The Malta Independent on Sunday
Achieving industrial competitiveness through integrated product development
This year sees the 12th anniversary of the introduction of the Master of Science degree in Integrated Product Development (IPD) which started in October 2005. The 44 people who have graduated are now predominantly employed in important positions in leading local and multi-national manufacturing companies, demonstrating that this course contributes to fostering expertise in high valueadded manufacturing amongst local engineers and scientists, for the benefit of industry.
IPD typifies the modern approach in industry, signifying that all aspects of product function and design, materials and manufacturing, product use and environmental impact, marketing, costing, entrepreneurship and business management are linked into a single discipline that is targeted towards optimising the overall product performance and level of success.
The University of Malta’s MSc IPD study programme helps graduates acquire the skills and knowledge to maximise their performance and success in in- dustry. It is built on two fundamental pillars: product and process engineering, and business and management. In this manner, the course combines these elements of IPD, with the intention of strengthening the skills of both experienced and new graduate engineers, scientists, technical managers and aspiring or seasoned entrepreneurs.
The underlying principles of IPD and their integration are taught in a class setting, whereby theory is complemented by classbased discussions, using case studies in a range of product development sectors. In addition, the theory on the production side of IPD is supplemented with practical lab sessions using stateof-the-art equipment. Participants benefit from the expertise of academic staff from the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, as reflected in the course content. The course also includes an optional fieldstudy visit overseas, during which students learn best IPD practices at renowned compa- nies, such as BMW, Airbus Helicopters and the MAN Group
The course runs over a minimum period of three academic years of part-time study, which allows participants to continue with their career whilst studying. Three-hour lectures are typically delivered twice a week in the evening. Students have three study units per semester in the first two years and a project in the final year. The next course is due to start in October.
Candidates can benefit from the GetQualified scheme, which consists of a tax credit for individuals taking an approved course of studies.
An evening reception was held at the premises of Malta Enterprise to commemorate the 12th anniversary, at which a number of speakers talked about various aspects of the IPD course. Course coordinator Dr Philip Farrugia spoke about the history and background of the course. Education and Employment Ministry Permanent Secretary Joe Caruana highlighted the measures being taken by the government to bridge the gap between education and employability and Pro-Rector for International Development and Quality Assurance Prof. Godfrey Baldacchino explained how the University of Malta is ensuring high-quality knowledge transfer at a postgraduate level. James Attard Kingswell, Innovation Engineer at Toly Products Ltd spoke on the relevance of IPD to industry. Finally, Dr Farrugia gave an overview of the course, including content and delivery approach.
Guests included alumni (2008 to 2016), current IPD students, prospective IPD students, academics involved in the IPD course and industrial stakeholders, including CEOs, directors and HR managers.