The Integration of CAD/ CAM Technology curriculum in the Technological University of the Philippines / Christopher M. Nerie

Year : 2010

Number of Pages : 78 leaves

Adviser : Prof. Glen A. Imbang

Executive Summary

CADD technology has been a trend previously since its formal launching in the 1990's. Industries need technical staff to operate the software. The main objective of this paper is to assess the current academic situation with regards to the integration of CADD/CAM technology in the Technological University of the Philippines-Taguig Campus course offering by using different analytical tools and the Ten Stages of Technology foresight and create scenarios and strategies for its sustainability. In the review of literature, I will discuss briefly the industry standards pertaining to operation of the software. What are the expectations of the industry on newly graduates without necessary experience in the operation of the software? The study will also provide a brief situation of what is happening in the field of work pertaining to linkages between Design engineers and CADD engineers. Will the CADD engineers eliminate the design engineers and will be just there to check and sign the plans? The researcher will be using the Descriptive research method being the most appropriate technique to be applied. It is a fact-finding study with adequate and accurate interpretation of the findings. Data's will also be collected through specific tools like survey, interviews and hard data to provide a more in-depth observation and information from the process. The project study will focus on providing a scenario about the Integration of CADD technology in the engineering curriculum by means of dropping and reporting sets of program guidelines and specifications that could aid in the formulation of programs, infra-structures, technology acquisition and sustainability strategies that will be extended to the Technological University of the Phlippines-Taguig Campus for a measurable course of action. The scenario building exercise will be conducted with the participation of the universities key personnel from the administration, CADD faculties, Department/Section heads and students of TUP-T. Result from different analytical tools such as PEST analysis, Porter's Five forces analysis and SWOT analysis and results from the industry analysis will be given the primary consideration are particularly on the field of Architectural and Engineering firms The Manufacturing Industry and Animation Industry will be the basis for the scenario building exercise. These three large market segments will be the main focus of the industry analysis as the largest market of Autodesk.

Results of the industry analysis revealed that the use of CADD/CAM technologies in the industry will continue in the future and the demand for its operators would be very much in-demand. The respondents from the clustering and ranking of variables were the key officials of the University. The respondents include the university campus director, assistant director for academic affairs, university budget officer, section heads and the department heads. Result of the survey revealed the highest possibility of variables such as (1) advent of new technologies and marketing strategies of firms can either be a challenge to the industry or lead to its further stunting, (2) government support in terms of funding and prioritization, (3) budget cuts for Trainings and seminars and political stability in the local and Asian region will affect markets and economies, (4) change in leadership and resistance to change by senior professors in terms of technological innovations, trainings, and (5) predictable barriers in terms of managing the information system of the university. The basis for the scenario logics will focus on politics and technology resources and acquisition. The researcher comes up with three possible scenario logics and a grand scenario. The assessment of its coherence and implications of scenario logics to strategic planning identified budget and politics as the primary concerns that the university should focus. The recommendations made primarily focus on discussing the management capability, technology learning, and acquisition and funding and support. The strategies made focuses on Technology sourcing strategies, production improvement strategies, understanding norms to promote innovation and change, strengthening marketing strategies and providing a technology roadmap for the project. Based from the data gathered through the use of different analytical tools, the researcher concluded that facilities upgrading and faculty development is highly attainable by carefully providing a strategic plan and increase in budgetary allotments. It is also concluded that the universities present policies to adapt to the subsequent changes in the CADD technology software can be attained by having a management on information system office and strengthening its linkages to local CADD technology software provider and through out-sourcing. This linkage will lead to sustainability in terms of faculty improvement, capability and strengthening the universities competency within the core. Based from the environmental scanning procedures made, it is also concluded that CADD software program will be used continuously in its three largest market segments the construction and architectural industry, the manufacturing industry and the animation industry and that continuous studies and upgrading by the university's faculty on CADD emerging technologies must be strengthened. The scenario building and planning exercise created a mindset not only to pinpoint the accuracy of a forecast but to know the factors, the environment, and the actors that will drive the birth, creation, research and development, implementation, operation, adaption and retirement or trajectory of technologies and technological systems and networks. It is concluded that the ten stages of technology foresight is an effective tool in the scenario building exercise and has revealed that possible outcomes in the future and will serve as the basis for strategic planning for the university. The researcher concluded that the integration of CADD technology curriculum in the university can be sustained and viable.