Quicker Processes for a Fast-Paced Global Economy
Abheek Abhijit Maiti has a knack of making processes more efficient and quick, since his childhood, growing up in India.
“I was always fascinated about manufacturing processes,” said Abheek, a Class 2022 master student in the Manufacturing Engineering, Integrative Systems and Design, University of Michigan.
ISD resources are ‘world class’
“This is unparalleled,” he said. “The resources available at ISD are world class. ISD offers a tailored curriculum in every program with world-class infrastructure, which allows students to become one of the finest skilled in the world.”
Abheek has an impact on U-M students’ lives. Abheek is the President of the ISD Graduate Student Advisory Committee (GSAC) and credits the ISD Student Experience Team, faculty and leadership to help him become acclimated and ensure a smooth transition to his graduate work. During his studies, he has learned insights of team dynamics and how to implement solutions to real-world problems. The combination of quality of education and reflective experiences has been the most meaningful part of his graduate experience.
“The exposure to the highly experienced ISD faculty and my peers from various organizations across the world aids me to gain a unique perspective of the trends in practice,” Abheek said.
GSAC helps me showcase my ideas
Abheek has been continuously involved in student chapters, clubs and volunteering organizations across his undergraduate and professional journey in various capacities including organizing SAE Baja events in India. This helped him gain an understanding of the dynamics of an individual’s voyage.
“Continuous improvement is a rule of life,” he said. “GSAC provides me with the right platform to showcase ideas and has been instrumental in communicating and implementing the required measures for the student cohort. It acts as one of the bridges between the student community, faculty and staff. It helped me improve on my communication and people management skills, which aids me actively in situations on an everyday basis.”
If you are interested in joining GSAC, please contact Abheek at abheekm@umich.edu.
Making our highly ranked courses the best through Six Sigma
When COVID 19 challenged the teaching and student evaluation, Abheek decided to demonstrate the value of working closely with students and faculty. Thus, Abheek enthusiastically started working on an immersive experience – his ISD 503 Capstone Project requested by Nexus, College of Engineering, for developing an online course design assessment tool through the Design for Six Sigma – IDDOV methodology. Identify, Define, Design, Optimize, Validate – IDDOV is used as a framework for product or service development. This evaluation tool is unique and includes application of statistical techniques such as Binary Logistic Regression, Multiple Regression, Kano Analysis, Pugh Matrix and Probability Density Function, acquired during his classes within his curriculum, showing their power to model a product development as well as being applied towards societal needs.
“I took on an ambitious project which needed a timely solution which made me initially nervous, but I was able to deliver the tool within the desired timeframe with the support of Nexus, College of Engineering and ISD. Thus, once again I had the confirmation that my knowledge is strong and able to provide the best solution “quick and efficient” he said.
Time management and ISD support are keys to success
Balancing schoolwork and outside commitments has been a challenge for Abheek. Learning how to manage your time under various constraints is one of the merits of the great culture of professionalism and friendship in ISD. Here is what makes a difference at U-M. Training leaders and decision makers who can impact the future.
“The fire to get to know more about people’s experiences, while learning simultaneously, is what drives me to look forward to the next day,” he said.
Abheek’s advice to other graduate students is to have a passion and the desire to pursue it.
“Students come across multiple academic and real life experiences, which are directional in nature to help us align with our interests,” he said. “It is critical to realize this aspect before making a decision to pursue a degree.”