The Capstone ITC project is the culminating experience of the semester, requiring students to integrate and apply knowledge from all core modules in the ITC curriculum. The thesis centers on the analysis and transformation of a simulated or real-life production system, with a specific focus on lean manufacturing practices integrated with climate-conscious and sustainable production principles.

Students will write an individual thesis rooted in the simulation environment offered by the ITC (Institut de la Transformation Climat).

The student must develop a thesis that demonstrates their capacity to lead improvement and transformation initiatives in this context, encompassing:

Production efficiency

Environmental responsibility

Organizational and social dynamics of change

Overview of corporate transformation and the strategic role of change management.

Typologies of change strategies: directive, participative, incremental, transformational, and adaptive approaches.

Factors influencing the choice of strategy:

Relational complexity (stakeholders, culture, communication networks).

Technical complexity (process interdependence, technological innovation).

Organizational maturity and readiness for change.

Comparative analysis of change frameworks (Kotter, Lewin, ADKAR, Bridges).

Aligning change strategy with business goals and organizational resilience.

Tutorials:

Compare different real or hypothetical projects to evaluate the suitability of various change approaches.

Design and present a comprehensive corporate change strategy, justifying choices using change models and anticipating potential challenges.

Definition and characteristics of a learning organization.

Role of management routines in sustaining lean systems (Standardized Work, Jidoka, and Just-In-Time).

Components of the management system:

Team huddles and daily performance management.

Strategic KPI breakdown – linking vision to execution.

Catchball process – two-way communication for objective alignment.

Methods for problem-solving leadership: structuring issue escalation, using A3 reports, and engaging teams in root cause analysis.

Visual management and knowledge-sharing tools for continuous learning.

Development of managerial attitudes promoting empowerment and reflection.

Introduction to PDCA: philosophy, cycle phases, and role in continuous improvement.

Detailed exploration of each PDCA phase:

Plan: Define the problem, analyze root causes, and plan countermeasures.

Do: Implement actions on a trial basis or within pilot conditions.

Check: Measure outcomes and compare with expected results.

Act: Standardize, share learnings, and deploy improvements.

Practical tools and techniques supporting PDCA:

5 Whys analysis, Ishikawa (Fishbone) diagrams, and brainstorming methods.

Integration of PDCA within the lean management system for quality improvement.

Case Study: Addressing a rise in defective products through PDCA-based analysis and improvement.

Simulation (Assessment for 2.1 & 2.2): Apply the PDCA cycle in a Clock Assembly production line, document each phase, and present the performance gains achieved.

Introduction to Skills Management and its strategic importance in industrial performance.

Overview of TWI programs: Job Instruction (JI), Job Methods (JM), and Job Relations (JR).

Key elements of effective training design: analysis of tasks, standardization, and knowledge transfer.

Steps of the TWI Job Instruction method: prepare the worker, present the operation, try out performance, and follow up.

Techniques for skill assessment, feedback, and program auditing.

Integration of training processes into continuous improvement systems and lean culture.

Tutorials / Practical Application:

Production workshop simulation: Train newcomers on a manual process, applying TWI Job Instruction methods to ensure understanding, standardization, and mastery.

Overview of organizational change and its psychological and social implications.

Key concepts: employee engagement, motivation, resistance to change, and change readiness.

Communication strategies to support transformation: transparency, active listening, feedback loops, and empathy.

Leadership behaviors that encourage participation, trust, and shared ownership of change.

Group dynamics analysis: understanding team reactions and identifying hidden barriers to adoption. Tutorials/Practical Applications:

Role-play: Simulate team meetings to practice engagement and resistance management strategies.

Group discussion: Analyze real-world case studies highlighting critical social factors in change success.

Assessment: Reflection report examining stakeholder behavior and evaluating engagement and communication effectiveness in a chosen organizational change scenario.

Definition and principles of Jidoka (“automation with a human touch”).

Historical context: Jidoka in the Toyota Production System.

Key components:

Autonomation (machines detecting abnormalities and stopping automatically).

Visual control and andon systems for immediate response to quality issues.

Root cause analysis and corrective action processes.

Integration of Jidoka into production flow and quality management systems.

Impact on safety, productivity, and continuous improvement (Kaizen).

Workshop simulation: Manufacture of a product to apply Jidoka principles and quality control during production.

Concepts of production flow performance and value stream efficiency.

Relationship between lead time, inventory, and customer demand.

Techniques for optimizing production flow:

Pull systems (Kanban, Just-In-Time).

Flow leveling (Heijunka) and workload balancing.

Bottleneck analysis and cycle time reduction.

Tools for monitoring and improving flow performance (VSM, visual management boards, flow metrics).

Simulation exercise: Manufacturing product to evaluate flow design, lead time, and inventory control.

Definition and importance of standardized work in lean manufacturing.

Components of standardized work: takt time, work sequence, standard inventory.

Steps for establishing standardized work at a workstation.

Tools and documents for standardized work:

Work standard sheet (describes the most efficient method).

Standardized work combination table (illustrates the relationship between manual work and machine time).

Standardized work diagram (visual layout of operator movements and workflow).

Role of standardized work in maintaining quality, productivity, and safety.

Practical exercises: drafting standardized work documentation for a given production station.

Introduction to value chain thinking and system-level performance optimization.

Methods for diagnosing industrial performance:

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and process flow analysis.

Identification of non-value-added activities and bottlenecks.

Designing the future state map: lean targets, resource optimization, and customer value alignment.

Tools for transformation projects:

A3 project management and problem-solving framework.

SWOT analysis for strategic alignment.

Gain/effort matrices for prioritization of improvement actions.

Structuring and sequencing transformation projects into actionable sub-projects.

Assessment: Value Chain Transformation Project – Case Study applying the full diagnostic and redesign process.

This course aims to provide engineering students with advanced skills and knowledge required to manage complex projects. The course will cover project planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and the use of advanced project management tools and techniques.

Week 1: Introduction to Complex Project Management (2 hours)
Session 1: Fundamentals of Complex Projects (1 hour)
• Definition and characteristics of complex projects
• Differences between simple and complex project management
• Examples of complex engineering projects
Session 2: Project Lifecycle and Phases (1 hour)
• Project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closure
• Key activities and deliverables in each phase
• Case studies of complex project lifecycles
Week 2: Advanced Planning and Scheduling (2 hours)
Session 3: Advanced Project Planning Techniques (1 hour)
• Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
• Critical Path Method (CPM)
• Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
Session 4: Scheduling and Resource Allocation (1 hour)
• Gantt charts and network diagrams
• Resource leveling and allocation strategies
• Tools for scheduling and resource management (e.g., MS Project)
Week 3: Risk Management and Mitigation (2 hours)
Session 5: Identifying and Assessing Risks (1 hour)
• Types of risks in complex projects
• Risk identification techniques (e.g., SWOT analysis, brainstorming)
• Risk assessment and prioritization
Session 6: Risk Mitigation Strategies (1 hour)
• Risk response planning
• Contingency planning and management
• Case studies of risk management in complex projects
Week 4: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication (2 hours)
Session 7: Stakeholder Analysis and Management (1 hour)
• Identifying stakeholders and their interests
• Stakeholder mapping and analysis
• Strategies for effective stakeholder engagement
Session 8: Communication Strategies for Complex Projects (1 hour)
• Communication planning and execution
• Tools and technologies for project communication
• Best practices for managing communication in complex projects
Week 5: Advanced Project Management Tools and Techniques (2 hours)
Session 9: Utilizing Advanced PM Tools (1 hour)
• Overview of advanced project management software (e.g., Primavera, MS Project)
• Integrating tools into project workflows
• Evaluating and selecting the right tools for complex projects
Session 10: Agile and Hybrid Methodologies (1 hour)
• Introduction to Agile project management
• Hybrid methodologies combining Agile and traditional approaches
• Case studies of Agile and hybrid project management in engineering

This course provides a comprehensive overview of global environmental regulatory frameworks, focusing on key international agreements, policies, and the role of global institutions. It covers the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental regulations at the international level. It also provides an in-depth understanding of the European Union's environmental regulatory framework. It covers key EU environmental policies, directives, and regulations, as well as the institutional structures and processes involved in environmental governance.

Module 1: Introduction to Global Environmental Regulation & EU Environmental Policy
• History and evolution of global environmental regulation
• Overview of global institutions and their roles
• History and evolution of EU environmental policy
• Overview of EU institutions involved in environmental governance
• Key principles and objectives of Environmental Policies and Regulations
Module 2: Major International Environmental Agreements
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes
• Paris Agreement
• Kyoto Protocol
Module 3: EU Environmental Directives and Regulations
• Water Framework Directive
• Waste Framework Directive
• Air Quality Directive
• Habitats Directive
• Climate Change Legislation
Module 4: Implementation and Enforcement
• Mechanisms for implementation at the international level
• Role of international courts and tribunals
• Case studies on enforcement and compliance
Module 5: Current Challenges and Future Directions
• Emerging global environmental issues
• Policy responses to climate change
• Future trends in global environmental regulation

This course delves into advanced concepts of strategic management and organizational theory, emphasizing critical analysis and application. It covers sophisticated frameworks and tools for strategic planning and organizational analysis, preparing students to tackle complex business challenges.

Block 1: Advanced Concepts in Strategy and Organizational Theory (4 hours)
• Evolution of Strategic Management and Organizational Theory
• Advanced Theoretical Frameworks
• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
• Organizational Dynamics and Behavior
Block 2: In-Depth External Environment Analysis (4 hours)
• Advanced PESTEL Analysis
• Extended Porter's Five Forces Model
• Industry Life Cycle and Strategic Groups
• Case Study: Comprehensive External Environment Analysis
Block 3: In-Depth Internal Environment Analysis (4 hours)
• Dynamic Capabilities and Core Competencies
• Advanced VRIO Framework
• Value Chain Analysis
• Case Study: Comprehensive Internal Environment Analysis
Block 4: Strategic Formulation and Innovation (4 hours)
• Strategic Intent and Strategic Leadership
• Corporate Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Blue Ocean Strategy and Disruptive Innovation
• Case Study: Formulating Innovative Strategies
Block 5: Strategy Implementation, Evaluation, and Change Management (4 hours)
• Advanced Organizational Design and Structure
• Cultural Transformation and Change Management
• Strategic Control and Performance Measurement
• Case Study: Implementing and Evaluating Strategic Change

Block 1: Introduction to Team Management (4 hours)
Session 1: Understanding Team Dynamics (2 hours)
• Definition and importance of teams
• Stages of team development (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, Adjourning)
• Roles and responsibilities within a team
Session 2: Leadership in Technological Teams (2 hours)
• Leadership styles and their impact on team performance
• Characteristics of effective leaders in tech environments
• Case studies of successful tech leaders
Block 2: Communication and Collaboration (4 hours)
Session 3: Effective Communication Strategies (2 hours)
• Communication models and barriers
• Tools and technologies for team communication
• Best practices for virtual communication
Session 4: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation (2 hours)
• Techniques for promoting collaboration
• Managing conflicts within teams
• Encouraging creativity and innovation
Block 3: Technology's Impact on Team Management (4 hours)
Session 5: Technological Tools for Team Management (2 hours)
• Overview of collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Integrating technology into team workflows
• Evaluating and selecting the right tools for your team
Session 6: Managing Remote and Distributed Teams (2 hours)
• Challenges and benefits of remote teams
• Strategies for managing remote workers
• Case studies of successful remote teams
Block 4: Industrial Transformation (4 hours)
Session 7: Understanding Industrial Transformation
• Environnemental
• Digital
• Economic, political and societal impacts
Block 5: Advanced Topics and Course Wrap-Up (4 hours)
Session 8: Advanced Team Management Techniques (2 hours)
• Emotional intelligence in team management
• Diversity and inclusion in tech teams
• Building a resilient team culture
Session 9: Course Review and Case Study Exercises (2 hours)
• Review of key concepts and takeaways
• Case study review
• Feedback and discussion

Overview of the INEXO system as a Lean learning environment.

Synthesis of Lean pillars:

Standardized Work for operational consistency.

Jidoka and Quality at the Source for defect prevention.

Just-In-Time and Flow Optimization for lead time reduction and smooth logistics.

Management Routines and PDCA Cycles for ongoing improvement and knowledge sharing.

Integration of sustainability and performance considerations (Lean & Green concepts).

Ergonomics and safety as enablers of performance and operator engagement.

Assessment:

Production simulation in the INEXO workshop: Skateboard production exercise applying Lean tools and management principles to design, operate, and continuously improve a full production system.

Introduction to Lean & Green integration: aligning operational excellence with environmental responsibility.

Key sustainability pillars and metrics in production systems: energy consumption, waste, emissions, and resource efficiency.

Tools and methods for performance monitoring: Environmental Value Stream Mapping (EVSM), Life Cycle Thinking, and KPI design.

Strategies for implementing Green improvement projects using Lean tools (Kaizen, 5S, TPM, standardization).

Role of management systems and digital tools (ITC) in tracking sustainability performance.

Assessment:

Production simulation applying Lean & Green principles to optimize process efficiency and sustainability.

Case study on ITC integration to evaluate and improve environmental indicators within industrial operations.