of general education such as humanities, social and
economical subjects.
Credit numbers and Distribution of Curriculum Parts
Compulsory subjects of study direction
20 credits
Specialist subjects including subjects of restricted choice
24 credits
Humanities and social subjects
4 credits
Economical subjects
4 credits
Elective subjects
4 credits
Industrial placement
(16 weeks)
8 credits
Engineering project
16 credits
Total
121 credits
Description of study subjects are presented in Supplements 23 and 24.
Assessment of Gained Knowledge, Criterions, Forms and Procedure
For determination of Engineer’s qualification the knowledge in branch compulsory, branch general,
branch restricted elective subjects and subjects of general education – humanities, social and economical
subjects is assessed .
Practical assessment forms comprise laboratory works, practical works and study works.
Theoretical knowledge is assessed by means of testing and examination. Education order
comprises working out and defending practical works and projects, taking tests and examinations,
performing and defending the engineering project.
The final examinations of the engineering studies programme are carried out in writing and the
results indicated in diploma:
- Technology of producing instruments;
- Technological equipment for producing instruments;
- Design of instrumentation;
- Application of computers in engineering activities;
- Software for engineering calculations;
- Prospective systems of production equipment;
- Flexible manufacturing technology;
- Probability theory for solving engineering problems;
- Basics of modern technologies;
- Calculation of dimensional tolerances.
The basis of engineering project represent working out the design of instruments and their
components, choice and working out the relevant technology, working out the tooling and technological
equipment, working out methods for quality assurance, designing the workshop with regard to labour safety
and environmental impact, economical assessment of the project.
Academic Staff
Academic personnel working with engineering students in the direction Instrumental
Engineering comprises:
Professors – Dr.habil.sc.ing., Prof. J.Rudzītis, Dr.habil.sc.ing., Prof. E.Chiron,
Dr.habil.sc.ing., Prof. Dr. habil.sc.ing., Prof. V.Ataušs, Member of Latvian Academy of
Sciences Dr.habil.sc.ing., Prof. I.Matīss, Dr.sc.ing., Assoc. Prof. F.Sudnieks, Dr.sc.ing.,
Assoc. Prof. J.Krizbergs;
Docents - Dr.sc.ing., Doc. A.Kamols, Dr.sc.ing., Doc. O.Liniņš, Dr.sc.ing., Doc.
I.Odītis.
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Technical Assistant Personnel
For working with engineering students in the study programme Instrumentation
Engineering the following assistant personnel is required:
2 persons having secondary specialist education;
3 persons having higher professional education.
Study Foundation
At present the study programme is produced by the professor group for Measuring
instruments and Metrology, using the facilities of Research Laboratory for Automation of
Welding Processes. At present the financing for the teaching work is allocated from the
State Budget and for research work from the Latvian Science Council grants under
supervision by:
- Prof. J.Rudzītis and Prof. V.Ataušs - in Machine Manufacturing.
It is necessary in the near future to renew the equipment of above mentioned
facilities providing:
- computers (10 units);
- specified equipment for measurement;
- software for CAD;
- and other advanced equipment.
At present the IIAE has an advanced Pneumatics laboratory having equipment
supplied by FESTO Company. The equipment of laboratory meets the contemporary as
well as the future requirements.
2.1.2. Specifics of IQE
Institute of Quality Engineering produces engineering studies in the direction Quality
Assurance and Management confirmed with the Decision No 420 of RTU Senate from 28
Apr 1997.
Conditions of Performing Engineering Studies Programme
Aim. Master studies aim to provide the higher professional education in the Quality
Science
Objectives and Expected results. Programme for engineering students provides acquisition of
knowledge in relevant fundamental sciences using lectures, practical work and literature studies as well as
devoting a great deal of study time to humanities and social sciences for general education.
The engineering studies shall result in acquiring knowledge necessary for versatile professional
activities in establishing and maintaining quality assurance systems and for further doctoral studies as well.
The contents of programme are being updated on regular basis taking into account the actual
development trends of studies. Harmony with the study programmes of West European and Northern
countries (ECTS – European Community Credit Transfer System) and with study programmes of European
universities (EMTQM European Master in Total quality Management) enables to perfect their knowledge in
foreign universities at the final stage of studies.
Curriculum of proposed education
In the first study year students study in depth the fundamental sciences – Mathematics, Physics and
Chemistry. Also students acquire knowledge in Computing basics and necessary theoretical knowledge in
several applied sciences, as well as introductory knowledge in humanities, social and economical subjects.
In second year students begin to acquire knowledge on quality systems, their types and
components, examine the possibilities of producer to certify and confirm the quality of products. Students
study the modern methods of designing, diagnostics and testing.
At the final stage of studies students acquire intensively the preventive and operative methods for
quality assurance, study the approaches of analysis of causes, effects and hazards. Students acquire the
methodology of general quality improving and studying the consumers interests, as well as issues of
certification of products and processes.
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Credit numbers of Parts of Study Programmes
Compulsory study subjects
Limited choice subjects of branch
Free electives
Industrial placement
Engineering project
Total
39 credits
13 credits
4 credits
8 credits
16 credits
80 credits
The descriptions of study subjects are given in Supplements 21 and 22.
Assessment of Gained Knowledge, Criteria, Forms and Procedure
The Engineer’s qualification is conferred upon the completing the theoretical course and defending
the engineering project.
Theoretical knowledge is assessed by means of testing and examination.
Practical assessment forms comprise laboratory works, practical works and course works and
course projects.
The engineering project aims to examine the possibilities of implementing the modern methods of
quality management and quality assurance systems into Latvian economy and improvement of
methodological assurance of quality.
Academic Staff
Engineering studies programme in the direction of quality assurance is basically
produced by the academic personnel of Institute of Quality Engineering:
Professors – Associate Member of Latvian Academy of Sciences Dr.habil.sc.ing.,
Prof. N.Salenieks, Dr.sc.ing., Assoc. Prof. E.Balcers;
Docents - Dr.sc.ing., Doc. J.Rudņevs, Dr.sc.ing., Doc. G.Svīķis, Dr.sc.ing., Doc.
G,Upītis, Dr.sc.ing., Doc. J.Mazais.
Technical Assistant Personnel
For teaching the engineering study programme three persons having the higher
professional education are required.
Study Foundation
Study programme is mainly based on the facilities of Institute of Quality Engineering
using its laboratories and specialised classrooms. Specialist software of Quality Assurance
is installed in TEMPUS Computer class and updated on regular basis.
2.1.3. Specifics of IIBS
IIBS teaches the Engineering students in the direction “Material working tools and
technology” confirmed with the Decision of RTU Senate No 420 from 28 Apr 1997.
For entry in Engineering studies the candidate should have the Bachelor’s degree
with relevant Diploma.
Conditions of Performing Engineering Studies Programme
Aim
Engineering studies aim to provide the higher professional education according to
the RTU programme “Production Engineering”. Specialists having such a qualification may
work as mechanical engineers (PK 2145 15).
Objectives and Expected Results
The programme of Engineering studies provides acquiring the basics of professional knowledge,
subjects of humanities and social education, relevant basic theoretical and economic subjects, as well as
suitable elective study subjects.
During Engineering studies student gains knowledge necessary for further professional activities or
for further Master studies:
- basic skills in research work including experimental investigation and analysis of data taken from
literature;
- skills of applying theoretical knowledge for setting up and solving practical problems in the area
of mechanical engineering:
- skills of using computers and relevant software;
- basic knowledge enabling quality assurance in production processes;
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skills in applying knowledge for designing new machinery, equipment, jigs, tools and mechanism
taking into account static and dynamic loads and environmental impact;
Gained professional education should impart a certain cultural level of an individual enabling
performance of public activities, getting and keeping in touch with local and foreign intellectuals.
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Curriculum of proposed education
Study programme provides teaching specialist subjects corresponding to the study branch: Design
and Technology of Tools, Machine Manufacturing Technology, Jig Design, Fundamentals of Patent Science,
Design and Renovation of Woodworking Tools, Design of Specialised Technological Equipment, Flexible
Manufacturing Technology.
In addition programme contains subjects of general education – labour safety and economics.
Credit numbers of Parts of Study Programmes
Specialist subjects of branch
39 credits
Limited choice subjects of branch
9 credits
Subjects of general education
8 credits
Industrial placement
8 credits
Engineering project
16 credits
Total
80 credits
The descriptions of study subjects are given in Supplements 21 and 22.
Assessment of Gained Knowledge, Criteria, Forms and Procedure
The Engineer’s qualification is conferred upon completing the theoretical course and defending the
engineering project. For determination of Engineer’s qualification, the assessment criteria comprise the
knowledge of specialist subjects, subjects of limited choice and general education subjects of the study
programme.
Practical assessment forms comprise
- laboratory works, practical works, course works and course projects.
Theoretical knowledge is assessed by means of testing and examination.
Education procedure comprises laboratory works, practical work, study works, taking tests and
examinations, working out and defending engineering project.
In final assessment of engineering studies subjects the students are examined in writing and results
presented in diploma:
Designing and Production of Tools
5 credits
Machine Manufacturing Technology
4 credits
Design of Specialised Technological Equipment
2 credits
Design and Renovation of Woodworking Tools
3 credits
Fundamentals of Patent Science
2 credits
Management of Small Business
2 credits
Flexible Manufacturing Technology
2 credits
The engineering project comprises analysis of design of parts, working out the manufacturing
technology, cutting conditions, tools, technological equipment and methods of quality assurance.
Academic Staff
Engineering studies programme of the direction is carried out by the academic
personnel:
Professors – Dr.sc.ing. Assoc. Prof. R.Dorošenko;
Docents - Dr.sc.ing. Doc. G.Bunga, Dr.sc.ing., Doc. Ē.Geriņš, Dr.sc.ing., Doc.
B.Holodovs, Dr.sc.ing., Doc. T.Ķirsis, Dr.sc.ing., Doc. N.Kazulis.
Technical Assistant Personnel
For teaching the engineering study programme “Materialworking Tools and
Technology” the following is required.
- 3 persons having secondary professional education;
- 1 person having Master’s degree;
- 3 persons having uncompleted higher education.
Study Foundation
Study programme is based on the facilities of Professor group for Material Cutting
Theory and Tools of the Institute of Industrial Business Systems using its laboratories and
specialised classrooms.
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At present the study financing is provided from the State budget as well as from the
Latvian Science Council grant supervised by Assoc.Prof. R.Dorošenko.
It is necessary to renovate the facilities of the above mentioned Institute of Industrial
Business Systems providing:
- computers (2 units);
- specialised production equipment;
- specialised measuring equipment
and other advanced equipment.
At present the IIBS uses an advanced Pneumatics laboratory having equipment
supplied by FESTO Company. The equipment of laboratory meets the contemporary as
well as the future requirements.
3. Organisation and Control of Professional Studies
3.1. Procedure of Designing, Accepting and Confirming Study Programmes
Study programmes including study programmes in “Production Engineering” have
been designed according to the Decision No 411 of RTU Senate from 29 Apr !996
(Supplement 10) which provides that:
All the programmes of academic and professional education shall be confirmed by
RTU Senate and signed by Vice-Rector
For confirming the study programme the comprising basic information should be
submitted to the RTU Senate.
Before confirming by Senate the Study Department organises the expertise of study programme on
compliance with the RTU standards.
Designing the Bachelor study programme shall be organised by Committees for study programmes
of respective study profile. Then Faculty Board (Study Board of the profile) shall examine programmes).
Programmes for Engineer, Master and Doctoral studies shall be designed by the Professor group of
respective study direction and examined by Boards of Institutes.
Listing of study subjects of a programme comprises the subject titles and their credit values.
The Senate confirms:
A. Titles of compulsory study subjects and their credit values;
B. Names of blocks of restricted electives and their credit values;
C. Credit values of free electives;
D. Credit values of industrial placement and practical work;
E. Schedule of state examinations, final proofs, qualification work forms and their credit values.
According to the Decision of RTU Senate the Committee (composition of
Committee see in Supplement 2) for study programme “Production Engineering” has
designed engineering study programme. The programme was confirmed by IIAE with
Decision No 419 from 7 Apr 1997 and by RTU Senate with Decision No 420 from 28 Apr
1997.
The study subject credit numbers of programmes for “Production Engineering” were determined with
regard to the Decision No 410 of RTU Senate from 25 Mar 1996 (Supplement 11) about the minimum
amount of credits (40 credits) and in addition:
- Engineering study programmes have been designed in accordance with Decision of RTU Senate
from 27 Nov 1995 (Supplement 12) determining the amount of credits in engineering study
programmes.
3.2. Collaboration between Structural Units in Performance of Programme
The professional study programme “Production Engineering” has been designed
and maintained by the 3 Institutes IIAE, IQE, and IIBS of the Faculty of Transport and
Mechanical Engineering. However, several faculties, their institutes and departments are
involved in running this programme.
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Teaching is organised separately by the Institutes IIAE, IQE, and IIBS in
corresponding directions.
The study programme of “Production Engineering” is attended by:
1. Institute of Humanities – humanities subjects;
2. Institute of Production Entrepreneurship – economical subjects, Faculty of Engineering
Economics;
3. Institute of Labour and Environmental Protection - Labour and Environmental Protection;
4. Institute of Entrepreneurship and Management - Entrepreneurship and Management, Faculty of
Engineering Economics.
3.3. Principles of Assessment of Students Knowledge
At all levels and directions the knowledge of students is assessed twice a year – in
winter and spring sessions. By this time the students take examinations on the major
subjects according to individual study plans co-ordinated with students and confirmed by
the director of Institute.
In subjects containing study works and laboratory works students write and defend
accounts. For a defended study work student becomes a mark, for laboratory work – a
pass. Commonly the subjects of humanities and of social cycle conclude also with a test.
Data about all the passed tests, study works and examinations are written into the
individual study plans. In RTU a mark scale of 10 grades is applied.
Examination papers are prepared by professors responsible for teaching the
respective subjects. Examinations are performed in writing as ruled by RTU Senate
Decision “About Examination in RTU” from 26 Jan 1998. The above mentioned Decision
contains general requirements and order of assessment of examination results (see
Supplement 15).
3.4. Organisation of Performing Laboratory, Seminar, Study and Qualification works
Laboratory works. Laboratory works are organised according to study plans and
lesson schedule in specialised laboratories. For improving study quality in some cases the
number of students in working group is limited to 13 persons, i.e. to a half of an academic
group.
Laboratory works are performed in accordance with requirements of Institute
organising respective studies providing testing student knowledge before work, writing
accounts and defending works.
Model account of a laboratory work is given in Supplement 16.
Seminars. For more profound study of some theoretical topics, seminar lessons are
organised. Seminars are performed in accordance with study plans and schedules for
separate groups of students. Seminar lessons are organised mainly on compulsory study
subjects such as mathematics, mechanics, economics, social sciences and others.
Study works. The programme of “Production Engineering” provides study works in
some specialist subjects. In working out study works computer facilities are widely applied.
For this purpose students use Computer Class of Faculty (at IQE). This stimulates
acquiring practical skills in above mentioned study subjects. Study works should contain
both the descriptive part and graphical part – drawings and diagrams.
Industrial placement. The programme “Production Engineering” provides practical
work in some industrial enterprise. Students perform the work in the advanced
metalworking and machine manufacturing enterprises e.g. A/s Severstallat, Liepājas
Metalurgs etc. in Latvia and abroad as well. According to decision of the students’
parliament the students choose the enterprise for industrial placement independently.
However this does not guarantee a qualitative practical work. At present the teachers have
to work hard in order to ensure this.
14
Qualification work. This works depends on the study form. Upon completing
engineering programme students shall work out and defend the engineering project. The
instructions of performing the project are given in Supplement 17.
3.5. Comparison with Institutions of Higher Education in EC
The study programme “Production Engineering” is taught in practically all the major
institutions of higher engineering education in all countries. The RTU programme has been
compared with those of following institutions:
- Technische Universität Chemnitz (TUCH, Germany);
- Lowborough Institute of Technology (LUT, United Kingdom);
- Royal Institute of Technology (RIT, Sweden).
The comparison is aggravated since the definition of a credit and their amount in a
study semester are different although the subjects taught in RTU, TUCH and LUT are
similar.
For instance in RTU 1 academic hour in a study week corresponds to 1 credit
whereas in TUCH to 1.5 credits etc.
For better insight the study subjects in RTU, TUCH, LUT and RIT are compared in
credit points considering such separate subject groups:
- subjects of general fundamental sciences;
- general engineering subjects;
- specialist subjects;
- economical and social subjects.
The credit numbers of subject groups at each institution is expressed as percentage
of the total study credit amount in order to exclude the aforementioned distinctions in study
programmes.
A summary of programme constituents in subject groups is presented in Table 1.
Table 1
Credits in numbers and percentage
Subject groups, subjects
RTU
TUCH
LUT
RIT
6 (15%)
+
+
+
9 (21%)
+
7 (17%)
+
6 (18%)
+
+
+
+
A. Block of designing subjects
Design of Instruments
Design of Tools an Equipment
Quality Assurance Systems
Probability Theory in Engineering
Design of Plants and Flexible
Manufacturing Systems
15 (39%)
+
+
+
+
+
18 (41%)
+
+
+
+
19,5 (50%)
+
+
+
+
+
8 (21%)
B. Block of technological subjects
Technology of Manufacturing Machines
and Instruments
Basics of Advanced Technologies
Flexible Manufacturing Technology
Methods for Quality Assurance
Surface Plastic Deformation
Total
18 (46%)
+
16 (38%)
+
12,5 (33%)
+
24 (61%)
+
+
+
+
+
39
+
+
+
43
+
+
General engineering subjects
Fundamentals of labour protection
Labour protection
Computer Application in Engineering
Specialist subjects
39
+
+
+
+
+
+
38
15
The analysis of the data contained in Table1 indicates that:
- RTU study programme “Production Engineering” is sufficiently equalised among
all the groups of sciences;
- the differences in volumes of subjects in groups are rather little.
The study programme “Production Engineering” of RTU is equivalent with those of
other higher education institutions under consideration.
4. Academic Staff and Its Qualification
In performing the engineering study programme in total 22 teachers responsible for
study subjects (see Supplement 8) participate including
- 6 professors (27 %);
- 4 associate professors (18 %);
- 12 docents (55 %);
The qualification level of academic personnel is high since 70 % of staff have a
scientific degree.
CV of academic personnel are presented in Supplement 9.
Teaching of engineering students is performed in corresponding directions by:
- IIAE in the direction Instrumentation Engineering - 9 persons including 4
professors, 2 associate professors, 3 docents (see section 2.1.1);
- IQE in the direction Quality Assurance and Management – 9 persons including 1
professor, 1 associate professor, 4 docents (see section 2.1.2);
- IIBS in the direction Material Working Tools and Technology – 7 persons
including 1 professor, 1 associate professor, 5 docents (see section 2.1.3).
5. Research Work in Study Programme
Persons working with study programme “Production Engineering” perform scientific
activities associated with study programme. Scientific activities are basically concentrated
in the Institutes IIAE, IQE and IIBS producing the programme.
IIAE. Institute works with scientific grants as well as performs individual scientific
projects. From last 3 years the following may be mentioned:
Grants from Latvian Science Council:
- Prof. V.Ataušs, leader, grant No 96.0509. “Optimising the automatic checking,
adjusting and controlling the microwelding process of assembling junctions in
production of electronic devices” (1.01.1999 – 31.12.2001).
The theme is associated with subject MAB 205 “Fundamentals of Production
Engineering” and MAB 354 “Technology and Equipment of Microwelding of the
study programme etc.
- Prof. J.Rudzītis, leader, grant No 96.05.12. “Calculation of Surface Wear in
Sliding Friction” (1.01.1999 – 31.12.2001).
The theme is associated with study subjects MAB 250 “Friction and Wear in
Machinery”, MAB 311 “Tribology” etc.
Prof. V.Ataušs and Prof. J.Rudzītis had got grants from Latvian Science Council in former years as
well. In international expertise of Latvian science in 1992 they were assessed positively.
International Projects
Project No 640766. Surface roughness specifications for smooth grounded surfaces.
Contractor: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, USA Elyria, OH 44035.
Supervisor: Prof. J.Rudzītis.
Term: 11.03 - 1.06.2000.
Applied Research Projects
16
Contract No 6437. Perfection of technical training centre for Electro-pneumatic automatics.
Contractor: A/S “Valmiera Fiber” .
Term: 1.12.1999 – 1.02.2000.
Individual research projects. Several teachers perform individual research projects associated with
subjects of study programme.
#
Research theme
Teacher
Study subjects
Working out methods for
analysing the roughness of
machined surfaces
Prof. J.Rudzītis
MAB407 Analysis of Probability of roughness
parameters
MAB606 Basics of Surface Parameter
Statistics
MAB658 Methods of Testing Surface
Roughness
MAB408 Statistical Mechanics of Surface
2
Working out methods for
analysing the deviations from
machined surface geometry
Assoc.Prof.
J.Krizbergs
MAB245 Applying PC in Measuring
MAB687 Analysis of Deviations from 3D
Surfaces
3
Technological processes in
microwelding
Prof. V.Ataušs
MAB564 Technology and Equipment for
Microwelding
MAB615 Fundamentals of Welding Theory
MAB655 Technology and Equipment for
Microwelding
4
Processes of Contacting,
friction and wearing of part
surfaces
Docents A.Kamols,
Docent O.Liniņš
MAB311 Tribology
MAB428 Basic Physics of Friction
MAB540 Calculation of Tribosystems
MAB542 Boundary Criterions of Surface
Contacting
MAB648 Optimising Operational
Characteristics of Instrument Components
5
Automation of assembling
components
Assoc.Prof.
F.Sudnieks
MAB512 Prospective Systems of Production
Objects
MAB622 Principles of Automation in
Technology
1
Publications. Within last 3 years the academic staff of IIAE have published some 20 papers in
Latvian and foreign periodicals quotable internationally. The most important are following:
- Contact of Surface Asperities in Wear. J.Rudzītis et al. Tribology International, 1996, vol.29, No
4, pp. 275-279;
- Analytical Approaches on Surface Texture. J.Rudzītis. Handbook of Tribology. Ch.9,USA CRS
Press Inc., 1997, p. 1099.
- Random Process Model of Rough Surfaces Contact. J.Rudzītis et al. Measuremen6t Science
and Tribology, 1998, 9, p. 1043-1097.
Monographs:
J.Rudzītis, V.Putalovs. Precision and Reliability of Instruments. Moscow, 1991, p. 304 (in Russian);
J.Rudzītis. Geometric Tolerancing, Riga, RTU, 1993, p. 108;
J.Rudzītis. Statistical Mechanics of Solid Body Surface Contacts. Rīga, RTU, 2000, p. 542 (in
Latvian, the English edition is in course of publication).
Scientific conferences. The academic staff of IIAE makes scientific reports in international
conferences on regular basis, in average 1-2 times a year. During the last 3 years such conferences were as
follows:
- 10th International Colloquium, Germany, Chemnitz, February 2000;
- International Conference BALTTRIB’99, Lithuania, Kaunas, Sept 1999;
- 7th International Conference on Metrology, Sweden, Goeteborg, Apr 1997.
Preparing of Masters and Doctoral works. The academic staff of IIAE works systematically
supervising Masters and Doctoral works. Within the last 3 years the following has been prepared:
- 5 Doctoral works. For defence in 2000 three works of former Doctoral students have been
submitted. One person has defended his work in July 2000;
- 15 Master works. 8 Masters pursuit in Doctoral studies.
17
IQE. The Institute performs scientific projects on grants as well as individual
projects. Within last 3 years the following research work ought to be noticed:
Grant from Latvian Science Council
- Prof. N.Salenieks, supervisor, grant No 96.0515, “Integral Computer Technology
for Production Management, Technical Surveying and Environmental
Friendliness” (01.01.1999- 31.12.2001).
The theme is associated with such subjects of study programme as MKI206
Theory of Reliability, MKI349 Integral Computer Technology Environmental
Friendliness of Technology, MKI317 Instrumental Computer Technology of
Quality etc.
Prof. N.Salenieks has got Latvian Science Council grants in former years as well. In international
expertise of Latvian science they were assessed positively.
International Projects
In 2000 TEMPUS PHARE JEP –14225/99. “International Transport and Trade Training in Latvia”.
Project co-ordinator Prof. N.Salenieks.
Applied Research Projects
In 1999 LATVENERGO / Cascade of Hydroelectric Power Plants on River Daugava. Contract
“Forming a Monitoring of Sluice Gate Motion on Hydroelectric Power Plant at Ķegums. Supervisor of theme:
Prof. N.Salenieks.
In 1999 SIA “Signum”. Contract “Forming a Quality System ISO 9000”. Supervisor of theme:
Assoc.Prof. E.Balcers.
In 1999 SIA “Company of Sea Service”. Contract “Forming a Quality System ISO 9000”. Supervisor
of theme: Assoc.Prof. E.Balcers.
In 1999 PAS “Gutta”. Contract “Perfection of Quality System”. Supervisor of theme: Assoc.Prof.
E.Balcers.
In 1999 A/S “Rīgas Piena kombināts”. Contract “Forming a Quality and Harmlessness Assurance
System”. Supervisor of theme: Assoc.Prof. E.Balcers.
In the research projects all the IQE staff, Doctoral students and most advanced Master students take
part.
Individual Research Projects
#
Research theme
Teacher
Study subject
1
Quality Management Systems
in Transport
Prof. N.Salenieks
MKI319 Quality Systems
2
Perfection of Integral Quality
Methodology(QFD)
Assoc.Prof. E.Balcers
MKI318 Quality Assurance Methods
3
Quality Monitoring of
Production Processes
Prof. N.Salenieks
MKI357 Plant Safety and Reliability
4
Vibrodiagnostics of Mechanical
Equipment
Docent G.Upītis
MKI218 Basics of Machinery Diagnostics
Publications. Within last 3 years some 15 papers have been published in Latvian and foreign
periodicals. The last and most important are as follows:
- E.Balcers, N.Salenieks. Quality and Reliability Monitoring. Proceedings of the International
Workshop AVIATION RELIABILITY’2000, May 9-10, Riga. P. 12-14;
- Agris Aizpurietis, Edgars Balcers, Narimants Salenieks. Integrated Process Monitoring.
Proceedings of the 44th EOQ Congress, June 12-18 2000, Budapest, 6 p.;
- Jānis Mazais, Agris Aizpurietis, Narimants Salenieks, Gundars Liberts. Business Excellence for
Education and Training. Proceedings of the 44th EOQ Congress, June 12-18 2000, Budapest, 6
p.;
- Andris Maurāns, Narimants Salenieks, Jānis Bērziņš. Integral Management System for
Multifunctional Seaports Excellence. Proceedings of the 44th EOQ Congress, June 12-18 2000,
Budapest, 6 p.;
Scientific conferences. Professionals of IQE take part on regular basis (2-3 times a year) in
significant international conferences, the last of them being the following:
- 44th EOQ Congress, June 12-18 2000, Budapest;
- International Workshop AVIATION RELIABILITY’2000, May 9-10, Riga;
- Nordic-Baltic Transport Research Conference, April 13-14 2000, Riga;
18
- “Baltic Transit Gateway ‘89”, Riga, 1999.
Preparing of Masters’ and Doctoral works. At IQE there are 14 Doctoral students. 7 persons are on
academic leave.
In Master studies 25 students are engaged. 7 Master students shall defend their Master works in
June 2000.
IIBS. The Institute works with scientific grants as well as performs individual scientific
projects. From the last 3 years the following may be noticed.
Grant from Latvian Science Council
- Assoc.Prof. R.Dorošenko, leader, grant No 96.0511 “Working out variant forms
and theory of wood working tools, perfecting their manufacturing and reliability
(1.01.1999 – 31.12.2001). The theme is associated with subjects MAI492
“Theory of Woodworking” and MAI244 “Wood science” of the study programme
etc.
Assoc.Prof. R.Dorošenko has got grants from Science Council in former years too. In expertise done by
Latvian National Mechanics Committee 1995 the project was assessed positively.
Applied projects
Contract: “Testing a new design method for decorative laths and parts with riffled surface.
Contractor: A/S “Zunda”.
Supervisor: Assoc.Prof. R.Dorošenko.
Individual research projects. Teachers perform individual research projects associated with the
subjects of study programme.
#
Research theme
Teacher
Study subjects
1
Design of tools
Assoc.Prof.
R.Dorošenko
MAI419 Design and Manufacture of
Tools
MAI317 Tools
MAI 413 Design and Renovation of
Tools
2
Theory of working
metals and wood
Docent G.Bunga
MAI209 Material Cutting Theory,
Physics and Heat Processes
MAI492 Theory of Wood Working
MAI428 Plastic Deformation of Tool
Surface
3
Investigation of
materials used for
making machines
Docent J.Ozoliņš
MMM412 Material for Making Machines
MMM432 Material Working Theory
4
Development of theory
of Fluid Mechanics and
Fluid Power Systems
Docent T.Ķirsis, Docent
P.Lielpēters
MMI308 Fluid Mechanics
MMI307 Fluid Power
MMI370 Hydraulic Automatics
MMI209 Applied Fluid Mechanics
MMI411 Dynamics of Fluid Power
Systems
5
Investigation of
technology of
manufacturing machine
parts
Docent B.Holodov
MAAI261 Technology of Machine
Manufacturing
MAI469 Quality Control of Machine
Parts
MAI475 Machining Parts on NC
Machine Tools
Publications. Within the last 3 years academic staff of IIBS have published some 7 papers in Latvian
and foreign periodicals quoted internationally. The most important are following:
- Elaboration of Cutting Process Dynamic Models. R.Dorošenko, G.Bunga, Scientific Proceedings
International Congress. Sofia, 1997. Vol. 6. p. 82-85;
- Cutter System Oscillation Analysis within Cutting Process. 10th International Conference. New
Technologies and Products in Mechanical Engineering. R.Dorošenko et al. Suceava, 1999. P.
21-25;
- The Possibilities of Application of Friction Surfaces with Regular Microgrooves. G.Bunga,
R.Dorošenko. 7th International Conference on Tribology. 2000, Budapest.
19
Monographs
Ķirsis T., Lielpēters P. Fluid Mechanics. “Apgāds Jāņa Sēta”, Rīga, 1999. 82 p. (In Latvian).
Scientific conferences. IIBS academic staff participates on regular basis with reports in international
conferences – in average 1-2 times a year. During last 3 years such conferences were as follows:
- Second International congress Mechanical Engineering Technologies ’99. Bulgaria, Sofia,
September, 1999;
- Conferinta Stintica Tehnomika, Suceava, May 1999;
- International Conference in Russia, Rostov upon Don, September, 1999.
Preparing Master and Doctoral works. IIBS academic staff supervises systematically Master and
Doctoral works. Within the last 3 years 10 Master works have been completed. 3 students of them pursuit
Doctoral studies.
6. Study Foundation
6.1. Study Literature
The study literature comprise text books, lecture notes, technical literature of
respective branch and periodicals, instructions to course projects, descriptions and
instructions to laboratory works, instructions to practical works, problem collections with
and without worked out examples, equipment catalogues, standards, model projects etc.
All the teaching staff working with study programme “Production Engineering” have
written and published textbooks, lecture notes, instruction for laboratory and practical
works etc.
Listing of the teaching staff running the programme and having submitted applications on study
subjects is presented in Supplement 8. CV of respective teachers are given in Supplement 9 where the
activities in preparing the study literature of each teacher may be seen.
From the academic staff of the Institutes IIAE, IQE and IIBS having applied the study programme the
following may be noticed:
- Prof. E.Chiron having published 3 text books;
- Prof. J.Rudzītis having published 2 text books;
- Prof. N.Salenieks having published 6 text books;
- Assoc.Prof. F.Sudnieks having published 2 text books;
- Assoc.Prof. R.Dorošenko, Docent E.Geriņš having published 1 text book;
- Docent J.Rudņevs having published 1 text book;
etc.
Students may receive study literature from the RTU Library having sufficient amount of books,
periodicals and other literature as well as reading rooms of sufficient space. In addition the students and the
teachers working with the programme “Production Engineering” have access to INTERNET.
The resources of study literature relevant to study programme “Production
Engineering” may be assessed sufficient with regard to the amount and accessibility for
students.
The following positive features of existing study literature resources should be
noticed:
- the productive work of the Commission of Technical Terminology creating
needed terms in Latvian;
- the teachers have prepared lecture notes on practically all the subjects;
- students may use along with RTU Library the Library of Latvian Academy of
Sciences as well;
- academic staff of RTU consult the Library in acquisition of books and
periodicals.
It should be noticed the following shortcomings requiring certain efforts for
eliminating in future:
- students cannot get lecture notes on some subjects (the number of copies is
insufficient, in some cases the text is not yet ready for copying);
20
some methodological texts provided for projects and laboratory works require
updating;
the list of ISO standards and national standards of major western industrial
countries available in RTU Library is limited (such standards are to be looked for
in Latvian National Library or in libraries of Latvian National Centre of
Metrology).
-
6.2. Material, Technical and Financial Resources
Three Institutes namely Institute of Instrumentation and Automation Engineering
(IIAE), Institute for Quality Engineering (IQE) and Institute of Industrial Business Systems
(IIBS) are responsible for preparing specialists according to study programme “Production
Engineering”.
The above-mentioned Institutes located 6 Ezermalas str., Rīga provide the following
floor space for performing studies:
IIAE – 793,4 sq.m, IQE – 606,3 sq.m, IIBS – 887,6 sq.m.
The study facilities of IIEA include the following laboratories:
#
Item
Floor space in sq m
1
2
3
4
5
6
Laboratory of Electropneumatic Automatics (miniplant FESTO)
Laboratory of General metrology
Laboratory of Precision and Standardisation of Products
Laboratory of Instrumentation Technology
Laboratory of Jig Design
Research laboratory for students
Total
90.50
71.50
53.70
53.70
53.70
53.70
376.80
The equipment of IIAE provided for teaching purposes include the following:
Item
FESTO production modules
FESTO work stations
Computers
Scanners
Printers
Copiers
Stationary measuring devices
Universal assembling devices
Scientific apparatus
Other laboratory equipment
Amount
Value in lats
7
7
6
1
3
1
47
1 set
5
8
130,000
1600
3200
400
450
1200
15,000
3500
8000
1900
Total
165,250
The equipment supplied by FESTO Company plays an important role in contemporary education of
students since the equipment meets the requirements of contemporary as well as future industrial
production. Contract on collaboration in application of this equipment is presented in Supplement 4.
The FESTO facilities include seven FESTO workstations arranged with relevant equipment for
performing electropneumatic operations and FESTO miniplant – a miniature model of flexible manufacturing
plant.
At FESTO facilities students acquire topics of up-to-date level in production automation at the level
equal to that gained in major European universities.
The study facilities of IQE include the following laboratories:
21
#
1
2
3
4
5
Item
Floor space in sq m
Laboratory of Machine Elements
Laboratory of Mechanism Analysis and Synthesis
Computer class TEMPUS
Specialist reference library
Continuing Education Centre
71.9
69.6
51.6
35.0
36.5
Total
264.6
The equipment of IIAE provided for teaching purposes include the following:
Item
Amount
Computers
Scanners
Printers
Plotters
Copiers
Machine Elements laboratory devices
Mechanism analysis and synthesis laboratory devices
Other laboratory equipment
INTERNET connections
Value in lats
16
1
6
1
2
12
16
3
14
Total:
9600
400
600
800
2200
900
350
7350
200
22400
The study facilities of IIBS include the following laboratories and specialist classes:
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
Item
Floor space in sq. m
Laboratory of jigs
Specialist class for Machine Manufacturing and Tools
Laboratory of Renovation of Tools
Laboratory of Hydraulic Automation
Specialist class of Material Working
Specialist class of Manufacturing Equipment
52.50
70.20
35.70
35.70
71.40
52.50
Total
318.00
The equipment of IIBS provided for teaching purposes include the following:
Item
Computers
Printers
Stationary measuring devices
Scientific apparatus
Other laboratory equipment
Amount
3
3
53
4
31
Total
Value in lats
1600
450
16,000
5000
8000
31,050
In contemporary education of students the equipment supplied by FESTO Company plays an
important role since it meets the requirements of the new century.
Study financing in the programme “Production Engineering” is provided from the
State budget. The study costs, financing source and the value of students grant are
indicated in table.
22
Study Financing in Lats
Item
Study costs per
student*
Student’s grant per
month
Financing source
Engineering studies
928
8
State budget
*According to data in Decision No 449 of RTU Senate from 25 Apr 2000.
At present study funding covers 70 per cent from required.
Study foundation for the programme “Production Engineering” may be assessed to
be satisfactory, however, it should be noticed that the rooms of the building 6 Ezermalas
Str., Rīga have to be repaired and some 35 per cent of the laboratory equipment requires
renovation.
6.3. Possibilities to Choose Study Subjects
The possibilities to choose certain study subjects are determinated with the
Decision No 411 of RTU Senate from 24 Apr 1996 presented in Supplement 10. According
to the Decision every study programme must contain elective subjects of restricted or free
choice along with compulsory subjects.
Such principle is also comprised in the study programme “Production Engineering”.
In engineering study programme 14 - 17 credits (17 - 21 %) are provided for restricted electives
(Supplements 5, 6 and 7). By this choice student may prepare himself for further Master studies.
Moreover student may elect humanities and social subjects.
For free election 4 credits are provided.
6.4. Chances of Additional Learning and Other Activities
Study programme “Production Engineering” offer additional learning as well as
physical education, sports and recreation.
This is possible:
1. engaging in studies of elective subjects;
2. acquiring several programmes sequentially.
In engineering studies the restricted and free elective subjects offer additional foreign languages
(English, German, French) as well as humanities and social subjects.
The right to study several programmes sequentially (see Decision of RTU Senate in Supplement 19)
offers an opportunity to engage in Master studies upon completing the professional studies.
In all the study subjects of the programme “Production Engineering” the computers are applied. In
addition engineering programme contains separate subjects in computers: Application of PC in Measuring,
Application of INTERNET in Machine Manufacturing, developing the computer skills.
6.5. Democratic Principles in Management of Study Programme
The RTU Senate decisions provide democratic principles in management of study
programmes. The RTU Statute has been passed by Latvian Parliament Saeima on 5 Feb
1998 and confirmed by State President on 18 Feb 1998. The Clause 5 of the Statute
states that in RTU the managing and decision-making institution is the Senate including in
its composition 25 per cent Bachelor, Master and Doctoral students.
In Senate the students have a right of postponing veto on issues concerning their
interests.
Consequently in RTU Senate all the issues concerning the interests of students
including those associated with study programmes are decided in a democratic way.
23
Also the Boards of Faculties and Boards of Institutes comprise representatives from
students. Therefore the study programmes and curricula are worked out in a democratic
way.
In order to improve the quality of study programme “Production Engineering”
inquiries are organised among the students and their future employers in industry.
Separate questionnaires are composed for engineering students (see Supplements 20 21).
7. Prospect of Study programme and Development Plan
7.1. Prospect of Study Programme
Prospect of study programme “Production Engineering” is closely associated with
the development of the industry in Latvia. According to information* delivered by V.Rantiņš
who is President of the Board of Association of Entrepreneurs of Machine Manufacturing
and Metal Working Industries the enterprises of these branches deliver 14.9 per cent
(production value is 117,000,000 LVL) of Latvian industrial gross product. 78 per cent
(88,5 millions LVL) of the production is exported. Just these industries are interested in
young specialists studying with the programme “Production Engineering”.
Whereas in the years after the restoration of independence of Latvia the industrial
production suffered a substantial decrease then in the last years production goes up and
consequently the demand for specialists in Production Engineering increases.
By the beginning of year 2000 there were registered over 700 enterprises of
machine manufacturing branch, 360 enterprises (51 %) of them employed less than 5
persons but in 211 enterprises employed more than 20 persons. Thus in Latvia there are
mainly small enterprises demanding universal specialists of wide profile having different
level of education. It is preferable to prepare such specialists inside this country since the
local specifics of industry may be taken into account only in this way.
A graduate person having acquired the basic engineering education in Latvia may
in future if necessary afterwards specialise in foreign enterprises or institutions of higher
education abroad.
Such an opinion is also backed up by the managers of Latvian machine
manufacturing enterprises as a survey MARKET SCANNER conducted in May 2000 by
the Association of Entrepreneurs of Machine Manufacturing and Metal Working Industries
demonstrates (see diagram).
Currently the most significant activities for development of an enterprise are as
follows:
- increase in employment of universal workforce (factor 6);
- acquiring advanced knowledge by means of employing young specialists (factor
9);
- implementing new knowledge in production process (factor 12).
The effect of several factors has been evaluated in grades using the following scale:
1 – factor should not take place; 2 – factor should take place within 2 years term; 3 – factor
is already taking place in enterprise.
The survey demonstrates that in near future the role of young educated specialists
should increase. Consequently the study programme “Production Engineering” should
have foreseeable prospects.
At present the demand for professionals having completed the study programme
“Production Engineering” is already great (IIEA, IQE and IIBS have such data at disposal).
* V.Rantiņš. Branch on the Increase, Newspaper Dienas Bizness, 2000,164, p. 21.
Evaluation in grades
24
Factor numbers
Fig. Assessment of affecting Factors: 1. Increase in energy and material economy; 2. Implementing
the governmental acts; 3. ISO 9000 quality certificate; 4. Using qualitative materials and technologies; 5.
Accreditation of staff; 6. Employment of universal workforce; 7. Increase in responsibility; 8. Increase in
collaboration between mechanics and electricians; 9. Acquiring advanced knowledge by means of employing
young specialists; 10. Rapid development of professional skills; 11. Requirement of substantial skills; 12.
Implementing new knowledge in production process; 13. Increased application of hydraulics and pneumatics;
14. Application of special equipment.
7.2. Development Plan for Study Programme
Taking into account the number of professionals having completed the academic
study programme “Production Engineering” in former years as well as the development
tendencies of the machine manufacturing industry noticed in section 7.1. The development
plan for study programme may be expressed in terms of annual number of engineers
finishing the programme as follows:
Item
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Engineers at IIAE
3
3
2
3
4
5
5
5
Engineers at IQE
7
4
-
6
10
10
10
10
Engineers at IIBS
7
4
10
10
6
6
7
8
17
11
12
19
20
21
22
21
Total
Apparently the number of professional engineers completing the study programme
“Production Engineering” tends to stabilise at about 20 and in future years it might have a
slight increase.
Future development of the study programme “Production Engineering” and
enhancing the study quality should be associated with the improvement of study founding.
Within 5 future years the study facilities should be replaced with up-to-date equipment,
computers and information technology facilities. In financial terms it were as follows.
Investment programme for
study facilities, in lats
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Total
15,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
155,000
25
Such an investment into study foundation and an increase in remuneration of
academic personnel and technical support staff should ensure the competitiveness of
graduate specialists in all the variety of their activities.
In order to popularise the study programme “Production Engineering” among the
students and other public IIAE, IQE and IIBS actively disseminate relevant information.
Examples of informative and advertising materials are given in Supplement 22.
26
8. Summary
Completing the self-evaluation report on study programme “Production Engineering”
the following conclusions may be drawn.
Strengths of Programme
1. The programme provides all the necessary study documentation for producing the
professional studies. It ensures the acquisition of the qualification Engineer in
“Production Engineering”, code 475222.
2. The organisation and management of programme studies complies with generally
accepted principles and normative documents of Riga Technical University:
- study programme has been designed, accepted and confirmed in accordance
with the rules defined by RTU Senate regarding democratic principles;
- in producing the programme the major RTU structural units participate;
- students may select the study subjects and acquire additional knowledge.
3. The academic personnel carrying out the study programme is experienced and has
high scientific qualification. The teaching staff comprises only professors and docents.
4. The programme contents have been compared with the corresponding programmes of
higher education institutions from 3 European community countries (Federal Republic
of Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden) establishing a principal harmony of
programmes.
5. The study facilities are sufficient for producing the programme. There are some
laboratories corresponding to those of the best institutions of higher education in
Europe for example the laboratory equipped by the Company FESTO.
6. In the framework of programme a rather extensive research work is carried out in
institutes producing the programme: Institute of Instrumentation Engineering and
Automation (IIEA), Institute of Quality Engineering (IQE) and Institute of Industrial
Business Systems (IIBS). Research projects based on the grants from Latvian Science
Council, several international applied projects as well as individual research projects
are performed.
7. The programme features a clear development prospect and is engaged in preparing
young specialists required for Latvian industries. In average 20 specialists of different
professional level are prepared annually.
Weaknesses of Programme
1. It is necessary in future years to renovate the laboratory equipment and increase the
number of computers.
2. Academic staff especially the professors are of honourable age. Young teachers
should be engaged.
3. The supply of up-to-date technical and scientific books and periodicals is inadequate
because of limitation of RTU financing.
27
The self-evaluation report on the professional study programme “Production
Engineering” has been designed by Programme Managing Committee composed of
representatives from IIEA, IQE and IIBS.
The self-evaluation report has been discussed and accepted at the sitting of by
Programme Managing Committee on 14 June 2000.
J.Rudzītis, Prof. Dr.habil.sc.ing.
Director of the Institute of Instrumentation Engineering
and Automation, Faculty of Transport and Mechanical
Engineering, President of Committee