Module Descriptors
ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH METHODS
ENGG73114
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 7
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Saveen Jayasooriya
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 60
Independent Study Hours: 240
Total Learning Hours: 300
Pattern of Delivery
- Occurrence A, Stoke Campus, PG Semester 2
Sites
- Stoke Campus
Assessment
- GROUP REPORT - 2000 WORDS weighted at 30%
- PORTFOLIO - 2000 WORDS weighted at 30%
- PROJECT PROPOSAL - 3000 WORDS weighted at 40%
Module Details
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Evaluate and choose methods appropriate to research aims and objectives. (AHEP 4: M4, M5)
Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry,
Learning
2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of diverse project management techniques, and source and critically appraise published technical work within the chosen field to effectively manage complex technical projects. (AHEP 4: M4, M5, M7, M17)
Knowledge and Understanding,
Analysis,
Application,
Reflection
3. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the importance of ethics in the engineering profession and the working requirements needed by a professional engineer. (AHEP 4: M5, M7)
Application,
Communication
4. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the group’s area of Engineering expertise via a Group Project. (AHEP 4: M5, M16, M17)
Reflection,
Application,
Communication,
Problem Solving,
Team Work
5. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of team dynamics by evaluating effectiveness of both individual and team performance. (AHEP 4: M16)
Reflection,
Application,
Communication
Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry,
Learning
2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of diverse project management techniques, and source and critically appraise published technical work within the chosen field to effectively manage complex technical projects. (AHEP 4: M4, M5, M7, M17)
Knowledge and Understanding,
Analysis,
Application,
Reflection
3. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the importance of ethics in the engineering profession and the working requirements needed by a professional engineer. (AHEP 4: M5, M7)
Application,
Communication
4. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the group’s area of Engineering expertise via a Group Project. (AHEP 4: M5, M16, M17)
Reflection,
Application,
Communication,
Problem Solving,
Team Work
5. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of team dynamics by evaluating effectiveness of both individual and team performance. (AHEP 4: M16)
Reflection,
Application,
Communication
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT DETAILS
A 2000-word group report, weighted at 30%, assessing Learning Outcome 4. The report will provide details of the selected project topic, and it will present the work undertaken by the group, including a critical analysis of the findings of the investigation. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M5, M16, M17
An individual 2000-word portfolio weighted at 30%, assessing Learning Outcomes 3 and 5. The portfolio will include evidence related to professional engineering skills and the requirements of UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC). Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M5, M7, M16
A 3000-word proposal for the MSc project intended to be undertaken, weighted at 40% assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2. The proposal will include the background and motivation for the proposed project, defined aims and objectives, a comprehensive literature review, project management and planning (e.g., Gantt Chart, resources, etc), an ethical assessment, and a health and safety risk assessment. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M4, M5, M7, M17
Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass this module, with a minimum mark of 50% in the group report and individual portfolio, and a minimum mark of 40% in the proposal.
An individual 2000-word portfolio weighted at 30%, assessing Learning Outcomes 3 and 5. The portfolio will include evidence related to professional engineering skills and the requirements of UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment (UK-SPEC). Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M5, M7, M16
A 3000-word proposal for the MSc project intended to be undertaken, weighted at 40% assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2. The proposal will include the background and motivation for the proposed project, defined aims and objectives, a comprehensive literature review, project management and planning (e.g., Gantt Chart, resources, etc), an ethical assessment, and a health and safety risk assessment. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M4, M5, M7, M17
Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 50% is required to pass this module, with a minimum mark of 50% in the group report and individual portfolio, and a minimum mark of 40% in the proposal.
INDICATIVE CONTENT
This module aims to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of research approaches. It will cover both qualitative and quantitative methods and emphasise the importance of research ethics.
Additionally, the participants will acquire the skills required to write a project proposal including research methodologies and how to compile a comprehensive literature review and effectively communicate research outcomes. The module will focus on presenting scientific results in an effective manner, including reflective writing. Furthermore, learners will be introduced to important tools for managing documents and citations.
The module will also cover different project management techniques, including approaches and methodologies for managing major projects within an engineering framework. These may include the introduction of new products or the implementation of new technological processes. Participants will also learn about the role of quality, risk, and cost management in project management.
The module will also address ethics in engineering, particularly in relation to engineering designs and projects. It will introduce common ethical dilemmas and their potential solutions, as well as the consequences that may result from ethical violations.
This module will also explore the principles and dynamics of effective team working within an engineering context. Key aspects such as team roles, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving will be examined. These concepts will be applied through a research-based group project, involving collaborative work on a topic aligned with the participants’ specific area of engineering expertise. The group project will require integration of technical knowledge, relevant research, and application of project management techniques to deliver a coherent and well-justified engineering solution. This process supports the development and demonstration of essential professional skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, planning, and reflective practice.
Additionally, the participants will acquire the skills required to write a project proposal including research methodologies and how to compile a comprehensive literature review and effectively communicate research outcomes. The module will focus on presenting scientific results in an effective manner, including reflective writing. Furthermore, learners will be introduced to important tools for managing documents and citations.
The module will also cover different project management techniques, including approaches and methodologies for managing major projects within an engineering framework. These may include the introduction of new products or the implementation of new technological processes. Participants will also learn about the role of quality, risk, and cost management in project management.
The module will also address ethics in engineering, particularly in relation to engineering designs and projects. It will introduce common ethical dilemmas and their potential solutions, as well as the consequences that may result from ethical violations.
This module will also explore the principles and dynamics of effective team working within an engineering context. Key aspects such as team roles, communication, leadership, conflict resolution, and collaborative problem-solving will be examined. These concepts will be applied through a research-based group project, involving collaborative work on a topic aligned with the participants’ specific area of engineering expertise. The group project will require integration of technical knowledge, relevant research, and application of project management techniques to deliver a coherent and well-justified engineering solution. This process supports the development and demonstration of essential professional skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, planning, and reflective practice.
WEB DESCRIPTOR
In this module you will evaluate your engineering prowess and project management acumen. This comprehensive module is designed to equip professionals with essential skills to thrive in today’s dynamic engineering landscape. This module covers five main areas: research methods, research analysis, project management, engineering ethics and team working. You will be exposed to writing research projects, structure and formatting of professional reports, presenting results scientifically to a technical audience; advanced project management methodologies and tools to efficiently plan, execute and control group-based engineering projects; explore ethical considerations in engineering emphasising the importance of integrity and responsible conduct.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
This module is delivered with a mixture of taught lectures and tutorials, supported by independent student learning, research, guided reading, and online webcasts/videos. The module will also include group work on a research project in Engineering discipline related to area of expertise.
TEXTS
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, (2015) “Unwritten Laws of Ethics and Change in Engineering”, American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Franz, T. (2012) Group Dynamics and Team Interventions: Understanding and Improving Team Performance.
Wiley-Blackwell
James, R., Rabins, M. J., Harris Jr., C., Pritchard, M., Englehardt, E., (2018) “Engineering Ethics: Concepts and Cases” Wadsworth Publishing Co.
Leong, E. C., Heah, C. L. H. and Ong, K. K. W., (2015) “Guide to Research Projects for Engineering Students: Planning, Writing and Presenting”, 1st Ed, CRC Press
Ridley, J., (2017) “Health and Safety in Brief”, 4th Ed, Routledge
Siegel, N.G. (2019) Engineering project management. 1st edition. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley
Tang, H. (2021). Engineering research design, methods, and publication. Hoboken, Nj Wiley
The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence. Available at: http://www.engc.org.uk/UKSPEC
Thomas, G. (2022) “How to Do Your Research Project: A Guide for Students”, 4th Ed, SAGE Publications Ltd.
Wright, A. and Lawlor-Wright, T. (2018) “Project Success and Quality: Balancing the Iron Triangle”, Routledge, 1st Edition
Young, T.M. (2021) Technical Writing A-Z: A Commonsense Guide to Engineering Reports and Theses, British English 2nd Edn. Pub: American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Microsoft Office including MS Project