The next 50 years of industrial management and engineering

Three interwoven threads of background trace the path that leads to the challenges and questions about IE: Where is IE practiced, what outcomes are expected from the profession, and what techniques form the skills IEs bring to an IE practice. Accordingly, finding answers for the next 50 years of industrial management and engineering, discussions have been done with distinguished and authoritative industrial engineers, managers, and educators with international experience in manufacturing, distribution, office and service work. The purpose of the paper was to provide guidance for young people entering the industrial engineering profession. Primary goal was to identify trends, directions and likely changes in the field and profession that may be helpful in career planning. A secondary goal was to help current practitioners and educators adapt to future demands. To students, I hope that you will find the paper insightful, stimulating and useful as you plan your education and your future career in industry. To educators, I hope that the reflections, predictions and discussions contained here will help you in developing our next generation of professionals. To practicing managers and engineers, I hope that you also will find value and guidance as you plan for continued personal and professional development.