WM9D6-15 Systems Engineering
Introductory description
The Systems Engineering module aims to provide the students with an understanding of systems thinking and systems engineering in complex automotive engineering programmes.
Module aims
To establish an understanding of the concepts, key principles and methods associated with systems thinking to enable students to address complex problems. To provide students with an understanding of the implications of system design and engineering on the the whole product lifecycle from concept formulation, design, manufacture, in-service use and support through to decommissioning. To provide an awareness and appreciation of the major systems engineering management tools and processes to design and deliver complex programmes, with a focus their application in the automotive engineering industry.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Systems thinking and systems engineering concepts & tools
Linking vision, outcomes and goals
Prioritising goals, stakeholders and needs
Developing rich pictures and high level Concept of Operations (Conops)
System development lifecycles and processes for successful outcomes
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Critically evaluate the role of Systems Thinking and Systems Engineering methodology to design complex, multi-stakeholder systems
- Create more effective and sustainable development, delivery, in-service support and end-of-life in Automotive Engineering guided by Systems Engineering methodology.
- Evaluate Systems Engineering development processes individually and as part of a group, including the analysis of systems needs and translation to appropriate requirements.
- Relate systems principles to the design of complex automotive applications, considering the complete life cycle of a vehicle.
- Evaluate Systems Engineering tools to support the prioritisation of goals and stakeholders.
Indicative reading list
Thinking in Systems – A Primer, D. Meadows. Chelsea Green Publishing, 2008. ISBN: 9781603580557.
Designing Complex Products with System Engineering Processes and Techniques, V.D. Bhise. CRC Press, 2014. ISBN: 9781466507036
System Engineering Management, B.S. Blanchard. Wiley, 2008. ISBN: 9780470167359
2015 ISO Standard, ‘ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015, Systems and software engineering -- System life cycle processes’, 2015.
Systems Engineering: A 21st Century Systems Methodology, D.K. Hitchins. Wiley-Blackwell, 2007 ISBN: 9780470058565
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Systems Thinking, Systems Development Lifecycle vs Programme Lifecycles, Risk Management, Systems Engineering Processes
Transferable skills
Systems Thinking, Collaborative working, Critical thinking and analysis, Academic writing skills, Technical responsibility for complex engineering systems
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 sessions of 1 hour (13%) |
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) |
| Tutorials | (0%) |
| Supervised practical classes | (0%) |
| Online learning (scheduled sessions) | (0%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 60 sessions of 1 hour (40%) |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A1
| Weighting | Study time | |
|---|---|---|
| Written Assessment | 60% | 36 hours |
|
An essay in which a systems engineering analysis is conducted upon an existing automotive engineering system, with an emphasis on sustainability. The essay will cover evaluation of systems engineering development processes and associated competencies, including the capture, analysis of customer, social and legislative needs needs for sustainability and translation into technical/engineering requirements and systematic alignment of the design of complex, sustainable systems. The students will finally make a decision as to whether any improvements or changes have been made to the system through their analysis. |
||
| Self guided learning assessment | 20% | 12 hours |
|
A self-assessment test launched prior to the module designed to test the student's grasp of the key principles of Systems Engineering acquired from recommended reading resources. |
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| Group Presentation | 20% | 12 hours |
|
Tutor-directed and self-guided activities conducted in groups and culminating in a group presentation. The topic of this presentation will be based on certain aspects of the work done during the taught week of the module. The mark awarded to each member of the group will be informed by a peer adjustment marking process. |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback on the essay, of approximately 300 - 400 words, will be provided 4 weeks after the date of submission. The feedback will be focussed on the strengths and weaknesses of the work with regards to the module learning objectives and the assessment's marking guidelines. Suggestions for improvement will also be provided. Feedback on the group presentation will be given verbally during the module and supplemented with written comments provided separately.
There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.