CIE study plan
CIE · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Work Design and Methods Engineering
Compute standard time from observed element times by applying performance rating and allowance factors
Construct a left-hand/right-hand process chart and a flow process chart for a simple assembly task
Apply principles of motion economy to redesign a workstation layout and justify each change
Distinguish among continuous, synchronous, and intermittent production flow strategies
Your checkpoint
A worked solution set of 15 domain-1 problems (time-standard calculations, chart construction, motion-economy critique) scored at 80% or better
Work Design and Methods Engineering & Work Measurement and Time Standards
Perform a work-sampling study: size the sample, set random observation times, and compute confidence intervals for proportion estimates
Determine required sample size and number of cycles for a time study given desired precision and confidence
Build a predetermined-time-system-style elemental breakdown and sum it into a standard time
Calculate allowance components (personal, fatigue, delay) and convert normal time to standard time
Your checkpoint
A complete mock time study and a mock work-sampling plan, each with sample-size justification and final standard time
Operations Research and Quantitative Methods
Formulate and solve linear programming models graphically and by simplex for 2-3 variable cases
Set up and interpret a transportation or assignment model solution
Compute and interpret decision criteria under risk and uncertainty (EMV, maximin, minimax regret)
Model a simple queueing system and compute utilization, average queue length, and average wait
Your checkpoint
A formula-and-method reference sheet plus 12 solved OR problems with correct final answers and interpretations
Operations Research and Quantitative Methods & Production Planning and Inventory Control
Determine economic order quantity, reorder point, and total relevant cost under deterministic demand
Compute safety stock and service level for variable demand and lead time
Build a simple MRP explosion for a two-level bill of materials and identify planned order releases
Compare aggregate planning strategies (level, chase, mixed) on cost
Your checkpoint
A timed 60-minute midterm simulation covering domains 1-4, scored and reviewed with an error log
Production Planning and Inventory Control & Quality Engineering and Statistical Process Control
Construct and interpret x-bar and R control charts, including computing control limits from sample data
Distinguish control limits from specification limits and identify out-of-control patterns using run rules
Compute process capability indices and interpret them against specification
Apply acceptance sampling concepts: OC curve interpretation and producer/consumer risk
Your checkpoint
A control-chart case study with hand-computed limits, a capability analysis, and a written out-of-control diagnosis
Facilities Planning and Material Handling & Quality Engineering and Statistical Process Control
Apply systematic layout planning: build a relationship chart and convert it into a block layout
Compute from-to charts and load-distance scores to compare two layout alternatives
Select material handling equipment for a described scenario and justify the choice
Apply p-chart and c-chart methods to attribute data and interpret the results
Your checkpoint
A facilities layout mini-project: relationship chart, two alternative block layouts, load-distance comparison, and a recommendation memo
Engineering Economy and Cost Analysis & Human Factors and Ergonomics
Compute present worth, annual worth, and future worth for single and multiple cash flows
Perform rate-of-return and payback comparisons between alternatives, including depreciation and tax effects
Apply anthropometric and biomechanical principles to evaluate a workstation design for reach, posture, and lifting limits
Identify ergonomic risk factors and recommend engineering controls for a described task
Your checkpoint
An engineering-economy problem set (10 problems) plus a one-page ergonomic evaluation of a described workstation
Lean Systems and Process Improvement & Work Design and Methods Engineering & Production Planning and Inventory Control
Map a value stream and identify value-added versus non-value-added steps and cycle-time bottlenecks
Compute takt time, line balance, and required staffing for a paced line
Apply 5S and standardized-work concepts to propose a process improvement with quantified impact
Complete a full-length practice exam under timed conditions and review every missed item
Your checkpoint
A value-stream map with an improvement proposal quantifying lead-time reduction, plus a scored full-length practice exam with a remediation list
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made 20-question quiz covering domains 1 and 2, including one full time-standard calculation done without notes
Week 4: Complete the 60-minute midterm simulation and log every error by domain; no more than 3 unresolved conceptual gaps remain in domains 1-4
Week 6: Demonstrate ability to construct control limits and a block layout from raw data without reference materials, verified against worked solutions
Week 8: Achieve at least 75% on the full-length timed practice exam with every domain represented, and produce a prioritized final-review list for exam week