Skip to main content

Requirements & Courses

Application Eligibility

The Tauber Institute program is a specialized program that focuses on equipping the next generation of leaders to excel in the world of operations and supply chain leadership.  This career path greatly emphasizes the skills of engineering and business professionals which is why the program draws talent from both the College of Engineering and the Ross School of Business.  There are several pathways available to students interested in the Tauber Institute at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Eligibility for participation in the Tauber Institute program is dependent on several factors including:

  • A demonstrated passion for a career in business operations and/or supply chain leadership
  • Admission into a qualified graduate program at the University of Michigan (see list of qualified programs below!)
  • A minimum of three (3) semesters to complete all program requirements, beginning in the fall semester.
three students at the LeadershipAdvantage Speaker Series 2024

Qualifying Graduate Programs

Undergraduate
Ross BBA + One-Year Masters in Supply Chain Management (MSCM)
Undergraduate
Ross BBA + One-Year Masters in Supply Chain Management (MSCM)
Undergraduate
Engineering Global Leadership Program
Undergraduate
Engineering Global Leadership Program
Graduate
Full-Time MBA
Graduate
Full-Time MBA
Graduate
Graduate Degree in Engineering
Graduate
Graduate Degree in Engineering
Dual-Degree
MBA + Engineering Graduate Degree
Dual-Degree
MBA + Engineering Graduate Degree

Required Courses

All Tauber Institute students are required to complete the same core classes in addition to a number of learning modules that are offered across years one and two in the program.  Additional electives may be required based on your program.

MFG 501/TO 701 (1.5 credit-hours)

Taken in Fall A, this course begins with an overview of operations in the context of corporate strategy. This is followed by a series of modules dealing with various topics of importance in operations, such as lean production systems, supply chain management, design for manufacturability, facilities planning, the environmental, legal, and ethical issues in operations, and product design. Students learn how all these aspects of operations interconnect and how they may apply to Tauber team projects.

MFG 605/TO 605 (3 credit-hours)

Manufacturing and Supply Operations covers the basic concepts and techniques of operations and inventory management. The foundation of the course is a system of manufacturing laws collectively known as “Factory Physics.” These laws relate various measures of plant performance (such as throughput, cycle time, work-in-process, customer service, variability, and quality) in a consistent manner and provide a framework for evaluating classical operations management techniques as well as evolving new strategies. Special emphasis is given to evaluating lean operations. Concepts and methods are examined via exercises and case studies.

This course begins Fall B and will conclude at the end of Winter A.

MFG 504/TO 703/ENG 480 (3 credit-hours)

Tauber Institute students will participate in the required Team Project, a multi-disciplinary internship. In preparation, students will refine their communications, team building, and project management skills through specialized seminars. Upon completion, each student will perform in advanced analysis of the project results under the supervision of U-M faculty.

Required Electives (by Program)

BBA + MSCM Electives

  • Industry Tours & Assessments (x4)
  • Assorted Leadership Modules (X4)
  • Five (5) credits of graduate-level engineering coursework

EGL Electives

  • Industry Tours & Assessments (x4)
  • Assorted Leadership Modules (X4)

Engineering Graduate Electives

  • Industry Tours & Assessments (x4)
  • Assorted Leadership Modules (X4)
  • Three (3) credits of 500-level or above business courses

MBA and Dual-Degree Electives

  • Industry Tours & Assessments (x4)
  • Assorted Leadership Modules (X4)
  • Three (3) credits of Technology & Operations (TO) coursework
  • Five (5) credits of graduate-level engineering coursework

Timeline

Program timeline diagram showing the progression of the Tauber Institute curriculum across two academic years, arranged horizontally from left to right with arrows connecting each stage. The first box is labeled “Year 1, 1st Semester” and contains: “TO 701 and TO 605,” followed by “Spotlight! Event,” and “Learning Modules and Industry Tours.” An arrow points to the second box labeled “Year 1, 2nd Semester,” containing: “TO 605 continued,” and “Learning Modules and Industry Tours.” An arrow points to the third box labeled “Summer Project,” containing: “Tauber Team Project.” An arrow points to the fourth box labeled “Year 2, 1st Semester,” containing: “Spotlight! Event,” “Learning Modules and Industry Tours,” and “Remaining Electives.” An arrow points to the fifth and final box labeled “Year 2, 2nd Semester,” containing: “Learning Modules and Industry Tours,” “Remaining Electives,” and “Graduation.” The diagram visually represents a sequential path through coursework, experiential learning, a summer team project, and program completion.

The Tauber Institute’s program is designed to be completed within two years.  A minimum enrollment plan of three semesters is required and all Tauber programming must begin in the fall semester.