Graduate Studies-Packaging (GSP)

Packaging value chain from raw material supplier to retailers in the context of meeting current needs within the packaging arena. Global exploration of value chain strategies to increase innovation, sustainability, cost savings, quality, organizational agility, and responsiveness. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 2 lectures.

Fundamental and physical properties of packaging materials. Processing of materials. Design and fabrication of packaging materials for efficient, economically viable and environmental sustainable product-package systems for global supply chain solutions. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Overview of packaging laws and regulations. Content ranges from FDA, USDA, FTC, and EPA concepts, to labeling and structural issues such as bio-terror, product security and environmental packaging to materials issues, litigation, international concepts and intellectual property issues. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures.

Integrated view of procurement, operations and logistics management. Management of the flow of products from raw material sourcing and acquisition through delivery to the final user. Capturing and understanding the value across these flows and how to increase it. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures.

Overview of structural and graphic design concepts for package design with focus on creating value throughout the entire packaging value chain. Topics include design thinking, innovation, design processes, two-dimensional and three-dimensional design elements, positioning, value creation, and distribution packaging considerations. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Physical properties of distribution packaging and equipment used in prototyping and testing of product-packaging systems for global supply chains. Application of packaging knowledge to solve distribution packaging problems in modern business, with a view towards costs and environmental sustainability. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures. Formerly ITP 537.

Overview of the role of quality of packaged product and techniques used for testing and evaluating quality of consumer products as related to material quality assessment, product-package interaction and human-package interaction. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 Lectures.

Packaging as a means to increase sales of product. Package design, structure, materials and production costs. Exploration of color, imagery, sustainability, and recent trends. Course is offered online only. 4 lectures.

Analytical and quantitative techniques. Summary measures, smoothing, interpolation curve fitting, root-finding, extrema. Numerical differentiation, integration. Boundary value problems. Numerical simulation. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

Decisions with financial implications for firms' owners and stakeholders in the context of packaging. Choice of best packaging alternative from the financial standpoint. Course offered online only. 4 Lectures.

Initiation, completion and presentation of an individual project, involving research, allowing an opportunity to apply knowledge, skills, and competencies to address a significant issue in the field of packaging value chain, preferably in connection with the student's employment. Formerly ITP 591.