ENGLISH CLASSES
ENGLISH CLASSES 2025/26
UMinho is one of the youngest universities in Portugal and its first degrees were created almost 45 years ago. The Production and Systems area was one of the first created at that time to support the Engineering Curricula, mainly the Production Engineering degree.
The Department of Production and Systems (DPS) has been growing and, at the moment, we can offer you one PhD (the oldest in Portugal), six Master Degrees and one Bachelor. The DPS staff is responsible for almost two hundred curricular units in the different areas of Industrial Engineering Management.
For courses formally taught in Portuguese, there might be the possibility to have access to bibliography, course materials, tutorial support and assessment in English. There is the option to develop research/project work with supervision in English or in a common language between the student and the tutor. The DPS also offers several courses in english.
Students can follow course units mainly from the following degrees and there are some specific study areas with lectures offered in English.
1st Semester
Agile Management and Entrepreneurship
Master in Industrial Engineering and Management, 2y, Op, 5 ECTS
Master in Operations Engineering and Management, 2y, Op, 5 ECTS
Leonilde Varela, Associate Professor with Habilitation, leonilde@dps.uminho.pt
Agile management. Enterprise responsiveness, permanent and dynamic alignment with the market, rapid reconfigurability, competence management in the function of time and uncertainties. Methods and tool for agile management. Performance measures. Agile management of organizational, technological and human resources aspects. Group work, aliances and responsibilities empowerment. Learning organizations and chaos and complexity management in organizations as new forms of the agile management.
Entrepreneurship. Concept and general framework. Knowledge management and ideas generation. Business plan grant. Project and investment evaluation. Strategic analysis and the market analysis. Project management. Quality management. Innovation management. Legal requirements for the creation and launching of an enterprise. Supporting infrastructures for creation of enterprises. Programmes for supporting creation of enterprises. Financing sources.
Analytical Decision Support Systems
Master in Systems Engineering, 1y, Op, 5 ECTS
Cláudio Alves, Full Professor, claudio@dps.uminho.pt
Analytical Decision Support Systems: classification, components and structure. Quantitative optimization methods and models based on mathematical programming. Linear programming: formulations, Simplex algorithm, sensitivity analysis, duality. Integer programming: formulations, solution methods. Heuristics and metaheuristics based on local search. Constraint Programming. Modelling languages and optimization software. Design of an Analytical Decision Support System. Case studies.
Data Classification and Clustering Techniques
Master in Systems Engineering, 2y, Op, 5 ECTS
Ana Cristina Braga, Assistant Professor with Aggregation, acb@dps.uminho.pt
Ana Rocha, Associate Professor, arocha@dps.uminho.pt
Regression Techniques: Simple and multiple linear regression; Nonlinear regression; Logistic regression. Classification Techniques: Performance measures; ROC Analysis. Data Grouping Techniques: Principal component analysis; Clustering validity indices; Clustering similarity measures; Clustering algorithms. Application of concepts and development of application examples through the use of the computational tool (R or Matlab).
Financial Engineering
Master in Industrial Engineering and Management, 1y, Op, 5 ECTS
Master in Operations Engineering and Management, 1y, Op, 5 ECTS
Jorge Cunha, Associate Professor, jscunha@dps.uminho.pt
Investment appraisal: concepts, methods and applications. Functioning of financial markets: main functions and characteristics, the determinants of interest rates and exchange rates. Financing decisions: Forms of financing; The financial structure of the company; Capital cost calculation; Cost of financing alternatives. Financial planning and analysis: The financial statements of companies; Financial analysis methods; The financial planning. Business valuation methods: The present value method; The equity method; The method of market multiples. Management control: definition and attributions; Planning, control, evaluation and reporting activities. Information and cost models for decision making; Activity-based costing systems. Budget control and analysis of deviations; Standard costing system. Performance measurement and evaluation systems; Balanced scorecard; dashboards; KPI definition. Contemporary practices and methods; concepts and applications.
Implementation and Certification of Quality Management Systems
Master in Engineering Quality Management, 1y, 5 ECTS
Paulo Sampaio, Assistant Professor with Habilitation, paulosampaio@dps.uminho.pt
Fundamentals. Definitions and Concepts. Portuguese Quality System. Quality management systems research. The ISO 9000 family of standards. Quality management systems implementation. Management systems integration. Methodologies for management systems auditing.
Introduction to Economics Engineering
Bachelor Degree in Industrial Management Engineering, 1y, 5 ECTS
Jorge Cunha, Associate Professor, jscunha@dps.uminho.pt
INTRODUCTION: definition of economics; basic problems of economic organization; production possibilities frontier; microeconomics and macroeconomics. DEMAND AND SUPPLY MODEL: supply curve; demand curve; market equilibrium; determinants of demand and supply; practical uses of the model. DEMAND THEORY: demand for a product; the concept of demand elasticity; demand estimation. PRODUCTION THEORY: production organization and production function; production in the short- and long-term; returns to scale. COST THEORY: costs in the short- and long-term; costs and industry structure; cost-volume-profit analysis. MARKETS AND PRICE FORMATION: perfect competition; monopoly; comparison between both. PRICING POLICY: implementation and types of price discrimination. FINANCIAL MATHEMATICS: time value of money; capitalization and discounting processes; capital equivalence; nominal rate and effective rates. Applications of financial mathematics.
Manufacturing Processes and Systems
Bachelor Degree in Industrial Management Engineering, 2y, 5 ECTS
Leonilde Varela, Associate Professor with Habilitation, leonilde@dps.uminho.pt
Machining system and manufacturing system definitions. Machining (manufacturing) processes classification. Machining (manufacturing) processes and their parameters, machine tools and tools per manufacturing process. Work-holding and positioning, and inspection tools. Tool’s life-cycle. Relationship between machining (manufacturing) processes and geometrical forms, surface quality, product classes and production volumes. Sequencing of the processes.
Optimisation Methods in Industrial Context
Master in Industrial Engineering and Management, 2y , Op, 5 ECTS
Ana Rocha, Associate Professor, arocha@dps.uminho.pt
Introduction to Optimization: Historical Evolution. Introduction to modelling. Nonlinear Continuous Programming: Definitions and basic concepts. Gradient Methods. Derivative-free methods. Optimal control of dynamical systems. Mixed-integer nonlinear programming: Definitions and basic concepts. Metaheuristics. Computational intelligence. Evolutionary Computation.
Optimization Tools for Supply Chain
Master in Systems Engineering, 1y, Op, 5 ECTS
José António Oliveira, Assistant Professor, zan@dps.uminho.pt
Graphs. Elementary Concepts. Non-oriented Graphs. Oriented Graphs. Graph Representation. Computational Complexity. Problems and instances. Use of MATLAB Toolboxes for graphs. Minimum Cost Spanning Tree Problem. Kruskal Algorithm (MATLAB). AMPL Formulation. Application examples. Shortest Path Problem. Dijkstra algorithm (MATLAB). Ford algorithm (MATLAB). Floyd algorithm (MATLAB). AMPL Formulation. Application examples. Maximum Flow Problem. Flows and Cuts. Ford-Fulkerson Algorithm (MATLAB). AMPL Formulation. Application examples. Transportation and Assignment Problem. Hungarian algorithm (MATLAB). Efficiency Analysis. AMPL Formulation. Application examples. Chinese Postman Problem. Eulerian Paths and Circuits. Application examples. Traveling Salesman Problem. Hamiltonian Circuits. Assignment Problem-Based Formulation. Branch and Bound Algorithm. Heuristics (MATLAB). Application examples. Vehicle Routing Problem. Introduction. Examples. Heuristics (MATLAB).
Production Management
Master in Systems Engineering, 1y, 5 ECTS
Leonilde Varela, Associate Professor with Habilitation, leonilde@dps.uminho.pt
Manufacturing planning and control systems: production planning; master planning; resource planning. Materials management: Materials control; MRP – material requirements planning; Material orders planning. Production activity control fundamentals. Overview of techniques and tools for production sequencing and scheduling . Essentials of JIT-Kanban systems.
Production Systems Organization
Bachelor Degree in Industrial Management Engineering, 3y, 5 ECTS
Anabela Alves, Associate Professor, anabela@dps.uminho.pt
Production systems fundamentals and production paradigms. Introduction to the Lean Thinking paradigm and wastes types. Production systems configurations. Advantages and disadvantages of different configurations. Detailed design of production cells/lines. Clustering algorithms applied to Group Technology (e.g. DCA, ROC, ROC2). Balancing methods for multi-model lines and mixed model assembly lines (e.g. Ranked Positional Weight, Wild method, Bedworth method). Operating modes (e.g. Rabbit Chase, Bucket Brigades, Baton Touch, Working Balance, Toyota Sewing System). Skills matrix. Layouts methods (e.g. Systematic Layout Planning, method of fictitious sequences, CORELAP, CRAFT).
Project Work
Various fields of study, All years, 5 to 15 ECTS
Paulo Afonso, Assistant Professor, Erasmus Academic Coordinator, psafonso@dps.uminho.pt
Research Methods
Master in Systems Engineering, 2y, 5 ECTS, not offered in 2025
Carina Pimentel, Assistant Professor, carina.pimentel@dps.uminho.pt
The nature of business and management research. Formulating and clarifying the research topic. Critically reviewing the literature; referral systems and use of electronic research media. Understanding research philosophies and approaches. Formulating the research design. Negotiating access and research ethics. Selecting samples. Using secondary data. Collecting primary data through observation. Collecting primary data using semi-structured, in-depth and group interviews. Collecting primary data using questionnaires. Analysing quantitative data. Analysing qualitative data. Writing and presenting your project report.
2nd Semester
Analysis Methods and Techniques in Ergonomics
Master in Human Engineering, 1y, 5 ECTS
Paula Carneiro, Assistant Professor, pcarneiro@dps.uminho.pt
1. Workplace design. 2. Assessment and risk characterization of manual handling activities and of repetitive nature. 3. Ergonomic workplace assessment. 4. Industrial applications of Ergonomics. 5. Main approaches in ergonomic intervention. 6. Methods of jobs analysis. 7. Application of Ergonomics to the “design” of systems. 8. Examples of application contexts.
Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing
Master in Industrial Engineering and Management, 1y, 5 ECTS
Leonilde Varela, Associate Professor with Habilitation, leonilde@dps.uminho.pt
Introduction product development and to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems and their position within a production system. CAD: “drawing”, models and modelling of products; modelling techniques, their characteristics and automatic generation of data for other production systems functionalities. CAM: Machine tools movements and coordinate system. Numerical Control systems: concepts, technologies and control architectures – NC, CNC, DNC and AC. Programming languages: ISO 6983 (“g”, language), and high level programming languages (APT and derivatives). Software CAD, CAM, CAD/CAM. Interoperability of CAD/CAM systems: integration architectures, data neutral formats, ISO STEP standard. CAD/CAM systems organization, management and design. Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS), Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Advanced Computer Aided Manufacturing systems.
Concurrent and Collaborative Engineering
Master in Operations Engineering and Management, 1y, 5 ECTS
Leonilde Varela, Associate Professor with Habilitation, leonilde@dps.uminho.pt
Introduction: Historical development and classification of Simultaneous Engineering (SE), Concurrent Engineering (CE) and Collaborative Engineering (ColE) [CCE]. The CCE theo0retical framework: abstraction levels and organizational semiotics. Concurrent Engineering (CE) principles, definition and benefits. CE for products, manufacturing processes, business processes and organizations. Reference model of CE. Informal and formalized CE models (based on processes). Tools and technologies for CE: concepts of DFM, DFA, DFx, geometrical design patterns and technologies, pattern recognition and mapping, work groups, conflict management and resolution, negotiation protocols, videoconferencing and CSCW, QFD, knowledge engineering and management, artificial intelligence. Collaborative Engineering (ColE) principles, definitions and benefits. Learning models. Learning organizations and chaos and complexity management in organizations as the environments for ColE. Tools and technologies for ColE.
Industry 4.0
Master in Systems Engineering, Op, 5 ECTS
Leonilde Varela, Associate Professor with Habilitation, leonilde@dps.uminho.pt
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Bachelor Degree in Industrial Management Engineering, 3y, 5 ECTS
Sameiro Carvalho, Associate Professor, sameiro@dps.uminho.pt
Logistics and supply chain management: introduction; evolution and trends. Design of logistics networks: location models. Procurement process management. Warehousing and distribution management. Transportation planning and management.
Numerical Methods
Bachelor Degree in Industrial Management Engineering, 2y, 5 ECTS
Senhorinha Teixeira, Associate Professor, st@dps.uminho.pt
Errors and stability. Numerical solving of nonlinear equations. Direct and iterative methods for solving linear systems. Numerical solving of nonlinear equation systems (Newton’s method). Least squares approximation (linear model): polynomial and non-polynomial model. Polynomial interpolation: Newton’s polynomial and splines. Numerical integration. Numerical solving of ordinary differential equations: with initial conditions (Runge-Kutta Method) and with boundary conditions (finite differences). Use of numerical computing software.
Project Analysis in Industrial and Engineering Management
Bachelor Degree in Industrial Management Engineering, 3y, 5 ECTS
Paula Ferreira, Assistant Professor with Habilitation, paulaf@dps.uminho.pt
Introduction to project evaluation. Basic concepts for the investment project. Investment and corporate strategy. Project Evaluation. General considerations in the evaluation of investment projects : investment, profitability. Project appraisal indicators: minimum attractive rate of return, net present value, internal rate of return, payback time. Discount rate and cots of capital for the investment. Project financing. Project financial flows. Financial statements and investment project forms. Taxes. Cash-flows. Comparison and selection of investment projects. Projects with an equal lifetime. Projects with different lifetime. Projects with different investment dimensions. Decisions in the context of risk and uncertainty. Qualitative analysis. Sensitivity and scenario analysis. Probabilistic risk analysis. Introduction to socio-economic evaluation of projects.
Project Evaluation
Master in Operations Engineering and Management, 1y, 5 ECTS
Jorge Cunha, Associate Professor, jscunha@dps.uminho.pt
Investment basics. Investment decisions and business strategy. Computation of a project’s cash flows. Investment appraisal methods. Risk and uncertainty in project evaluation. The financing of the project. Complements of investment appraisal. The real options approach.
Project Work
Various fields of study, All years, 5 to 15 ECTS
Paulo Afonso, Assistant Professor, Erasmus Academic Coordinator, psafonso@dps.uminho.pt
Strategic Management and Industrial Marketing
Master in Industrial Engineering and Management, 1y, 5 ECTS
Master in Operations Engineering and Management, 1y, 5 ECTS
Paulo Afonso, Assistant Professor, psafonso@dps.uminho.pt
Strategy and its determinants. From strategic analysis to strategy formulation. Business model development. Strategy implementation and control.
Marketing in the modern organization. Concepts of marketing. Marketing versus production orientation. Create value and customer satisfaction. Develop an effective marketing mix. Key characteristics of an effective marketing mix. Marketing and business performance. Distribution and development of channel systems. Case studies.
Supply Chain Management
Master in Industrial Engineering and Management, 1y, 5 ECTS
Master in Operations Engineering and Management, 1y, 5 ECTS
Sameiro Carvalho, Associate Professor, sameiro@dps.uminho.pt
Concepts, principles and challenges of supply chain management. The strategic role of supply chain management. Integration in the Supply Chain. The whip effect on the transmission of information along the chain. Simulation game: Beer Game. Collaborative Strategies. Risk pooling, mass customization and postponement strategies. Supply chain design and configuration. Supply / purchasing, storage and transportation strategies. Analysis of logistics chain efficiency; methodologies and measures of performance.
Supply Chain Optimization
Master in Operations Engineering and Management, 1y, 5 ECTS
José António Oliveira, Assistant Professor, zan@dps.uminho.pt
Models and methods (exact and heuristic) of Linear Integer Programming / Combinatorial Optimization for Supply Chain problems. Graphs and Complexity. Minimum Cost Spanning Tree Problem. Shortest Path Problem. Maximum Flow Problem. Assignment Problem. Chinese Postman Problem. Travelling Salesman Problem Vehicle Routing Problem.