Master of Science [M.S] [Technology] From University of Northern Iowa

For the past 16 years in the Department of Technology, located in the Industrial Technology Center (ITC), Dr. Doug Hotek has been teaching a course called TECH 3114, Product Development and Enterprise. This is a course where students are challenged as a team to come up with an original product idea, then design, market, produce, and sell it to paying customers. ?It?s a realistic hands-on course about technology management,? says Dr. Hotek, ?it allows students to learn by actually doing what it takes to successfully coordinate and manage the marketing, design, and production of a product. And it?s fun because you get to make stuff and see your ideas become a reality.? Students are graded on their collegiality of teamwork, the quality of their product, return on investment, and say/do ratio (How much they do vs. what they say they will do). Over the years, the course has cranked out various products, from clocks to coasters, bookends, and mugs to name a few, which were marketed and sold to students, staff and others throughout UNI. The most recent class created a cell phone charging station. The course is available every fall, and is helpful to multiple majors. As you hunt for fall classes this spring, you may want to add this innovative course to your schedule!