1. A 15-minute Group presentation on the design and implementation of quality management frameworks at 50% meeting learning outcomes 1 & 2, and assessing AHEP 4 C8, C14, C15 & C16

2. A 2,500-word Individual report on quality management, system lifecycle analysis and continuous improvement based around a case study weighted at 50% meeting learning outcomes 3 & 4, and assessing AHEP 4 C2, C5 & C6

Formative assessment and feedback will be undertaken during the module to assess and develop student learning.

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 40% is required to pass the module with a minimum mark of 30% on a component.

Introduction to Systems Engineering and Quality Management

- Role and importance in complex system development
- Lifecycle models and integration points

Productivity

- Concept of productivity and its calculation
- Use of forecasting as an effective tool for identifying customer requirements
- Inventory management and material requirements planning

Quality Management Frameworks and Standards

- ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 15288: Systems Engineering Processes
- Compliance and certification processes

Principles and Methodologies

- Total Quality Management (TQM): Philosophy, tools, and implementation
- Lean Principles: Waste elimination, value stream mapping, continuous improvement
- Integration Strategies
- Aligning systems engineering processes with quality objectives
- Risk management and defect prevention
- Configuration and change management

Tools and Techniques

- Process mapping and modelling
- Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Continuous Improvement and Performance Measurement

- Key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Benchmarking and best practices
- Data-driven decision-making

Case Studies and Industry Applications

- Engineering and IT systems
- Lessons learned from real-world projects

1. Critically evaluate the principles and methodologies of Quality Management styles and their application in systems engineering to enhance performance, reliability, safety and legal matters. (AHEP4: C8, C14, C15)

Programme Learning Outcome: Critical Reasoning and Collaboration, Personal Development and Entrepreneurship

2. Apply relevant industry standards to design and implement quality management frameworks within complex system development processes. (AHEP4: C16)

Programme Learning Outcome: Research Skills, Digital Literacy

3. Integrate a suitable systems engineering process with quality management approaches to identify, prevent, and mitigate defects throughout the system lifecycle. (AHEP4: C5, C6)

Programme Learning Outcome: Application and Problem Solving, Digital Literacy

4. Develop and justify strategies for continuous improvement in systems engineering, using data-driven techniques to reduce variation, defects, and waste. (AHEP4: C2, C5)

Programme Learning Outcome: Application and Problem Solving, Communication

This module will enable you to develop understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems, and create solutions through a variety of learning activities, including:

Taught Lectures: To provide a structured introduction to key concepts and underpinning theory.

Tutorials: Interactive sessions designed to reinforce learning, explore concepts in greater depth, and provide opportunities for guided problem-solving and discussion.

Group Project Work: Collaborative activities that simulate real-world scenarios, enabling students to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Formative opportunities for informal assessment and feedback will take place throughout the module to support learning, monitor progress, and guide development.

The following resources are needed:

- Microsoft Office
- Appropriate Project Management software
- Specialised Engineering software suitable for your report.
- Access to appropriate Engineering labs/workshops

Lim, J.S. (2021). Quality Management in Engineering: A Scientific and Systematic Approach (1st ed.). CRC Press.

Das, K., & Dixon, M. (2024). Lean Manufacturing and Service: Fundamentals, Applications, and Case Studies (1st ed.). CRC Press

Luthra, S., Garg, D., Agarwal, A., & Mangla, S.K. (2020). Total Quality Management (TQM): Principles, Methods, and Applications (1st ed.). CRC Press.

Al-Rifai, M.H. (2024). Lean Six Sigma: A DMAIC Roadmap and Tools for Successful Improvements Implementation (1st ed.). Productivity Press.

Sfreddo, L. S. et al. (2021) ‘ISO 9001 based quality management systems and organisational performance: a systematic literature review’, Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 32(3–4), pp. 389–409.

This module aims to equip you with the skills to break down complex systems engineering operations and apply industrial continuous improvement and performance measure measurement techniques to ensure that equipment, material and product downtime are all optimised within a plant or wirelessly connected plants.