Pedagogy and Professional Development

Using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software to Teach the Product Development Process: Developing Industry-Ready Graduates

---

Abstract

The apparel industry has undergone massive technological advancements over the last decade. Technological advancements have impacted every step of product development and altered the skills necessary to work within the apparel industry. To address the new skills needed for industry, a cloud-based product lifecycle management (PLM) software was integrated into a senior-level design and product development course focusing on the technical design process. Student learning of the PLM system was addressed from not only acquiring functional skills but also increasing critical thinking capacity through a holistic product development approach. Overall, students showed growth in understanding the product development process, communicating product specifications, and considering the different aspects of effectively developing a producible product. Teaching a PLM software through functional skills and project-based approaches will not only prepare students for the industry; it will make them more effective designers and product developers.

Keywords: product lifecycle managment, PLM software, product development, technical design, product development pedagogy, technical design pedagogy

How to Cite:

Schumm, C. Z. & Eike, R. J., (2022) “Using Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software to Teach the Product Development Process: Developing Industry-Ready Graduates”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 79(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.15970