Industrial Production Managers
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Industrial Production Managers
Are you interested in how goods and products are made? Are you good at coordinating and managing processes? The career education information presented here will help you learn more about industrial production management, the job outlook, the education required, and the career opportunities. |
Learn more in the career education information listed below:
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Industrial Production Managers
|
Industrial Production Managers
Are you interested in how goods and products are made? Are you good at coordinating and managing processes? The career education information presented here will help you learn more about industrial production management, the job outlook, the education required, and the career opportunities. |
Learn more in the career education information listed below:
- Job Description
- Employment
- Job Outlook
- Related Occupations
- Working Conditions
- Education, Training & Qualifications
- Salary Expectations
- Associations, Resources & Accreditation
Overview
- While there is no standard preparation, a college degree is required.
- Applicants with a college degree in industrial engineering, management, or business administration, and particularly those with an undergraduate engineering degree and a master's degree in business administration or industrial management, enjoy the best job prospects.
- Projected slower-than-average growth in employment reflects increasing productivity.
Job Description
Industrial production managers coordinate the resources and activities required to produce millions of goods every year in the United States. Although their duties vary from plant to plant, industrial production managers share many of the same major responsibilities. These responsibilities include production scheduling, staffing, procurement and maintenance of equipment, quality control, inventory control, and the coordination of production activities with those of other departments.
The primary mission of industrial production managers is planning the production schedule within budgetary limitations and time constraints. They do this by analyzing the plant's personnel and capital resources to select the best way of meeting the production quota. Industrial production managers determine, often using mathematical formulas, which machines will be used, whether new machines need to be purchased, whether overtime or extra shifts are necessary, and what the sequence of production will be. They monitor the production run to make sure that it stays on schedule and correct any problems that may arise.
Industrial production managers also must monitor product standards. When quality drops below the established standard, they must determine why standards are not being maintained and how to improve the product. If the problem relates to the quality of work performed in the plant, the manager may implement better training programs, reorganize the manufacturing process, or institute employee suggestion or involvement programs. If the cause is substandard materials, the manager works with the purchasing department to improve the quality of the product's components.
Because the work of many departments is interrelated, managers work closely with heads of other departments such as sales, procurement, and logistics to plan and implement company goals, policies, and procedures. For example, the production manager works with the procurement department to ensure that plant inventories are maintained at their optimal level. This is vital to a firm's operation because maintaining the inventory of materials necessary for production ties up the firm's financial resources, yet insufficient quantities cause delays in production. A breakdown in communications between the production manager and the purchasing department can cause slowdowns and a failure to meet production schedules. Just-in-time production techniques have reduced inventory levels, making constant communication among the manager, suppliers, and purchasing departments even more important. Computers play an integral part in this coordination. They also are used to provide up-to-date information on inventory, the status of work in progress, and quality standards.
Production managers usually report to the plant manager or the vice president for manufacturing, and may act as liaison between executives and first-line supervisors. In many plants, one production manager is responsible for all aspects of production. In large plants with several operations - aircraft assembly, for example - there are managers in charge of each operation, such as machining, assembly, or finishing.
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Working Conditions
Most industrial production managers divide their time between production areas and their offices. While in the production area, they must follow established health and safety practices and wear the required protective clothing and equipment. The time in the office, which often is located near production areas, usually is spent meeting with subordinates or other department managers, analyzing production data, and writing and reviewing reports.
Most industrial production managers work more than 40 hours a week, especially when production deadlines must be met. In facilities that operate around-the-clock, managers often work late shifts and may be called at any hour to deal with emergencies. This could mean going to the plant to resolve the problem, regardless of the hour, and staying until the situation is under control. Dealing with production workers as well as superiors when working under the pressure of production deadlines or emergency situations can be stressful. Restructuring has eliminated levels of management and support staff, thus shifting more responsibilities to production managers and compounding this stress.
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Employment
Industrial production managers held about 255,000 jobs in 2000. Almost all are employed in manufacturing industries, including the industrial machinery and equipment, transportation equipment, electronic and electrical equipment, fabricated metal products, instruments and related products, and food and kindred products industries, or are self-employed. Production managers work in all parts of the country, but jobs are most plentiful in areas where manufacturing is concentrated.
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Education, Training & Qualifications
Because of the diversity of manufacturing operations and job requirements, there is no standard preparation for this occupation. However, a college degree is required, even for those who have worked their way up the ranks. Many industrial production managers have a college degree in business administration, management, industrial technology, or industrial engineering. Others have a master's degree in industrial management or business administration (MBA). Some are former production-line supervisors who have been promoted. Although many employers prefer candidates with a business or engineering background, some companies hire well-rounded liberal arts graduates.
As production operations become more sophisticated, increasing numbers of employers are looking for candidates with graduate degrees in industrial management or business administration. Combined with an undergraduate degree in engineering, either of these graduate degrees is considered particularly good preparation. Managers who do not have graduate degrees often take courses in decision sciences, which provide them with techniques and mathematical formulas that can be used to maximize efficiency. Companies also are placing greater importance on a candidate's interpersonal skills. Because the job requires the ability to compromise, persuade, and negotiate, successful production managers must be well-rounded and have excellent communication skills.
Those who enter the field directly from college or graduate school often are unfamiliar with the firm's production process. As a result, they may spend their first few months on the job in the company's training program. These programs familiarize trainees with the production line, company policies, and the requirements of the job. In larger companies, they also may include assignments to other departments, such as purchasing and accounting. A number of companies hire college graduates as first-line supervisors and later promote them.
Some industrial production managers have worked their way up the ranks, perhaps after having worked as first-line supervisors. These workers already have an intimate knowledge of the production process and the firm's organization. To be selected for promotion, however, they must obtain a college degree, must demonstrate leadership qualities, and usually must take company-sponsored courses in management skills and communication techniques.
In addition to formal training, industrial production managers must keep informed of new production technologies and management practices. Many belong to professional organizations and attend trade shows at which new equipment is displayed; they also attend industry conferences and conventions at which changes in production methods and technological advances are discussed.
Industrial production managers with a proven record of superior performance may advance to plant manager or vice president for manufacturing. Others transfer to jobs with more responsibilities at larger firms. Opportunities also exist for consultants.
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Job Outlook
Employment of industrial production managers is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2010. However, a number of job openings will stem from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. Applicants with a college degree in industrial engineering, management, or business administration, and particularly those with an undergraduate engineering degree and a master's degree in business administration or industrial management, enjoy the best job prospects. Employers also are likely to seek candidates who have excellent communication skills and who are personable, flexible, and eager to enhance their knowledge and skills through ongoing training.
Although manufacturing output is projected to rise, growing productivity among industrial production managers and the workers they supervise will limit growth in employment of these managers. Productivity gains will stem from the increasing use of computers for scheduling, planning, and coordination. In addition, more emphasis on quality in the production process has redistributed some of the production manager's oversight responsibilities to supervisors and workers on the production line. Because production managers are so essential to the efficient operation of a plant, they have not been greatly affected by recent efforts to flatten management structures. Nevertheless, this trend has led production managers to assume more responsibilities and has discouraged the creation of more employment opportunities.
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Salary Expectations
edian annual earnings for industrial production managers were $61,660 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,290 and $81,930. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,530, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,020. Median annual earnings in the manufacturing industries employing the largest numbers of industrial production managers in 2000 were:
- Motor vehicles and equipment $74,400
- Electronic components and accessories $71,150
- Miscellaneous plastics products, not elsewhere classified $55,800
- Commercial printing $54,200
- Fabricated structural metal products $53,630
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Related Occupations
Industrial production managers oversee production staff and equipment, ensure that production goals and quality standards are being met, and implement company policies. Occupations requiring similar training and skills are engineers, management analysts, operations research analysts, and top executives.
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Associations, Resources & Accreditation
For information on careers in business economics, contact:
- American Management Association
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Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, Accountants and Auditors, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm
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Virginia College
Earn your associate's, bachelor's or master's degree from Virginia College. Our extensive programs are offered 100% online, so you can launch the career of your choice from the comfort of your own home.
Learn more about programs at Virginia College
Healthcare Reimbursement focuses on the fundamentals of medical office protocol with specialized training in the areas you will need for a job in this growing field. As a Virginia College student, you?ll be prepared for entry-level positions in the medical field related to reimbursement procedures. You?ll learn the fundamentals of medical office protocol and get specialized training in Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), International Classification of Diseases (ICD), and Health Care Financing Administration Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS). You will also serve an externship for on-the-job training. You?ll be supervised by a physician, nurse, or health services professional and learn the billing and coding process from the working perspective.
What do Medical Office Administration graduates do?
Medical Office Administrators perform administrative duties in a medical office or clinic, reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other health practitioner. You will help with communicating with patients and other providers, billing insurance companies, code physician diagnostic comments and orders, and more. This program is designed to teach you how to work closely with doctors to organize and monitor patient care services. In short, you will be a vital part of the health care team in a physician's office, a clinic, a hospital, a long–term care facility, or other medical office.
What classes will I take?
At Virginia College, you will only take courses that pertain to your success in the workforce. Do not worry if you are not already skilled in the areas below. That is why you are coming to school! We are experienced in giving students the training they need to become successful in their chosen careers.
You will have classes in:
Medical terminology
Medical law and ethics
Medical laboratory procedures
Medical records systems
Accounting
Business
Office automation
Customer service
In addition to training from instructors with real–world experience, you will also complete an externship in a physician's office, clinic or related health care facility under the supervision of a physician, nurse, or health services professional.
This online Bachelor of Science degree in Golf Course Management is designed to provide students with a diversified education in managing and operating a golf course, or other golf-related facilities. The program is designed for those who have completed the fundamentals in an associate degree program* and would like to add the skills and knowledge needed to give them a solid background in business and management. Students will gain critical thinking skills, management training, and leadership development. This comprehensive program provides graduates with the fundamental skills necessary to adapt to the golf management path they choose to follow.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to
_ evaluate the golf management industry and career opportunities in the field;
_ establish and maintain high standards of personal and industry ethics at the pro shop;
_ conform to professional standards in personal appearance;
_ define concepts and procedures for purchasing, receiving, storage, and inventory of golf equipment and
supplies;
_ apply management principles to the food service industry and demonstrate leadership skills;
_ perform front of the house service functions and set and maintain service standards for various customers; and
_ describe the origin of various industry standards and their relationship to the history and cultural development of golf.
*Note: This program is offered in the online format but to qualify for admission, candidates must have completed an associate of applied business degree in golf complex operations and management comparable to the one offered by Golf Academy of America. Prospective students should speak with an Admissions Associate to determine acceptability of earned credits or degrees..
The online BS in Health Services Management program is designed for current and aspiring healthcare professionals. With this degree, you may qualify for jobs in hospitals, physicians' offices, ambulatory care centers, home health agencies, and more.
Virginia College is a senior college accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award certificates, diplomas, associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
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Bryant & Stratton College - Online
Develop the skills you need to reach your goals at Bryant & Stratton College. We offer career-focused degrees in a number of today's fastest-growing fields. Study online or in small classes, and get a quality education that fits into your busy life.
Learn more about programs at Bryant & Stratton College - Online
The Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration program is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level and assistant management positions in medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing care facilities, doctors? offices, and insurance companies. Health services administrators are often responsible for creating and implementing policy and procedures, hiring and supervising staff, controlling finances, ordering supplies, and coordinating plans and activities with those of other health care managers.
The central focus of the program is to provide a comprehensive base in health-related knowledge and concepts and as well as the management of health services and facilities, with emphases on finance, legal aspects in healthcare, disaster planning and management, and information systems. The Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration program prepares students to excel in decision-making skills, critical thinking, and small group communications.
Research opportunities and field experiences offer students insight into real-world applications of the information and skills they learn in class and help students prepare to successfully transition into a health care administration or management career.
The Medical Administrative Assistant program offers specialized training in modern medical office procedures. Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level employment in private medical practices, outpatient departments, clinics, or government institutions. The program offers a foundation in keyboarding, document processing, and integrated office systems software programs with specialized training in medical billing, billing and coding, medical transcription, medical records, and modern medical office procedures. Graduates of this program will be able to apply coding, billing, records management, transcription and scheduling skills to administrative health care industry standards. Students study and practice the skills that will help them gain national billing certification from the American Billing Association (AMBA). Students can prepare for the national test through the Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) boot camp that is offered along with this degree. Some typical jobs in the medical administrative assistant field include (national salary averages from salary.com): Medical Staff Coordinator ($38,193 - $50,389), Medical Transcription Supervisor ($43,656 - $55,317), Medical Records Administrator ($46,580 - $69,398).
The Medical Reimbursement and Coding (MRC) Program prepares students to sit for the national coding exams, or begin working in the coding and billing field. This unique program is formatted to specifically address, through core courses, a means to facilitate uniformity of terms, the structure and organization of the body systems, common disease processes, and common pharmacological treatments. The core courses provide students with a foundation on which they will complete the coding portion of this comprehensive program. After completing the mandatory core courses, students will have a choice of studying for Physician coding or Hospital/inpatient coding. While some coding professionals choose one type of coding based on their own interest and style, many coders are cross-credentialed and able to work in both arenas. The MRC Program prepares students with the information needed to choose one or both coding paths. Students will study and practice the skills that will help them gain national coding certification from either The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). The comprehensive nature of the MRC Program fulfills all hourly criteria for both AHIMA and AAPC national certifying bodies. Students who successfully complete the MRC Program will be equipped to participate in the field of medical coding and reimbursement.
Bryant and Stratton College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. This is a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.
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Western Governor's University
At Western Governors University, your competence - the knowledge and skills you possess - is the ultimate focus of every degree program.
Learn more about programs at Western Governor's University
Become a unique asset in the world of health informatics and health information management. WGU?s B.S. in Health Informatics program combines concepts from healthcare, IT, and leadership practice to provide you with the knowledge and skills to become a valuable designer, developer, and manager of health information systems. This program is for experienced healthcare or IT professionals seeking an affordable bachelor?s degree and two IT certifications to work in this high-demand field.
This flexible, accredited program incorporates two IT certifications at an affordable cost: CompTIA A+ IT Technician and CIW Database Design Specialist (all certification fees are included in your tuition). This program has been designed to align with the American Health Information Management Association?s (AHIMA) curriculum competencies. You may be eligible to apply to sit for the AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) credentialing exam upon completion of this program.
WGU is the recipient of the USDLA 21st Century Award for Best Practices in Distance Learning for 2008, awarded in recognition of our success in expanding access to higher education. WGU was also recognized by TIME Magazine as the ?best relatively cheap university you?ve never heard of? in the 11/13/08 issue of the periodical.
Enhance your personal status, boost your salary, and increase your job security with WGU?s B.S. in Nursing. This program is for actively working registered nurses (RNs) who hold an associate?s degree or diploma in nursing, possess healthcare industry experience, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.Based on National League of Nursing (NLN) competency standards, the B.S. in Nursing prepares you to become a higher level nurse in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The program incorporates skills and knowledge beyond the clinical aspects of nursing, integrating patient education, health promotion, nursing roles and values, and technology, as well as healthcare systems and policies into the curriculum. This is a perfect program for RNs with associate?s degrees who want to advance their status and careers. WGU nursing programs are CCNE accredited.
This program is for actively working registered nurses (RNs) who hold a nursing bachelor?s degree (BSN), already possess healthcare industry experience, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The M.S. in Nursing?Education Specialization prepares you to become a nurse educator in schools, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The program equips you with high-level knowledge and skills while incorporating best practices in policy, organization, and financing; role development; research; advanced nursing practice; and nurse education. This is a perfect program for RNs with BSNs who want to become nurse educators. WGU programs are CCNE accredited.
This program is for actively working registered nurses (RNs) who hold a nursing bachelor?s degree (BSN), already possess healthcare industry experience, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The M.S. in Nursing?Leadership and Management Specialization prepares you to become a staff developer or health administrator in schools, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. The program equips you with high-level knowledge and skills while incorporating best practices in policy, organization, and financing; role development; research; advanced nursing practice; and nurse leadership and management. This is a perfect program for RNs with BSNs who want to become nurse leaders or managers. WGU programs are CCNE accredited.
WGU?s M.S. in Nursing?Education (RN to MSN Option) is for registered nurses (RNs) who hold an associate?s degree, already possess nursing experience, and can devote 20 or more hours to their studies.
This direct RN to MSN option prepares you with bachelor?s- and graduate-level coursework to earn your master?s degree. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to become an effective nurse educator in a variety of healthcare settings. You?ll develop best practices in nurse education, advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy, and the nursing sciences. This is a perfect program for RNs with associate?s degrees who want to become nurse educators.
WGU nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
WGU?s M.S. in Nursing?Leadership and Management (RN to MSN Option) is for registered nurses (RNs) who hold an associate?s degree, already possess nursing experience, and can devote 20 or more hours to their studies.
This direct RN to MSN option prepares you with bachelor?s- and graduate-level coursework to earn your master?s degree. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to move into nursing management or administration. You?ll develop best practices in leadership and management, advanced nursing practice, healthcare policy, and the nursing sciences. This is a perfect program for RNs with associate?s degrees who want to become nurse leaders or managers.
WGU nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
This program is ideal for the self-motivated learner who already possesses healthcare industry experience, seeks in-depth knowledge in management and strategy, and can devote 15 to 20 hours per week to their studies.
The MBA ? Healthcare Management prepares you for mid-level to upper-level healthcare management positions. The program educates you in core business skills, essential industry knowledge, and advanced healthcare managerial expertise. A perfect program for the experienced healthcare administration professional who seeks a credible degree program and upward mobility.
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Strayer University
Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.
Learn more about programs at Strayer University
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) prepares graduates for a wide range of managerial positions in business, government, and non-profit organizations. Business administration students acquire fundamental as well as practical and professional skills in all phases of business, including decision-making and problem-solving.
The BBA program offers area concentrations that enable students to tailor their degrees to their career and educational goals. Specializations are available in: Acquisition and Contract Management, Banking, E-Business, Finance, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Human Resource Management, Legal Studies, Management, Marketing, and Retail Management.
*Programs may vary by state and by campus.
Responds to the needs of current students and employers who are interested in a degree program that prepares students for middle to executive-level managerial positions in the health services industry. The Master of Health Services Administration program is designed to meet the needs of health care professionals and others who wish to obtain the knowledge and skills needed to assume mid-level and executive-level managerial positions in health services organizations. The program will allow these individuals to pursue graduate study without interrupting their careers, thereby avoiding significant opportunity cost.
RThe MBA program offers a broad-based education, with a choice of concentrations. The program features a curriculum that prepares adult students for the emerging knowledge economy while emphasizing the latest concepts, practices, and skills in today?s rapidly changing marketplace. It is designed for working professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who wish to advance or enhance their business careers.
This program offers specializations in the following areas: Accounting, Acquisition, Finance, Health Services Administration, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Human Resource Management, Information Systems Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Professional Studies, Project Management, and Public Administration.
*Programs may vary by state and by campus
Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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