STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
MANASWINI PRAKASH MS INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
Science and technology have evolved radically over the years. From steam locomotives to bullet
trains, we have come a long way with innovations. We see engineering everywhere in applications
and utilization. My journey as an engineer in the field of mechanical engineering piqued my interest
in the optimization of complex processes, systems, and organizations central to manufacturing
operations. My academic and professional experience led me to become invested in such dynamic
concept. My curiosity, interest and passion in this subject led my decision to pursue master’s in
industrial engineering to advance my career. I believe, the industrial engineering (IE) graduate
program at Texas A & M University has the perfect course structure which strengthens ties among
the educational, research, extension, and professional development of the college and is in line with
my ideology on the subject. To my mind, this course will provide an ideal environment to evolve,
acquire, and implement what I learn in real time.
I was exposed to a wide variety of subjects during my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
at BMS College of Engineering, including machine design, engineering drawing, operation research,
and project management, which helped me choose and focus on my interests. Owing to a desire to
contribute to optimizing design and complex processes in the manufacturing domain, I decided to
take up my final year project on designing and developing unmanned autonomous drones. It was
quite a challenging subject to present as a research topic. Project’s main objective was to develop a
factory inspection drone prototype to gather real-time footage, observe the workers on the shop floor,
and reduce the complexities involved in labor management. During the course of this project, along
with designing and stimulation, I acquired a pretty good grasp on APSYS, Catia, and Solid works
software. To control the flight motion and path, I made use grid algorithm, built grid cell, and
implemented GPS, anti-collision light, RTH, ID plate, and RFID within the system, and programmed
histogram and image processing codes using Python. The most challenging part was to ensure that
image processor is working efficiently and calibrated to detect only required entities. A diverse
college curriculum helped me involve myself in the intricacies of engineering from an application-
oriented perspective. Furthermore, industrial visits during my engineering degree helped me gain
more practical knowledge.
My first professional experience was working as an intern at Schneider Electric. I worked on the
successful implementation of the e-PFMEA (process failure mode and effect analysis) tool, with the
goal of achieving digitalized PFMEA for all GSC products. I was responsible for interacting directly
with lead project executives, mapping and obtaining product details and inspect assembly line and
subassembly lines. Most notably, prior to being allocated to this project, the overall coverage
percentage was as low as 35%. However, I was able to increase the overall percentage to 94 percent
of the GSC IMEA. The summer internship was a fantastic educational opportunity. It was my first
experience integrating engineering and management. That sparked my interest in the design and
operation of industrial processes.
After completing engineering, I am currently employed as a mechanical engineer in the fitting and
integration department at Alstom Transport India in Bangalore. My role as a mechanical engineer
helped me grow my technical repertoire and took an effort to build my overall personality as an
individual and leader. I was proud to have efficiently optimized the size of the car by 20%
(approx) with the team after taking on the role of representing MFI team and coordinating with lead
engineers from general studies and CBS team in central project standard solution activity. One of my
main accomplishments is proposed a new standard solution on the following problem to improve the
current design and lower costs for future central projects and tenders, resulting in a nearly 10%
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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
MANASWINI PRAKASH MS INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
decrease in trainset costs (approx.). I recognized that any industry or organization's long-term
success depended on deploying creative ideas that save money, time, and effort. All these engrossing
thoughts about 3D lean methodology, six sigma, TPS, design methodology, and the DFQ cycle have
enlarged my horizons. My experience at Alstom helped me get exposed to the current developments
in analytical methods for problem-solving. I realized that I needed a stronger theory-based foundation
in the elimination of wastefulness in production processes to excel in the field of industrial
engineering.
Unique opportunity to work unencumbered by the department to bring innovative solution has
attracted me to Texas A & M graduate program. I feel that no matter what one's interests are -
academic, recreational, or social — we can find individuals at Texas A&M who share them. I am
eager to work with Dr. Satish Bukkapatnam whose insight on, "Real-time Identification of Incipient
Surface Morphology Variations in Ultra-Precision Machining Process" have left me captivated and
Dr. Alaa Elwany whose experience and research match my interest in manufacturing industry. I
strongly believe my experiences and dedication to problem solving can aid productivity at Texas
A&m university.
The industrial engineering curriculum at Texas A&M University provides a great atmosphere for my
intellectual development. The desire to bring forth my ideas physically, motivated me to take up
mechanical engineering as a major for my undergraduate study and now, it is the experience in
various projects and craving for deeper understanding that motivates me to further explore the field
of industrial engineering. I feel confident that TAMU is a perfect place for me where I can contribute
by sharing my experience while imbibing and absorbing from the best.
