1. Specify problems and design generic frameworks requiring systems solutions. AHEP4 B1, B2 & B4

2. Use decision making and problem-solving tools including statistical techniques in contextual situations. AHEP4 B1 & B2

3. Critically appraise Systems Engineering in context. AHEP4 B1 & B2

4. Design, develop and deploy appropriate matrix based experimental design techniques to optimise system designs. AHEP4 B3 & B6

5. Critically appraise how key organisational techniques relate to strategic goals to justify recommendation for and implementation of plans for change. AHEP4 B3 & B6

Two Written Assessments:

Assessment 1 (LO 1, 2 and 3) Systems Engineering (50%) – Coursework which will be a set of closed problems requiring application of a range of statistical and systems tools plus a case study analysis design to contextualise the knowledge and understanding of systems engineering techniques. AHEP4 B1 & B2

Assessment 2 (LO 1, 4 and 5) Design for System Quality (50%) – Coursework will be a set of problems to and a system redesign task to contextualise quality concepts and apply experimentation techniques to the improvement of a system design. AHEP4 B3 & B6

This module aims to develop your skills and knowledge to help support your learning as a remote/off-campus student.

There are four aspects to the module:

Systems Objectives - problem definition and problem environment. Multi-objective analysis, qualification of trade-offs. Efficiency of principle systems engineering techniques.

Systems Optimisation, Planning and Analysis - mathematical optimisation techniques, dynamic programming; shortest path problems, allocation of scarce resources. Decision analysis, systems modelling, advanced network planning, IDEF structured analysis.

Systems Quality – Planning and organising quality. Controlling quality. Continuous improvement and problem solving. Statistical methods in quality assurance, measurement systems. Quality in system design.

Design for System Quality - Design of Matrix experiments using orthogonal arrays. Analysis and use of matrix experimental results to improve product function. Probability as a measure of reliability. Reliability analysis. Quality conformance. Role of maintenance. Design to combat simple wear out and wear out due to fatigue. Applying quality improvement tools to improve system quality.

Systems Engineering and Systems Quality is a rational approach to decision making related to the solution of complex problems in engineering/technology planning, design, and operation. As usual, this module presents Systems Engineering and Systems Quality as a practical subject. The student will develop a richness of approach to problem solving, for it includes a variety of design techniques and decision-making methods. These methods will allow the student to contextualise significant characteristics of systems such as how complexities of scale and the interrelated problems and challenges which are posed.

Students will have participated in an award induction workshop where they will learn how to use the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) employed for the study of this module. Subsequently, students will work through the module material provided on the VLE at a pace suggested within the VLE for the module. The material will include activities that allow students to assimilate the concepts and skills required by the module. Students will be encouraged to discuss relevant aspects via vehicles such as discussion forums hosted within the VLE. The forums will allow discussion with a student's peer group as well as the module tutor. Live tutorials will provide additional support in key areas.

Students will be expected to engage with independent reading, which should include texts, journals, websites that are pertinent to the learning outcomes and the issues or areas that form the focus of the module. Indicative texts.

Quality and Reliability Engineering International Journal, Chichester: Wiley
ISSN: 1099-1638

Jiang R, Introduction to Quality and Reliability Engineering, Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer, 2015,
ISBN: 978-3-662-51589-1

Kapur K.C, Pecht M, Reliability Engineering – 1st Edition, Chichester: Wiley, 2014,
ISBN: 978-1-118-14067-3

Jiju, A., Design of Experiments for Engineers and Scientists – 2nd Edition, London: Elsevier, 2014,
ISBN: 978-0-08-099417-8

Blackboard VLE Library facilities
Scopus
Google Scholar
Connected Papers
Office 365

Must have attended a Course Briefing Day and be approved by the Course Leader.