Summary

• School of Engineering, Design and Manufacturing Systems

• Duration
• Full Time: 3 years
  

• Fees
• Full Time: €3,290 per year
  International Students: €9,250 International GDL

Overview

The course is aimed at existing employees of small, medium and large organisations wishing to up skill and at those wishing to enter the arena of operations and manufacturing management as project engineers. It provides mind training and a toolkit for future managers to take their organisations forward in the improvement of quality in products and services.

Manufacturing systems engineers are employed in a wide range of engineering and commercial companies as well as educational and commercial organisations. Graduates from the course are equipped to progress to positions of responsibility in senior management or further programmes of specialised study or research.

Key Facts

• The BEng (Hons) Management of Manufacturing Systems course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) as satisfying academic requirements towards Chartered Engineer status (CEng).
• Manufacturing in the UK provides employment for around 18 Per cent of the national workforce – almost 3 million people – and accounts for approximately 23 Per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - (sources: Office of National Statistics and Advantage West Midlands, April 2009).
• The management of manufacturing systems is an essential feature in the vast arena that is manufacturing – an area that makes large contributions to the wealth of many countries throughout the European Union and the rest of the world.
• It is a fast-changing scene where the competition between industrial organisations is keen and lean: only those companies prepared to apply modern philosophies and technologies will survive.
• There are many challenges facing manufacturing industry. Companies now strive for competitive advantage and have to evaluate their performance more effectively in order to make best possible use of all resources: Talented, innovative, ambitious engineers are required to introduce essential systems such as Just- In-Time, Total Quality Management and Computer-Aided Engineering to ensure success in a global manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) courses traditionally involve a great depth of analysis and synthesis, whether it be numerical analysis or the in-depth investigation of management and technological systems and philosophies, and may be seen by many as being more exacting in these areas than other courses, including those leading to awards such as Bachelor of Science (BSc). This course is presently one of only two BEng Honours degrees in the area of manufacturing systems management running in both full-time and part-time modes in the UK.

Course Outline

Course Structure

The course provides an understanding of the systems approach based on the synthesis and application of practical knowledge through the study of the essential themes of Operations Management such as Total Quality Management, quality engineering and manufacturing services, Manufacturing Processes encompassing integrated manufacturing strategies and technologies, Environmental Performance, and Design Management methodologies and techniques, along with Project Management skills such as project planning and the role of the engineer in industry and the economy.

Training in engineering applications allows you to gain experience of the problems encountered by industrial engineers, and an understanding of new technologies helps apply these to the solution of problems in manufacturing industry. Experience of the techniques of management and business organisation and an awareness of the economic, social and environmental implications of engineering decisions encourage a sense of responsibility to society.

The course aims to produce professional engineers with an integrated mix of manufacturing systems theory, application and experience. An appreciation of modern manufacturing, management and systems practice, together with the confidence and ability to contribute effectively to your profession, gives you a commitment to keep abreast of current developments in technology and human resources management and the initiative to apply new technologies and techniques from other disciplines to the solution of problems. The intellectual, creative and personal qualities necessary for leadership, and the drive and ability to work co-operatively form the basis for continuing professional development and further study.

Modules

Year 1 Engineering Design and Practice -30 Credits Applied Mechanics -30 Credits Mathematical Analysis-30 Credits Material Science-15 Credits Applied Thermodynamics-15 Credits

Year 2 Design Elements and Methods-30 Credits Manufacturing Technology-30 Credits Operations Management-30 Credits Environmental Performance-15 Credits Management in Engineering Innovation-15 Credits

Year 3 Individual Project30 Credits Advanced Manufacturing30 Credits Operations and Supply Chain Management30 Credits Design Management-15 Credits Advanced Project Management-15 Credits

Modules Description

Mathematical Analysis

• Application of mathematics to the solution of practical problems.
• Use of mathematics to communicate effectively.
• Introduction to the basic mathematical techniques required to solve practical engineering problems.

Applied Mechanics

• Study and experimental skills, data analysis, experimental applications.
• Dynamics: Newton's laws, circular motion, free, damped and forced vibrations.
• Statics: Stresses in beams and shafts, principal stresses, experimental stress analysis techniques.

Engineering Design And Practice

• Drawing skills and techniques in design, design process, assembly drawings, CAD modelling.
• Engineering applications, basic analysis of AC and DC circuits, instrumentation, sensor types and their use.
• The module will also cover study skills, report writing and presentation techniques.

Materials Science

• Material testing, structure of metals, failure of materials, structure and properties of ceramics, structure and properties of polymers, structure and properties of composites, material and selection.

Applied Thermodynamics

• Introduces a basic understanding of engineering thermodynamics, including thermodynamic properties and processes, the fundamental laws of thermodynamics, standard engine and turbine cycles and modes of heat transfer.

Management In Engineering Innovation

• Provides an understanding of market-led innovation, planning, management and strategy development in an engineering enterprise; pursuing wealth creation in a changing competitive environment, along with the knowledge required to devise and implement necessary changes in the business when required.

Design Elements And Methods

• Tools and techniques required in the industrial design process.
• Introduces the techniques used by designers to generate and present solutions to engineering problems. Properties of materials, mechanisms, design and redesign, concepts, materials and manufacturing processes, component selection, joining methods, ergonomics, presentation of design solutions, Design for Manufacture, problem solving and economic decision making.

Operations Management

• Capacity management and work analysis, management and standards, operations planning, scheduling and control, materials analysis flow and management, quality control, tools and techniques.

Environmental Performance

• Environmental issues affecting engineering and industry, associated policies and legislation.
• Environmental management and sustainability, both in a management context and a wider context, as a means of improving environmental performance, e.g. via impact reduction, resource efficiency, waste minimisation, life-cycle analysis and design for environment methodologies.

Manufacturing Technology

• An understanding of and practical experience in the techniques used in modern manufacturing organisations.
• Metal cutting, sheet and metal work, CNC machines and programs, CAD/CAM systems, flexible and dedicated automation, work holding systems, tooling systems and management, performance testing, supply of power and services and health and safety issues.

Operations And Supply Chain Management

• Operational analysis, development of a manufacturing strategy, logistics and supply chain management, simulation techniques.

Advanced Manufacturing

• Understanding of the techniques used in Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM) of components and products and the application of CAM and simulation technologies to form complete integrated systems for product manufacture.
• CAD, CAM and CNC data forms, simulation of machining operations, manufacturing cells, calibration, measurement and testing, 3-D system simulation; assembly systems; post-processor configuration and application; advanced process simulation and product development.

Design Management

• The principles and practice of design management, design assurance and the management and control of product information.
• Overview of techniques available to optimise designs, the management of the design process, concurrent engineering and product data and lifecycle management.

Advanced Project Management

• Project management tools and techniques.
• Evaluation of projects and progress.
• Resources, timing and penalties.
• Financial and legislative considerations.

Individual Project

• A variety of project topics are offered, enabling you to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in an area of interest relevant to your course title.
• Activities include generating a proposal, researching text and electronic sources, creating and implementing solutions, and an artefact if applicable, analysing results and reporting on outcomes.

Assessments

A range of assessment methods is used throughout the course including  continuous assessment, in-class tests, examinations, laboratory exercises and  project work. Using these methods, your all-round ability will be appraised  providing you with the best opportunity to excel.

Placements

Students are encouraged to further enhance their career prospects by including an industrial placement in their course. This takes place after the second year of study and extends the course duration to four years. As well as providing the workplace experience sought by many employers, a placement provides an invaluable opportunity for students to further develop their practical expertise, earn money and try out a potential career path. The Faculty's placements team supports students throughout the placement process

After your studies

Further Studies

The University has a range of either taught (MSc) or research (MPhil and PhD) postgraduate programmes. Details can be found on the postgraduate section of the website.

Employment Opportunities

Typical routes of employment that could lead from this programme include:

• Project engineer, whether in a design scenario, a production environment, manufacturing engineering, commissioning or operations management.
• Technical appointments in IT, manufacturing, research and development and with new technologies.
• Managerial posts in areas outside of engineering and manufacturing, including appointments in retail, catering, marketing, sales and advertising.