Module Descriptors

This module provides students with an introduction to management and organisation; to new product development, the design process.  Micro and Macroeconomics are also introduced to contextualise the external environment and economics of production, with a general overview of the economic, management and business process aspects of Design for Manufacture (DfM).  

Business Structure: The communication of complex functional organisation structures and the links between these and business processes such as PLM, fulfilment, production, planning, control and human resource management are discussed.  The importance and role of Information Systems in the facilitation of cross-functional communications and in the orchestration of such large, complex multi-national organisations is presented.

Basic Management Decision Making : Some strategic costing and justification techniques used to justify investment in new product development or product revision are illustrated. In addition, short term decision making methods, using basic accounting techniques, are presented.

Product Design : The importance of ergonomics, anthropometrics and aesthetics are discussed in the context of systematic approaches to product design, design model classification, DfM and work organisation.

The module will be illustrated both using classic and current texts, examples and methods where appropriate. Phases of PLM and its strategic and commercial importance are discussed.  The pahses of PLM covered include but are not limited to those involving the identification of market need, preparing a specification, conceptual design, detail design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing, marketing and sales.

Process Improvement : Applications for Continuous Improvement techniques and quality initiatives:-Kaisen, QFD, six sigma and Lean.

• During the course of this module students will develop their UWS Graduate Attributes (https://www.uws.ac.uk/current-students/your-graduate-attributes/ ). Universal: Academic attributes - critical thinking and analytical & inquiring mind; Work-Ready: Academic attributes – knowledgeable, problem solving; Successful : autonomous, driven and innovative.


• This module has been reviewed and updated, taking cognisance of the University’s Curriculum Framework principles. Examples of this are found within the module such as active and engaging tutorial activity with contemporary industry examples of modular content, module assessment which reflects industry activities, learning synergies across modules and levels of study and recorded lecture content supporting students to organise their own study time. Due to some of the unique content, this module is of particular importance in relation to PSRB AHEP-4 learning outcomes.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

L1. Understand the structure of different types of organisation and identify the limiting features of particular structure types.

L2. Apply knowledge and understanding of the management ideas and techniques applied to the operation of industrial organizations, and understand the contribution of industry in the macro economy. Have knowledge and understanding of the application of financial management techniques required by industry.

L3. Identify, describe and apply the generic phases of the design process to generate a Product Design Specification (PDS) in accordance with current standards.

L4. Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems

SCQF Level 8.
Product Lifecycle Management and Management in process oriented organisations, based on the scientific, classical and modern BPM approaches.

The circular flow of income and of the role of industry as a producer, exporter and consumer of investment in the macro economy.

Financial and Management Accounting basic techniques e.g. profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, cash-flow, and through micro economic techniques such as break-even, payback and discounted cash flow for design project evaluation.

The design process and engineering product design methodology, and the importance of the product design specification (PDS) in both financial and design contexts.

Of spreadsheet applications in project feasibility and costing e.g. DCF problems.

Of the application and use of a range of techniques and practices to produce a PDS and develop a design concept.

IT-Use appropriate quantitative tools to the analysis of basic engineering design projects.

Demonstrate the ability to monitor, interpret and apply the results of analysis and financial modelling.

Ability to identify and analyse the roles required to manage a sustainable business process in terms of planning, control, decision making, problem solving and optimisation.

Communication skills honed via written reports and presentations, demonstrating the ability to communicate engineering ideas and concepts.

Computer and numeracy skills and developing the ability to analyse engineering data by means of various financial problem solving techniques.

Appraise and critically evaluate the suitability and needs of a design concept to create a PDS.

Develop individual autonomy, group-working, time management, initiative and self-directed learning skills.

Produce design solutions using initiative and informed judgment, contributing to a collective design solution within a product development team environment

The following materials form essential underpinning for the module content and ultimately for the learning outcomes:

In line with the Academic Engagement Procedure, Students are defined as academically engaged if they are regularly engaged with timetabled teaching sessions, course-related learning resources including those in the Library and on the relevant learning platform, and complete assessments and submit these on time. Please refer to the Academic Engagement Procedure at the following link: Academic engagement procedure

1.07

1. More than one assessment method can be used to assess individual learning outcomes.
2. Schools are responsible for determining student contact hours. Please refer to University Policy on contact hours (extract contained within section 10 of the Module Descriptor guidance note).
   This will normally be variable across Schools, dependent on Programmes &/or Professional requirements.