Welcome

Welcome to CAVS Extension, a unit of Mississippi State University focused on meeting the needs of Mississippi’s manufacturers by:

  • Providing technical expertise with advanced engineering tools
  • Providing professional development training geared for industry
  • Providing on-site project support in the areas of product and process improvement

Let us know how we can assist you.

"Our staff has industry experience – so we understand the problems industry faces – and we want to help solve these problems so that companies can grow and prosper in Mississippi."
- Tonya McCall
Director, CAVS Extension
Providing Advanced Technical Expertise in the Areas of Product and Process Improvement and Technology Transfer Improving Processes with Six Sigma Training and Support Helping Manufacturing, Service and Healthcare Industries through Lean Enhancing Industrial Systems Through Simulation and Decision Support
Economic Impact: $7,254,728,692
click here for details and success stories
Upcoming Training and Events

Reliability Centered Maintenance
Oct 10, 2023

Description:

This 3 day course teaches the fundamentals of Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) and focuses on preserving equipment functions by identifying appropriate Preventive Maintenance (PM) tasks, Predictive Maintenance (PdM) tasks, failure finding tasks, and other actions that protect against failure or mitigate the consequences of failure. Examples and exercises give participants "hands on" experience to help them begin to master RCM concepts and refine facility maintenance strategies.

Objectives:
  • The importance and history of RCM
  • RCM terminology and fundamental RCM philosophies
  • Identifying and allocating resources for a RCM program
  • Preparing for an RCM analysis
  • Techniques for prioritizing systems for analysis
  • Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) for RCM
  • How to evaluating failure consequences
  • How to select PM, PdM, and failure finding tasks and intervals
  • What other function protective actions are available
  • When Run-to-Failure (RTF) is appropriate
  • Packaging and implementing RCM analysis results
  • When to use a subject matter expert team
  • Common barriers to implementation and how to get buy-in from all levels
Who should attend?
  • Reliability Engineers
  • Maintenance Engineers
  • Technicians
  • Maintenance and Reliability Managers

Date(s): October 10-12, 2023

Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: MSU CAVS Extension - 153 Mississippi Parkway Canton, MS 39046

Cost: $1499.00

Please contact Jill Sellers at jsellers@cavse.msstate.edu or 601-407-2746 if you have any questions.

Register

Introduction to Steel Production
Nov 07, 2023

Description:

The ongoing thrust towards high-performing steel grades for more demanding applications has led to increased laboratory to small-scale innovation in compositions and processing parameters. MSU's Steel Research Center is uniquely equipped to explore steel development within the multifaceted context of processing constraints, costs, and performance targets.

Course Content:
  • Chemistry-Process-Structure-Property-Performance (CPSPP) paradigm for material development
  • Overview of steel phases, transformations, and microstructures
  • Effects of alloying elements
  • Fundamentals of various steel processing methods
  • Live demonstrations of steel processing including vacuum induction melting, ingot casting, hot/cold rolling, forging/pressing, etc.
Who Should Attend?

Material, Quality & Process Engineers that are seeking to better understand the steel processing underlying the development of products and infrastructure. This includes individuals interested in laboratory-scale experimental alloy production and processing parameter refinement.

Requirements:
  • All participants must wear closed toe shoes

Date(s): November 7-9, 2023

Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: CAVS-Research - 200 Research Blvd, Starkville, MS and Edwards Building - Steel Research 72 Herbert Street, Mississippi State, MS

Cost: $950.00

Please contact Jill Sellers at jsellers@cavse.msstate.edu or 601-407-2746 if you have any questions.

Register

Minitab Statistical Software for Data Driven Problem Solving
Nov 08, 2023

Course Objective:

This workshop focuses on the visual exploration of data and problem solving using Minitab statistical software. We will use the Minitab to generate and interpret graphs to help analyze real-world industrial problems. The workshop will be highly interactive and include many hands-on practical examples. Topics will cover basic statistical principles and the application and use of statistical analysis methods.

Who Should Attend? The participants are expected to have some basic statistical experience since it is not possible to cover the details of probability and statistics during the workshop.

Instructor(s): Emily Wall, Ph.D., Adam Collins and Travis Hill

Date(s): November 8, 2023 (Canton, MS)

Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: MSU CAVS Extension - 153 Mississippi Parkway Canton, MS 39046

Cost: $250.00

Please contact Jill Sellers at jsellers@cavse.msstate.edu or 601-407-2746 if you have any questions.

Register

SPC 101 - Statistical Process Control
Dec 07, 2023

Course Objective:

This two day workshop is structured so that participants gain a solid understanding of the use of Statistical Process Control to drive process improvement. The class is taught through a balance lecture, class discussion, class exercises, and follow-on participant projects. Specific topics include both variables and attribute control charting. Specific variables control charting tools include X-BAR and R charts, as well as X and Moving R. Specific Attribute charting techniques are also presented including P, C, and U Charts. Also process capability indexes are presented and explained (i.e., Cp, Cpk, Pp, Ppk). Throughout the class a strong emphasis is placed on how to connect SPC with root causes oriented problem solving. Key concepts are reinforced through the use of catapults to simulate the real world linkage between SPC and process improvement.

Course Content:
  • Basics of Process Variation
  • Introduction to the Control Chart
  • Using Systematic Problem Solving to Drive Improvement
  • How a Control Chart Really Works
  • Basic Measures of Process Capability
  • SPC Class Exercise using Catapults

Who Should Attend? Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, Managers, Supervisors, and other professionals.

Instructor(s): Emily Wall, Ph.D. and Adam Collins

Date(s): December 7-8, 2023 (Canton, MS)

Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: MSU CAVS Extension - 153 Mississippi Parkway Canton, MS 39046

Cost: $500.00

Please contact Jill Sellers at jsellers@cavse.msstate.edu or 601-407-2746 if you have any questions.

Register

Lean Certificate
Jan 17, 2024

Course Objective:

Course objective is to develop participant skills in the recognition and elimination of Waste, and to improve Flow in their operations. Participants will apply these techniques on an approved project.

Who Should Attend? Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Engineers, Industrial Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Engineering Managers, Plant Managers

Participant Involvement: The training will consist of 4 two-day sessions (i.e., 64 hours of class time) scheduled during a four month period. Each participant is required to implement techniques and tools on an approved project that targets substantial benefits to their respective organizations. Each participant will receive consulting support both in and outside the classroom to assist with the successful completion of their project. It is anticipated that significant work outside the classroom will be expected in order to ensure maximum results from the student project.

Instructor(s): John Moore and Clay Walden, Ph.D.

Date(s): Spring 2024 (January 17-18 (Starkville), February 14-15 (Canton), March 13-14 (Starkville), April 10-11 (Canton))

Time: 8:00AM - 4:00PM

Location: Thad Cochran Research Park - 1 Research Blvd Starkville, MS 39759 & MSU CAVS Extension - 153 Mississippi Parkway Canton, MS 39046

Cost: $2900.00

Please contact Jill Sellers at jsellers@cavse.msstate.edu or 601-407-2746 if you have any questions.

Register

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Jan 24, 2024

Course Objective:

This eleven-day workshop is to develop participant skills in the advanced problem-solving techniques that have been popularized under the banner of Six Sigma. Participants will apply these techniques on an approved project. Upon project completion and successfully passing a written examination, participants will receive a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification.

Participant Involvement: The training will consist of 11 days scheduled during a five month period. Each participant is required to implement techniques and tools on an approved project that targets substantial benefits to their respective organizations. Each participant will receive consulting support both in and outside the classroom to assist with the successful completion of their project. It is anticipated that significant work outside the classroom will be expected in order to ensure maximum results from the student project.

Who Should Attend: Manufacturing and Quality Engineers and Technicians, Industrial Engineers, individuals supporting Six Sigma projects, and/or individuals looking to achieve their Green Belt Certification.

Class Resources:

Instructor(s): Judy Johnson, Les Goff, Ph.D., Adam Collins and Martin Konrad

Date(s): Spring 2024 (January 24-25, February 21-22, March 20-21, April 17-18, May 15-16, June 12)

Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: MSU CAVS Extension - 153 Mississippi Parkway Canton, MS 39046

Cost: $3000.00

Please contact Jill Sellers at jsellers@cavse.msstate.edu or 601-407-2746 if you have any questions.

Register

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification
Jan 24, 2024

Course Objective:

This 11 day workshop requires each student to demonstrate mastery of the Six Sigma Body of knowledge and is accomplished through the participant leading a black belt project which illustrates the DMAIC methodology, use of appropriate statistical tools, and substantial business results. Upon project completion and after successfully passing a written examination participants will receive a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification.

Participant Involvement: The training will consist of 11 days scheduled during a five month period. Each participant is required to implement techniques and tools on an approved project that targets substantial benefits to their respective organizations. Each participant will receive consulting support both in and outside the classroom to assist with the successful completion of their project. It is anticipated that significant work outside the classroom will be expected in order to ensure maximum results from the student project.

Who Should Attend: Manufacturing and Quality Engineers and Technicians, Industrial Engineers, individuals supporting Six Sigma projects, and/or individuals looking to achieve their Black Belt Certification.

Class Resources:

Instructor(s): Judy Johnson, Adam Collins, Les Goff, Ph.D. and Martin Konrad

Date(s): Spring 2024 (January 24-25, February 21-22, March 20-21, April 17-18, May 15-16, June 12)

Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: MSU CAVS Extension - 153 Mississippi Parkway Canton, MS 39046

Cost: $3500.00

Please contact Jill Sellers at jsellers@cavse.msstate.edu or 601-407-2746 if you have any questions.

Register

Lean Certificate - Healthcare
Jan 31, 2024

Program Description:

Our team of lean experts ensure that you gain the skills and training necessary to plan and launch a lean healthcare initiative in your organization. You will receive kaizen project experience and certification training in essential Toyota Production System (TPS) tools, which will benefit your hospital, physician practice, nursing home, clinic, laboratory, or health service.

Objective:

The "Healthcare Lean Certificate" course objective is to prepare participants for successful deployment of projects that improve the cost, quality, and speed of delivery of healthcare services. Each participant will develop skills in the recognition and elimination of "Wasteful practices", and the improvement of the "Flow" of service in hospital operations. Participants will also demonstrate the capability deploying systems improvement methodologies in the workplace on an approved project.

Synopsis:

The training will be delivered in 4 two-day sessions (i.e., 64 hours of class time) scheduled during a four month period. Training will cover a broad spectrum of lean topics. The four segments of Lean Certificate training are:

  • Session 1 - Customer Focus: Lean Concepts, Implementation Strategies, Kaizen, "A3" problem solving, Lean Leadership, Class project planning, and Clinic Kaizen Simulation
  • Session 2 - Eliminate Waste: "5S", Workplace Design, Visual Controls, Standard Work, Poka-Yoke (error proofing), Class project review, and Process Flow Simulation
  • Session 3 - Improve Flow: Pull Systems, "Supermarkets", Kanban, Takt Time (capacity planning), Paced Operations, Investment Efficiency, Heijunka (load leveling), Planned Maintenance, Class project review, and FMEA
  • Session 4 - Continuous Improvement: Value Stream Mapping, Class project review, Strategic Planning, CI Measurement Systems, and CI Project Management
Required Reading:

Lean Hospitals by Mark Graban, This books will be provided for each participant.

Certificate:

To earn a certificate of completion, participants will be required to complete all eight days of training. In addition, each participant is expected to implement techniques and tools provided in this training on an approved project that provides tangible benefits to their respective organizations. Each participant will receive consulting support both in and outside the classroom to assist with the successful completion of their project. "Healthcare Lean Certificates" of program completion will be awarded to each participant on the completion of the project implementation. CEU's are available if requested prior to the start of class. An additional fee may be required.

Attendees:

This training is designed for all healthcare professionals: doctors, clinicians, support staff, and administrators are encouraged to attend. Class size is currently limited to 18 participants.

Instructor(s): Susan Moore and John Moore

Date(s): Spring 2024 (January 31-February 1, February 28-29, March 27-28, April 24-25) (Canton, MS)

Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Location: MSU CAVS Extension - 153 Mississippi Parkway Canton, MS 39046

Cost: $2900.00

Please contact Jill Sellers at jsellers@cavse.msstate.edu or 601-407-2746 if you have any questions.

Register