Going beyond traditional approaches on industrial engineering education

Abstract

This Research-to-Practice full paper refers to academic perspectives on educational innovation for industrial engineering education. Two common views prevail in educational innovation that turn into different results. One view refers to the use of pedagogical approaches to improve in-classroom students' learning. This is an operational perspective about teaching activities, instructional facilitation and the use of academic resources. The second view refers to educational value creation for students, educational partners, society and to improve the academic positioning of universities. However, both views complement each other and can articulate a holistic approach on educational innovation. To proceed in this direction, this work unfolds in three parts. First, a literature review illustrates the differences between the two complementary views. Second, a conceptual framework is provided to connect the two perspectives and guide further educational innovation efforts. Third, a descriptive and exploratory application case is offered to exemplify the framework at the MIT Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) Latin America Network for industrial engineering education. This work contributes to educational practice with a tool to reflect upon innovation efforts, identify instances and align initiatives with intended educational purposes.