Introductory description

This 30CATS module, running throughout the academic year, gives learners an opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-life scenarios/work-based challenges.

The first part of the module focuses on developing study skills and the ability to select and evaluate technical literature in a Health & Safety (H&S) and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) context.
Performing a Product Development Process (PDP) as part of a group forms the second part of the module.
During the module, learners will also be introduced self-learning and development as the foundation for lifelong learning and Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

This module is linked with C1, C4, C5, C6, C9, C10, C11, C13, C15, C16, C17, C18 of the AHEP 4.

LO1- C4, C10;
LO2- C1, C5, C6, C11, C13;
LO3- C9, C15;
LO4- C17;
LO5- C16;
LO6- C18.

Module web page

Module aims

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.

-Engineering report writing
-Use of published sources and referencing
-H&S , SOPs, Data security - structure and assessment.
-Overview of the Product Development Process
-Project and risk management tools and techniques
-Voice of the customer analysis
-Product Design Specification generation
-Concept generation and evaluation
-Process outcome Assessment
-Becoming a reflective engineering practitioner

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Review internal documentation based around health and safety and data security using internal and external technical literature.[AHEP:4-C4,C10].
• Apply product design tools and techniques to solve engineering problems in line with the clients design requirements while adopting an inclusive approach to engineering practice [AHEP:4-C1, C5, C6, C11, C13].
• Use project management and project related risk management tools in order to increase process efficiency and mitigate the effects of uncertainty associated with the undertaken PDP [AHEP:4-C9, C15].
• Communicate the findings of your work to technical and non-technical audience [AHEP:4-C17].
• Demonstrate the ability to work as an individual or a team member to achieve shared objectives in an engineering design project [AHEP:4-C16].
• Reflect on their own learning and experience in terms of developing Knowledge, Skills, Behaviours and Professional Engineering Competences, to set and monitor their own professional development goals [AHEP:4-C18].

Indicative reading list

Design Process:
“Product Design and Development” Eppinger Steven, Ulrich Karl, 5th International Edition, (2020). ISBN: 1260569543, 9781260569544

“Engineering Design, Planning and Management”, Hugh Jack (2013). ISBN: 0123971586, 9780123971586

"Product design: a practical guide to systematic methods of new product development" Mike Baxter, 1st Edition, (2017). ISBN: 9781315275246

“Engineering Design Methods: A strategies for Product Design “ Nigel Cross 4th Edition (2021). ISBN: 1119724376

Project Management:
Kerzner, Harold R: (2017) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling and Controlling: 12th Ed; Wiley

Pinto, J. K (2016) Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage, 4th Edition. Boston: Pearson

Thompson, C, & Hopkin, P (2021) Fundamentals of Risk Management : Understanding, Evaluating and Implementing Effective Enterprise Risk Management, Kogan Page, Limited, London

Reflective Practice:
Engineering Council, (2021), The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC), 4th edition.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions (S2 in all DA standards).
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria (S6 in all DA standards).
• Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements (S9 in all DA standards).
• Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation (S3 in all DA standards).
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines (S4 in ST0027).
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks (S7 in ST0023, S7 in ST0027 and S8 in ST0025)
• Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options (S13 in ST0027)

Transferable skills

• Understanding of business, government and third sector issues and priorities.
• Understanding organisational norms of behaviour.
• The systematic collection, analysis and evaluation of information in the investigation of a topic.
• Manages priorities and time.
• Aware of personal strengths and emotional intelligence.
• Reflect on learning, seeking feedback on and evaluating personal practices, strengths and opportunities for personal growth.
• Verbal communication: Communicate orally in a clear and sensitive manner which is appropriately varied according to different audiences.
• Written communication: Present arguments, knowledge and ideas, in a range of formats
• Use rational and logical reasoning to deduce appropriate and well-reasoned conclusions.
• Operate within, and contribute to, a respectful, supportive and cooperative group climate.