BEng Hons Manufacturing Engineering with Management

This module aims to provide students with an overview of the manufacturing industry and an appreciation of (1) the range of processes and materials employed in production, and (2) operations management theory and practice, emphasising the key role of managers and engineers within organisations.

The module covers:

• developments in management theory including scientific management and socio-technical theory
• the role of engineering managers
• strategic aspects of business management including analysis of macro and mico environment
• organisational design
• process thinking including supply chain and quality management
• overview of Manufacturing including classes of manufactured goods, manufactured resources (M-M-M-M) and concepts of simultaneous engineering
• introduction to manufacturing materials and Processes including process classification, a focus on casting and bulk deformation of metals and overview of polymer processing

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the nature of operations management
• demonstrate an understanding of the basis of competition and the basic principles of designing and operating business
• describe the meaning of the term “manufacturing” and the scope of manufacturing industry
• identify the basic stages in transforming raw material into a useable end product
• discuss the principle factors involved in material and process selection

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a Report - Business and Operations Strategy (35%) and a Video pitch – The Sustainable Organisation (15%).

This module aims to give you the basic tools to understand how the world, both natural and man-made, works. Knowledge of mechanics is a fundamental tool for an engineer. Concepts of classical mechanics you will deal with include a study of forces, motion, energy, work, momentum and heat, how these are connected, and how these ideas can be applied to engineering problems. The ideas behind classical mechanics changed the human race absolutely and forever. Most historians agree that no discovery in human thought has been more influential. Students come to engineering mechanics with an elementary understanding of the basic principles of mechanics acquired from introductory school physics together with their application to problem solving. The class focuses on the practice of these skills, rather than factual content. Students’ progress not by absorbing (and regurgitating) information but rather by practicing their skills individually and learning to work effectively with others.

The module covers:

• statics
• frameworks
• friction
• velocity and acceleration
• inertia and change of motion
• motion in a circle
• balancing
• periodic motion
• dynamics of rotation
• work, energy and power
• impulse and momentum
• aircraft mechanics

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• understand and overcome any misconceptions about basic concepts in physics (force, energy, work etc)
• restate existing problem solving skills in a form more suitable for engineering application
• interpret basic engineering applications of mechanics in more detail
• recognise or resolve, contradictions involving their preconceptions about mechanics
• organise the basic ideas of mechanics in a form suitable for problem solving
• apply basic principles in mechanics to realistic engineering situations

Assessment and feedback is in the form of in-class polling systems, written homework and two class tests.

This module aims to develop a broad range of knowledge and skill concerned with studentship, professionalism and ICT and a technical working knowledge of product development resources, processes and procedures.

The module covers:

• introduction to degree, learning, writing and communication
• design, fabrication and production processes including practical engineering workshop skills: turning, milling, drilling, fabrication, measurement, plastic processes, and simple electronic manufacture
• digital product development including professional digital product development systems, the DDMS and CAD, skills in parametric 3D modelling and 2D drawing, prototype and part fabrication via rapid prototyping (RP) and via computer numerical control (CNC).

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• identify a wide range of learning, orientation and communication skills and practically apply them for student learning and work as a product development professional
• develop presentation skills and sets of visuals
• identify and explain wide range of design, fabrication and production processes and theoretically and practically apply them to product development projects
• ability to explain and discuss the engineering, manufacturing and technical aspects of a mass-produced consumer product via a viva and visual slide presentation or a text and visual report
• ability to digitally design and digitally fabricate components according to a design brief and technical documentation

Assessment and feedback is in the form of an ‘industrial disaster’ assignment (35%), CADCAM assignment (10%), Buggy assignment (55%).

This module aims to provide a foundation learning experience for engineering product design, through the experience of an integrated design process that ranges across research, specification, concept design, design evaluation, refinement and presentation.

The module covers a foundation course in engineering product design intended to give an appreciation of modern design as the integrator of engineering, business and other specialisms. The class will give practice in the execution of each of the stages of the design process through participation in a team and individual based project. Topics to be addressed include freehand sketching in 2&3D, presentation graphics, and scale drawing. Scale drawing will address orthographic projection, layout drawing, isometric drawing, manufacturing component and assembly drawings. Much of the work of the class will be conducted through studio workshops, coursework and projects. Students will also be required to participate in model making and oral presentations.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• understand the context of design and specialist roles within a design process
• research and define opportunities for design through: user and market research; the use of product design specifications (PDS)
• generate and communicate design concepts through: ideation methods; sketching, rendering and sketch modelling techniques
• refine and communicate designs through design evaluation and development methods; engineering drawing and graphics
• present design work in the form of a folio, exhibition and critique presentation

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a team presentation and critique (33%), a team folio (33%) and an individual drawing pack (33%).

This module aims to give a basic understanding of the concepts and applications of mathematical functions, differentiation, integration, matrices and vectors.

The module covers:

• algebra
• functions
• solving equations
• trigonometry
• introduction to calculus: Standard derivatives
• rules of differentiation
• indefinite integration
• definite integration
• matrices
• vectors and complex numbers
• further calculus including implicit differentiation – first derivative
• derivatives of inverse trigonometric functions
• parametric differentiation – first derivative

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• understand the concept of a mathematical function, its domain and its range
• be familiar with commonly occurring functions and their properties, and be able to manipulate and solve equations and inequalities involving them
• know the factorial and binomial coefficient notation, and be able to use the binomial theorem
• be able to convert a proper rational function into partial fractions
• be able to differentiate functions, via combinations of the various differentiation rules
• be able to differentiate functions defined either implicitly or parametrically
• be able to locate and classify stationary points, and find optimal values of a function of one variable
• be able to find definite and indefinite integrals using substitutions, partial fractions and integration by parts
• be able to use integration to calculate area between two curves and volumes of revolution
• be able to carry out simple matrix operations
• be familiar with the concept of a vector and the fundamental operations with vectors: addition, multiplication by a scalar, and scalar and vector products
• be able to manipulate complex numbers in Cartesian form

Assessment and feedback is in the form of submission of assignments and a 3 hour degree examination (exemption from degree examination is possible based upon performance in class tests).

Knowledge of Thermodynamics, Heat and Fluid Flow are important for the understanding and design of thermal and hydraulic systems involving energy conversion and transmission, such as engines and turbines, pumps and compressors, and associated pipework. The aim of the class is to introduce the basic concepts of thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, and the applications thereof, as a foundation for further studies.

This module covers:

• unit and dimensions, dimensional homogeneity
• systems and the properties of systems such as pressure, temperature and energy
• an introduction to energy conversion processes and systems involving work and heat transfer
• conversion of energy from one form to another
• the first law of thermodynamics
• non-flow processes involving perfect gases
• the continuity equation
• Bernoulli's equation
• applications to flow in pipes, nozzles, siphons

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• understand the basic principles of conservation of energy, work and heat transfer for a closed system
• apply the first law of thermodynamics to a range of problems involving isothermal, adiabatic, polytropic, constant volume and constant pressure processes, all using a perfect gas
• understand the basic principles of fluid flow, the continuity equation, and Bernoulli’s Equation
• apply the basic equations of fluid flow (continuity and Bernoulli) to problems involving pipe flow, nozzles and jets, and siphons

Assessment and feedback is in the form of two exams and four online courseworks.

Mechanical systems rely upon electrical and electronic circuits for many reasons: delivery of drive power; sensing temperature, pressure, etc. For example, instrumentation systems for aircraft, ships, cars and many other applications electronically manipulate, process and display data from external sensors and devices. This course covers the important issue of how external data is acquired, conditioned and used within mechanical engineering systems. It also discusses how electronics are used to control mechanical systems. It will detail the importance of this area within engineering systems through specific case study examples, which include monitoring aircraft, monitoring industrial processes, telecommunications, medical applications, etc.

The module covers:

• basic electrical theory and definitions: electrons
• charge, current, voltage, power sources
• basic DC circuits: resistance, calculation of total resistance, current and voltage, Kirchhoff's Law, Thevenin and Norton equivalent circuits
• basic models of amplifiers and operational amplifiers
• basic digital electronics: boolean logic, logic gates, counters
• basic AC circuits: concept of phase, frequency, capacitors, inductors, impedance, use of j operator

At the end of this modules students will be able to:

• analyse basic DC circuits in terms of voltage, current, resistance and power
• design DC circuits which convert sensor outputs to known voltages and currents
• analyse the behaviour, and design of basic amplifiers
• analyse and design basic digital electronics circuits
• analyse and design data acquisition systems which encompass sensors, filtering, amplification and conditioning using the above basic theories
• explain the use of these data acquisition systems within a variety of industrial applications: analogue to digital conversion; digital to analogue conversion; interfaces; control etc.

Assessment and feedback is in the form of an exam (70%) and coursework (30%).

This module is important to those who may be concerned with the selection and use of engineering materials to have an understanding of, and feeling for, the properties of the materials and wider aspects such as abundance and cost, which are relevant in the selection process.

The module covers:

• polymers
• thermoplastic, thermosets and rubber, chemical and physical structure, molecular weight, and factors influencing properties
• glass transition temperature concept
• copolymers, effect of heat on plastics, fabrication processes of plastics such as extrusion, injection moulding, vacuum forming, bottle and film blowing
• metals: Atomic arrangements, yielding, slip, defects, stress concentration and fracture
• the tensile test: important mechanical and physical properties that may be measured, strengthening methods, phase diagrams
• composites: Particle/fibre reinforced, laminates. Stiffness, strength, toughness and the influence of fibre length and volume fraction
• materials in design: Sources of materials, supply/demand, cost, energy content, recycling.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• understanding properties of metallic materials
• knowledge of structure of ceramics
• review of polymers
• understanding of composites and applications

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a group case study project (which includes a report) and a multiple choice examination.

Engineering students from non-electrical disciplines often require a working knowledge and appreciation of electrical power devices and their use. This class develops the theory underlying simple electrical circuit analysis, transformers and electrical motors, and seeks to develop an understanding of their application through example and laboratory work.

The module covers:

• practical and safety-related electrical knowledge: single-phase and 3-phase wiring colours
• circuit breaker types and minimum breaking current
• revision of DC and AC circuits: power in AC circuits
• power factor and its correction
• three phase systems: basic connections, definitions, justification, analysis of circuits with balanced loads
• electromagnetism: concepts of magnetic fields
• field quantities
• material properties
• permeability
• B-H loop
• hysteresis
• eddy currents
• inductance
• force on a conductor and Faraday’s Law/Lenz’s Law
• basic energy conversion
• single phase transformer: construction, operation and use
• the ideal transformer
• circuit model and performance analysis
• tests and parameter evaluation
• efficiency and regulation
• DC machines
• induction machines
• synchronous machines
• modern power electronics and control techniques

At the end of this modules students will be able to:

• analyse single-phase AC circuits. To know the single-phase and 3-phase cable colours and to know which type of MCB to use for particular load types
• understand the relationships between 3-phase voltages, currents, complex load impedances, and real/reactive power flows
• describe qualitatively the phenomena associated with electromagnetism and carry out calculations involving simple magnetic circuits, forces on conductors and induced emf. Understand the operation of transformers, and carry out experiments and calculations (of efficiency, for example) using the equivalent circuit model.
• make a good assessment of motor and drive/control choice for a particular application, through an understanding of the general principles governing the action of motors and generators and the nature of energy conversion and power electronics.

Assessment and feedback is in the form of lecture, tutorial and laboratory sessions.

This module aims to provide an understanding of the key issues faced by designers, engineers, production, and project managers, in the design and development of new products and services.

The module covers:

• a review of the product development process, particularly front end design process activities (design brief and PDS)
• introduction to concurrent engineering distributed design and globalisation
• product types (innovative, evolutionary)
• product and manufacturing strategies
• intellectual property management
• functional layouts: characteristics. Systematic Layout Planning
• cellular manufacture: Group technology, family formation methods, coding systems cell design
• facility location: factors to consider on location including globalisation
• introduction to Lean manufacturing from a manufacturing layout optimisation perspective and more.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• understand product development strategies and frameworks
• identify the activities and information flows in the development of new products leading to the definition of organisational structures
• demonstrate understanding of the project management process, its tools and techniques, i.e. gantt & network charts product costing, resource planning and risk management
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of manufacturing facilities design and management including location selection
• design and analyse manufacturing layouts for optimum efficiency
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of established manufacturing optimisation techniques

Assessment and feedback is in the form of:

• a multiple choice exam (25%)
• Assignment 1 involves design and planning of a “project/idea” (25%)
• Assignment 2 involves designing a facility layout and developing a workstation based on the principles of lean, 5S and ergonomic workstation design (25%)
• an exam (25%)

The aim of this module is to develop the student’s ability to create appropriate functional prototypes for the purposes of mechanical design and visualisation. To engender an appreciation of different prototyping methods and their application areas.

The module will cover the following areas:

• manual prototyping methods
• introduction to the design project laboratory, safe working practices, use of machinery
• manufacture of simple mechanical and electro-mechanical mechanisms
• mechanism design and manufacture (competition project)
• rapid and virtual prototyping methods
• rapid prototyping/layered manufacture: systems, techniques, data transfer methods
• computer aided machining technologies; techniques, justification for use
• modern visualisation methods including stereoscopic displays
• digital data acquisition of three dimensional solid bodies
• introduction to, and application of, a range of CAD systems for modelling and visualisation
• introduction to CAD/CAM highlighting the link between digital information and its translation into physical artefacts

At the end of this modules students will be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to design and make simple working prototypes within time, personnel and material constraints
• demonstrate knowledge of simple mechanical and electro-mechanical mechanisms, power transmission, control methods and their application
• appreciate and understand the capabilities of CAD and CAD/CAM
• appreciate and understand the capabilities of virtual prototyping and automated capture of solid body data

Assessment and feedback is in the form of two major project design and make assignments, 50% for a team based project; 50% for an individual project.

The individual project is graded from a physical prototype (25%) and a CAD design folio (25%). The team based project is graded from a model (15%), a CAD folio (20%) and a team presentation (15%).

The aim of this module is to increase the depth of production technology knowledge. It introduces students to primary processes for metal and polymer production, metal cutting theory, secondary manufacturing processes, engineering metrology, and the manufacture of electronic components and products.

The module covers:

• metal casting processes: sand casting, investment casting, die casting
• metal bulk deformation processes: rolling, forging, extrusion
• sheet metal working: cutting, bending, deep drawing, superplastic forming, hydroforming
• polymer processing: fundamentals of polymers, extrusion, thermoforming, blow moulding, injection moulding, rotational moulding, compression and transfer moulding
• machining processes (chip removal): turning, milling, grinding, honing
• metal cutting theory: basic metal cutting principles, cutting tool geometry, chip formation, temperature in cutting, cutting tool materials, cutting fluids, machinability
• heat treatment: theory and processes applicable to heat treatment of steels
• surface finishing: painting, electroplating, anodising, etc.
• joining processes. welding processes: gas welding, arc welding, resistance welding, welding, defects
• engineering metrology: definitions, standards, role in manufacturing, classes of measurement, linear and angular measurement, comparative measurements, limit gauging, link to tolerancing, quality control and process capability
• electronics manufacturing – component manufacture, IC production, PCB assembly including soldering

At the end of this modules students will be able to:

• demonstrate good knowledge of a range of primary and secondary manufacturing processes, their operating principles and their appropriate application
• demonstrate knowledge of the theory behind metal cutting and other processes
• exhibit an understanding of the principles, technology and application of engineering metrology within a manufacturing context
• demonstrate knowledge of the production of electronic and electrical components and assemblies

Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework and an exam.

The class aims to provide basic understanding of the principles of Operations Management in both manufacturing and service industries. Management decisions and factors influencing these decisions in a variety of areas of Operations Management are discussed. These include Operations Strategy, Product and Process Design, Quality Management, Control and Improvement. Basic management science tools and approaches will be introduced to aid decision making. Decision analysis techniques are developed and are applied to some of the operations management subjects to illustrate how managers can be supported with analytical tools to reach justifiable decisions about their operations. Special attention will be given to modelling with simulation as a strong and relevant management science tool in the context of operations management.

The module covers:

• modelling
• the methodological cycle
• data collection
• decision making
• modelling simulation
• operations management
• design
• planning and control
• quality control
• improvement.

At the end of the module students will be able to:

• understand the basic issues of product and process design
• appreciate the main differences between service operations and manufacturing operations in design and in planning and control
• develop a deeper understanding of the management science methodological cycle
• develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of approaches to modelling, modelling process and associated issues, to support management decision making
• apply state-of-the-art discrete event simulation software (Simul8) to build models of moderate complexity
• write management reports presenting the analysis of a problem, answering questions and putting forward recommendations

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a group assignment (50%) and an exam (50%).

You must select 20 credits from an approved list of option classes available from the Department of Design, Manufacture & Engineering Management.

This module aims to provide engineering students with an understanding of the importance of innovation in today’s business environment. The module aims to also develop understanding and skills in the area of innovation management, including the management of the innovation process, intellectual property, financial decision-making and commercialisation of ideas.

The module covers:

• the innovation process – basis of competition
• the innovative organisation
• principles of innovation management
• creativity
• market research, strategies for innovation
• intellectual property, patenting and commercialisation
• strategies for innovation
• leading and managing innovation
• collaborative innovation and new ventures
• licensing
• people and innovation - decision making, personality, communication, motivation, groups and teamwork, leadership, conflict, power and politics
• finance and Innovation - innovation finances – making a case
• costing methods
• financial statements (e.g. balance sheets, profit and loss and cash flow)
• financial ratios
• budgeting
• investment appraisal
• break-even analysis
• risk management
• performance measurement
• selling your ideas – business start-up & plans
• marketing mix, marketing innovation
• the sales pitch
• product/service ideas
• process ideas
• sales pitch workshop
• final presentations

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• appreciation of the innovation process, management activities and economically sound decision making
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of routes to market, commercialisation and intellectual property management
• understand, interpret, prepare and evaluate financial statements and costing models of industrial enterprises
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how to manage and lead multiple stakeholders effectively through the innovation process

Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework (100%) including a business plan, sales video and presentation.

An appreciation of the hierarchical structure of operations planning activities and their complexity on the approaches and techniques currently available for the planning and control of manufacturing operations in typical different business situations. The module also aims to provide advanced knowledge and competence in both design and management of different types of complex industrial operating systems in the global market place; emphasis is on managing systems rather than management concepts of systems.

The module covers:

• service operations management
• materials requirements planning (MRP)
• capacity requirements planning (CRP)
• manufacturing resource planning (MRP II)
• system design phases
• structured design methods and models for integrated systems design: overview of IDEF and DFD
• advanced project management
• scheduling and manufacturing strategies in production systems
• forecasting: time-series forecasting techniques, multiple linear regression, seasonal forecasting and forecasting errors
• simulation and modelling
• models
• simulation software
• recent developments and trends in simulation and other modelling tools

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to demonstrate an understanding of: 

• issues in management of manufacturing systems
• MRP/ERP systems
• operational issues in production systems
• the basic principles of simulation and modelling

Assessment and feedback is in the form of two group assignments (30%, 20%), the second one with in-class presentation and final exam (50%).

This module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of modern and non-traditional manufacturing techniques and with the ability to apply this knowledge to the design of tooling and the selection of the appropriate manufacturing techniques for creating components and products. It also aims to provide students with an understanding of the role of manufacturing processes in converting advanced materials into products, and the ability to carry out computer simulations of some of the primary processes.

The module covers:

• types of advanced materials: properties and applications
• conversion of advanced materials: processing of polymer composites, powder metallurgy and ceramics technology, processing of modern metals and metal composites
• simulation of primary processes: principles and examples of computer simulation of material flow in processes
• the process and considerations of material selection: calculation of the material index for a given problem, material selection by using Ashby charts (AR, 4 hours) tutorial and exercises
• non-traditional machining and applications: overview of micro-manufacturing
• principles, process configurations, process capabilities, process parameters and industrial applications of photo-chemical machining, electrochemical machining, electrical-discharge machining, and laser-machining
• jig/fixture working principle and design
• rapid prototyping and manufacturing: additive and subtractive techniques, object data capture techniques - e.g. laser scanning, touch probes, etc. and virtual prototyping

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of material properties, processing parameters, manufacturing steps, machinery used and costs involved in converting advanced materials into products
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of non-traditional manufacturing techniques and their applications to micro-manufacturing.
• demonstrate a working knowledge of the principles of jig and fixture design
• demonstrate a working knowledge of the methods used to simulate material flow during manufacturing processes
• explain meaning of rapid-prototyping and identify and select key techniques for rapid prototyping
• understand the process and considerations for material selection

Assessment and feedback is in the form of an exam (60%), a group presentation (20%) and coursework (20%).

This module aims to develop design and manufacturing project based skills relevant to each of the four undergraduate degree courses, and to provide practice in the application of engineering, manufacture and design principles.

The module will consist of an individual project and a team project intended to develop and integrate knowledge and skills acquired in the students’ particular course of study. These activities will consist of:

• team project - concept development, proof-of-concept modelling (physical and virtual)
• individual project – application of relevant engineering principles, utilisation of CAD/CAM/CAED, project reporting

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

• undertake the design of a technical product or process requiring multidisciplinary input
• apply appropriate engineering knowledge and skills to the design of a product or process
• communicate engineering knowledge effectively to stakeholders throughout the design process

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a project model and demonstration.

This module aims to develop design and manufacturing project based skills relevant to each of the four undergraduate degree courses, and to provide practice in the application of engineering, manufacture and design principles.

The module will consist of an individual project intended to develop and integrate knowledge and skills acquired in the students’ particular course of study. These activities will consist of application of relevant engineering principles, utilisation of software tools, project planning, management and reporting.

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

• undertake the design of a technical product or an improved organisational process, as appropriate to course discipline
• apply appropriate engineering knowledge and skills to the design of a product or improved process
• communicate engineering and innovation knowledge effectively to stakeholders throughout the design process

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a project, there is no exam.

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental programming concepts, knowledge of programming core languages and skills in programming for the development of contemporary products and production equipment.

The module will teach the following topics in the context of designing mechatronic systems:

• programming languages and product applications
• software development methodologies, e.g. agile development
• programming development environment
• flow diagrams and programme architecture
• developing code
• debugging
• refining code
• sharing code

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of fundamental programming concepts
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of core programming languages
• demonstrate proficiency in programming
• demonstrate skills in the development of products with software driven functionality through applied programming

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a project submission (100%).

This module aims to provide students with an understanding of the fundamental concepts and methods of mechatronic system design and applications including those in manufacturing industry.

The module will teach the following topics in the context of designing mechatronic systems:

• mechatronic and automation introduction including mechatronic design principles, energy and information Systems, bond graph theory, block diagram, functional design using bond graphs, advantages and disadvantages of electric and fluid power systems, types of electric motors and their control techniques, simple actuators for hydraulic and pneumatic systems, The specifications of robotic and other automated equipment
• experimental design and data acquisition including methods of programming robots, programming structure and debugging, microprocessors and MPLAB
• control and its application: open and closed loop control, second order system, problems in robot design and control, types of motion control
• sensing devices and their applications
• automation in manufacturing.

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of why manufacturing automation and mechatronic systems are used
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of mechatronic design and modelling techniques applied to hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems
• demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the control principles/technology and their application in mechatronic system and automation systems, including microprocessors, PLCs and their programming
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of sensing principles and sensor technologies
• specify the type of automation system suitable for any given application
• demonstrate an appreciation of the human factor issues in manufacturing automation

Assessment and feedback is in the form of coursework submission outlining the design of a mechatronic system (30%) and an exam (70%).

You must select 20 credits from an approved list of option classes available from the Department of Design, Manufacture & Engineering Management.

This module aims to consolidate and develop experience in undertaking a major individual project and develop a good appreciation of professional practice by utilising design, manufacturing and management knowledge acquired during the course and applying it to real life situations.

The module covers all aspects of managing a product development or production management project. The project, managed and conducted by the student under the guidance of a supervisor, is taken from project proposal to working prototype/validated production engineering implementation. Regular lectures and seminars presented to students will cover all aspects of project content and conduct; with workshops to support key project stages and activities. Students would normally meet with their supervisor on a fortnightly basis; weekly at key points of project.

At the end of this module students will be able to:

• carry out an in-depth and broad product development or production engineering project through demonstration of the academic concepts, practical skills and managerial techniques gained throughout the period of study; and how concepts and theories require to meet the specific needs of the market segment
• communicate effectively. Produce in-depth report (also folio and detailed drawing set where appropriate)
• demonstrate professional management of a project. Include aspects of business planning in relation to a product or specialist area in production engineering and management
• appreciate legislative, ethical and environmental requirements and their influence in product and process design and management and to demonstrate their application to a project

Assessment and feedback is in the form of a Brief & Report/portfolio (75% = 5% brief preparation, 70% report/folio/models) and critique assessments (25%).

This module aims for students to integrate and apply design, manufacturing and operations management knowledge and skills to an industry based product and process development project and to develop project management skills.

The module consists of a team-based industrial project where an outline project brief is set by an industrial client. The team is expected to manage all aspects of the project through to a finished solution. This can be a product, system or process depending on the nature of the project. Teams meet with academic staff and industrial clients regularly through the project.

On completion of the module the student is expected to be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various elements associated with the respective course disciplines
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of products and management practices in industry
• demonstrate knowledge and ability in applying and using various analysis and modelling tools and techniques in product and process realisation
• demonstrate project planning and management, data collection and analysis, presentation, consulting and team working skills

Assessment and feedback is in the form of client and risk management reports (10%), a project report (75%) and a presentation to the client (15%).

This module aims to equip the students with a critical understanding of quality management and quality control principles, concepts, tools and techniques, including how to statistically plan, design and execute industrial experiments for process understanding and improvement in both manufacturing and service environments.

The module covers:

• definition and benefits of quality
• the cost - quality relationship
• quality tools for process improvement
• the importance of benchmarking
• total productive maintenance (TPM)
• quality management system standards
• failure mode and effect analysis
• introduction to reliability engineering
• statistical Process Control
• the concept of process capability and measurement
• classical design of experiments for process optimisation
• taguchi approach to quality improvement
• the concept of quality loss function for measuring quality
• introduction to six sigma
• fundamentals of design for six sigma

At the end of the module the student is expected to be able to:

• demonstrate the differences between different levels of quality maturity and illustrate the prerequisites (or inputs) to total quality.
• construct quality strategies based on a broad understanding of quality models and standards.
• apply different Quality Management tools and techniques in a particular context
• apply Reliability Engineering tools and techniques in a particular context.
• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of classical design of experiments (DoE) for process optimisation and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Taguchi’s approach to quality improvement.

Assessment and feedback is in the form of group coursework (40%), a case study presentation (20%) and two online class tests (each class test carries 20%).

You must select 20 credits from an approved list of option classes available from the Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management.