Course on Systems Thinking for Material Management: Benefit and Tools
The objective of this project is to develop awareness, practitioner, and expert level training focused on benefits and tools of systems thinking for material management, content will be prepared for both in-person and online delivery.
Upon completion, awareness level training will provide an overview of systems analysis tools and applications, namely MFA, LCA, and life cycle cost analysis. Practitioner level training will give students a sound understanding of systems analysis tools available, an overview of references and experts to contact for follow-up questions, and the ability to conduct basic material flow, life cycle, and cost analysis. Students will use some software products and web-based tools as part of this course. Expert level training will include an introduction to LCA tools and methods, criticality assessments, the NREL material flows in industry tool, and combined systems analysis. This expert level training will build upon the awareness and practitioner training and case studies. Students will be instructed on conducting MFAs and LCAs independently.
The target audience for this project include workforce engineers, technicians, managers and executives throughout the supply chain for metals, polymers, fibers, and electronics. This project will coordinate outreach with partners, including Green Blue, to disseminate training.
Project Team:
Georgia Institute of Technology, Yale University, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), GreenBlue, The Aluminum Association
21-01-EWD-5116