Graduate Student Research Projects

    Each semester, MITO graduate students and visiting research scholars complete individual industrial research projects.  The majority of these students are participants in the International Alliance Program (aka, IIT Paris Program). They come to IIT from overseas technical universities, and these projects fulfill a requirement for the final year of their five-year degree program (UG/Master’s) from their home university. They earn the associated graduate degree at IIT at the same time. 

    The research projects are student-driven, with guidance from an     INTM faculty advisor. The topics are varied and comprehensive. Summaries of recent special projects are presented below:


    Fall 2012

    RELEVANT TECHNOLOGIES FOR CO2 GEOLOGICAL SEQUESTRATION

    Photo: Beatriz Caretti (Not pictured: Faculty Advisor, Donatas Tijunelis)

    A study about CCS (carbon dioxide sequestration), and its potential to address global climate change concerns.  The report analyzes the technical and economic challenges of CCS, identifies the factors necessary to make CCS into a commercial success, and examines some of the pros and cons of various approaches.

    caretti carbon dioxide sequestration project

    INNOVATION IN SPAIN'S INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS & INNOVATION OPPORTUNITIES SOLUTION THROUGH BUSINESS START UPS

    Photo: ITM Faculty Advisor Praveen Gupta & Ramon Fernandez Linares Garcia 

    An analysis of both historic and current issues affecting the Spanish economy, intended to identify solutions to mitigate the risk of a similar situation recurring. The work  identifies factors that led to Spain’s economic downturn, and explores the role for start-up businesses into an economic recovery.

    SUPPLY CHAIN OF CE BEYOND LOGISTICS

    Photo: Faculty Advisor Herb Shields & Eugenio Martinez Blanco

    The objective of this project was to show the critical importance of logistics in every business, through an in-depth analysis of the supply chain flow in the Consumer Electronics (CE) industry. The research reveals many stages in the CE supply chain where technology manufacturers, merchants, and other end users could benefit from greater communication and coordination.

    Spring 2013

    KID BEVERAGE INNOVATION

    Photo: Faculty Advisor Herb Shields & Ingrid Oliva Betran

    This was a project for a brand marketing company, GfkStrategic Innovation whose client, Nestle Canada, was seeking to improve the packaging of its beverages targeted to children.  The work was done in consultation with Gfk and Nestle.  Online research, observations of product placement in Chicago area stores, and market analysis led to a proposed product redesign.  The final recommendations were presented to Nestle for consideration.

    CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: KAIZEN TEIAN

    Photo: Víctor Olivera Magdaleno & Faculty Advisor, Mazin Safar

    “Kaizen Teian” is  a continuous improvement system that involves workers in the resolution of problems and promotes creativity at all levels of company operations.  The report explores this concept and includes observations from visits to companies that use it – Abbott Laboratories, UPS, and Kraft.  The conclusion is that this is a useful tool to help companies eliminate waste, reduce costs, and move toward best practices in today’s business climate.

    OPPORTUNITY & SUSTAINABILITY ANALYSIS OF ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING

    Photo: Jesus-Pablo Muniz & Faculty Advisor Elliot Goldman

    This study compares lighting markets and regulations in the U.S. and Spain. It examines the different segments and applications in lighting, and compares different electric light sources, noting the benefits and challenges of each one. It also explores market share by type of technology, and provides an analysis of future lighting trends. The research resulted in a proposed new business opportunity in outdoor lighting and a business plan for an independent, highly efficient system operating off-grid.

    OFF-GRID PV SYSTEMS FOR RURAL AREAS IN UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRIES

    Photo: Faculty Advisory Will Maurer & Pablo Perez Garcia

    This is a feasibility study of an actual business idea: to design a portable off-grid photovoltaic (PV) system to power a medical device in rural areas of underdeveloped countries.  The specific problem was how to treat Tuberculosis using new technology in regions of the world where options are limited due to unreliable sources of electricity.  The report explored the components required to design the product and get it to market including need, local demand, price, and ease-of-use.