Intelligent systems design report
A 3000-word group report on the design of an intelligent/smart system that addresses a real-world problem (e.g. healthcare, energy, transport, manufacturing, or smart environments), weighted at 70% meeting Learning Outcomes 1 and 2. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes: C2, C3, C5, C7, C16.

Individual professional development report
A 2000-word reflective report on leadership skills and personal development, weighted at 30% meeting Learning Outcomes 3 and 4. Assessing AHEP 4 Outcomes: C11, C14, C15, C17.

Formative assessment will includeża proposal from the group on the design of an intelligent/smart system to address a real-world problem.

This module will equip learners with the technical, personal, and professional capabilities required to succeed in the modern engineering workplace. By combining systems integration with strategic management, it ensures graduates are ready to lead innovation from initial prototype to global enterprise.

The module will cover the following topics on intelligent and smart systems:
- Characteristics, design and requirements
- Enabling technologies for intelligent systems
- Data, intelligence, and decision-making
- Systems integration and engineering design
- Application-focused engineering solutions
- Prototyping, testing, and validation

The module will also cover personal and professional development, focusing on the following topics:
- Leadership and management skills/traits
- Core concepts, frameworks, and techniques in leadership and management
- Leadership Behaviours and Management skills
- Strategic Decision-Making & Problem-Solving
- Employability skills and engineering-focused market requirements
- Enterprise, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs and innovation
- Enterprise leadership styles

1. Design and evaluate intelligent and/or smart systems by integrating sensing, data processing, decision-making and system-level engineering to provide effective solutions to an identified complex real-world problem. (AHEP 4: C2, C3, C5)

Learning Outcome: Research skills, Application and problem-solving

2. Work effectively in a small team to apply engineering judgement and strategic problem-solving skills, justify design decisions and component selection and consider societal and commercial constraints. (AHEP 4: C7, C16)

Learning Outcome: Critical reasoning & collaboration

3. Demonstrate entrepreneurship, leadership, teamwork, professional practice skills relevant to graduate engineering roles. (AHEP 4: C11, C14, C15)

Learning Outcome: Critical reasoning & collaboration, Personal development & entrepreneurship

4. Communicate complex technical and professional outcomes effectively through appropriate documentation and reflective practice. (AHEP 4: C17)

Learning Outcome: Communication, Reflection

Whole group lectures will be used to deliver new material and to consolidate previous material. Small-group tutorials, with activities designed to enhance the understanding of the material delivered in the lectures, will be used to apply the skills and knowledge learned. A mixture of classroom based, and practical activities will take place supported by staff.

Suitable simulation software, such as LabVIEW, Multisim, MATLAB/Simulink, or an equivalent.

Must be registered on BEng (Hons) Electronic and Information Engineering provision at XUPT, China.

Mahajan, S., Rocha, A., Pandit, A. & Chawla, P. (eds.) (2025) Smart Systems: Engineering and Managing Information for Future Success. Cham: Springer Nature.

Brown, B. R. (2023) Engineering Intelligent Systems: Systems Engineering and Design with Artificial Intelligence, Visual Modeling, and Systems Thinking. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Kouzes, J. & Posner, B. (2023) The Leadership Challenge. 7th edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Davies, J. (2017) Skills for Engineering and Built Environment Students: University to Career. London: Red Globe Press.

This module bridges the gap between advanced technical engineering and professional leadership, equipping you to design intelligent systems while mastering the employability skills required by today’s market. This dual-focused module will develop both your technical expertise in intelligent/smart systems and your professional skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and strategic decision-making.