An Active Learning Exercise for Product Design from an Operations Perspective. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hill, Stephen; Baker, Elizabeth
• Is Part Of: Decision sciences journal of innovative education. Volume 14:Number 3(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 273
• Page End: 284
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: Business education -- Periodicals; 658.00711
• DOI: 10.1111/dsji.12101
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1540-4595

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Product design is a topic that is regularly covered in introductory operations management courses. However, a pedagogical challenge exists related to the presentation of introductory‐level product design in a way that promotes active learning. The hands‐on exercise presented in this article provides instructors with an activity that gives students an open‐ended opportunity to quickly develop a realistic product from conception to prototype. A unique material is used that allows students the flexibility to freely form a product prototype. A description of the exercise and an assessment of its efficacy in promoting student understanding of product design from an operations perspective are presented. Opportunities for future work are also identified.