March 3, 2006

 LIVINGSTON, Ala.—The University of West Alabama’s Manufacturing Entrepreneurship class, which teaches students how to operate a manufacturing business, is staying busy this semester making and selling their own cedar porch swings.

The course, required for all Industrial Technology majors, allows class members to become partial owners of the company they help develop. The students buy shares in the company to pay for the expenses of production and operation. Because the students invest their own money to operate the business, they risk loss if the business fails or share in the profits if the company succeeds.

“Because the students use their money, they really try hard to sell their product,” said Jim Shelton, Associate Professor of Technology. “One key element of this class is the willingness to work. Any successful business requires a great deal of time, effort and planning,”

The students are learning firsthand what it takes to conceive a product and carry it through to sales. They must consider variables including engineering, manufacturing systems, cost control, materials flow control, quality, human resource management, financial obligations, research and development and marketing of the porch swings.

The swings come with a chain, but without a wood finish, leaving that choice up to the buyer.

The cedar porch swings cost $85 and may be purchased from any member of the class or by contacting Jim Shelton at (205) 652-3469 or jds@uwa.edu. Quantities are limited.