UVA in Argentina
Logistics
Dates: May 15- June 1, 2011
Cost:
View the program Budget Sheet online for cost
details.
Application:
1. View the online Education Abroad Workshop
2. Apply online
Application Deadline: March 1, 2011
Contact: Reid Bailey
More Info: Study Abroad website
Overview
This program will focus on cultural differences in engineering and business through the application of systems engineering methodology, modeling and analysis to real world projects in Mendoza, Argentina. It will include identification of systems goals, requirements, and performance measures, and presentation of results to clients.
Student teams will be paired with Mendozan clients, working on a project at the client site. While details about the exact clients are not yet finalized, it is anticipated that the clients will be involved in Mendoza's signature industry: winemaking.
Location
The location of the program is Mendoza, Argentina. Over the course of two weeks, students will gain particular insight into cultural differences from living in a different culture and working directly with clients from Mendoza. Working with Argentine clients to identify their needs and obtain data will provide students the opportunity to combine their technical skills with direct interactions with people from another culture. The students' work will culminate in a final oral presentation and written report for their Argentine clients.
Course and Credit
Participants shall gain a fuller understanding of the cultural differences in engineering and business, while expanding their knowledge of systems engineering concepts through a client-based project.
After completing the program students shall be
able to:
- Explain differences between U.S. and Argentine
cultures with respect to engineering practice,
business, and educational structure and apply this
knowledge in interactions with clients.
- Identity customer needs through a variety of
methods, including interviews, surveys, observation,
and research.
- Develop systems goals and performance metrics
for a system.
- Work with clients to obtain necessary data
- Apply appropriate systems modeling approaches
to a real problem.
- Communicate effectively with local clients.
Students will earn three credits for SYS 4581 upon
successful completion of the program. All coursework
and lectures are conducted in English.
Accommodations
The group will stay in El Portal Suites in downtown Mendoza. Students will stay 4 per suite. The hotel offers free wi-fi, a phone and TV in each room, a bathroom and a kitchen in each room, and a business center. Complementary breakfast is offered each day. El Portal offers a good location for walking to locations in Mendoza, including a grocery store, laundry, and restaurants.
Faculty
Reid Bailey is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems and Information Engineering. Professor Bailey joined the faculty of UVA in 2006 after holding teaching posts at the University of Dayton and the University of Arizona.
The program will also be accompanied by graduate student Teaching Assistant Alexandra Coso.
Links
Syllabus at the Study Abroad website
2010 Summer Blog
2009 J-Term Blog