Introduction to Industrial Engineering

Reviewed by Polinpapilinho Katina, Assistant Professor, USC-Upstate on 5/21/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

The text covers all areas and ideas of the subject of industrial engineering appropriately and provides an effective index and/or glossary. However, the logical progressional of chapters could be aided by first providing the foundational information (e.g., Systems Thinking) and then progressing into the core of industrial engineering.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The text covers well the selected topics (i.e., Industrial Engineering, Teamwork, Problem Solving, Big Ideas in Industrial Engineering, Using Models, Deming’s 14 Points, People in the System, Systems Thinking, Lean Operations, The IE Approach, Organizations’ Missions, Visions, and Values, Lifelong Learning). An undergraduate student is provided enough details to grasp the fundamentals of IE and leave them wanting to know more about IE.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The content of this textbook is the stake of current knowledge on the topics selected. Moreover, the book is written in such a manner that it can easily compare emerging topics (e.g., industrial vulnerability, industry 4.0). These could easily be included in Chapter 4. Any necessary updates will be relatively easy and straightforward to implement.

Clarity rating: 5

The text is written in accessible prose and provides adequate context for any jargon/technical terminology used, meaning that any undergraduate student should be able to understand the content and context. In any area that the student is not fluid, certainly, the instructor will be able to explain.

Consistency rating: 5

From the get-go, the text is internally consistent in terms of terminology and the IE framework. Words such as “system” and “safety” are defined in chapter 1 and are used consistently.

Modularity rating: 5

The text is easily and readily divisible into smaller reading sections assigned at different points within the course. In fact, many of the chapters are relatively small that they could be read and discussed in a short period of time.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 4

For a large part, the topics of the text are presented in a logical, clear fashion. However, the chapter on “systems thinking” should appear first to provide foundational information on systems/General Systems Theory before moving into Industrial Engineering.

Interface rating: 5

The text is well crafted and is without significant interface issues. The chapters are accessible, and one is clearly able to view images and charts.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

The textbook does not contain any significant grammar and syntax issues

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

The text is culturally insensitive and does not contain offensive language.

Reviewed by David Olawale, Assistant Professor, University of Indianapolis on 4/23/21

Comprehensiveness rating: 4 see less

I like the key concepts covered. They are critical to an IE and can be covered within a semester-long course. I particularly like the order of the topics.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The contents are accurate and there is proper attribution to the sources of information.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 4

The content is fundamental and will not easily become obsolete. The organization of content is such that it will be relatively easy to update.

Clarity rating: 5

The language and writing style is very easy for anyone (first-year college student) to understand.

Consistency rating: 4

It would have been nice if there was a short introduction at the beginning of each chapter.

Modularity rating: 5

The chapters are relatively short.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

I like the key concepts covered. They are critical to an IE and can be covered within a semester-long course. I particularly like the order of the topics.

Interface rating: 4

It worked well.

Grammatical Errors rating: 4

Pg 3 - Minor grammatical errors e.g. “Certain words are show…” instead of 'shown'.
Little error under Safety and Work Environment section:
“The system should be changed to eliminate or reduce the change of that type of accident occurring.”

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

It is not culturally insensitive.

Comments

It would have been nice if there was a short introduction at the beginning of each chapter.
Exercise should include some quantitative problems e.g. chapter 5 on Models.