A 1.5 hours test weighted at 100% assessing Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3. Meeting AHEP 4 outcomes C1, C2, C3, C6.

Professional Body requirements mean that a minimum overall score of 40% is required to pass a module, with each element of assessment requiring a minimum mark of 30% unless otherwise stated.¿

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles of manufacturing systems. (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C6).

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Evaluate and interpret challenges faced by manufacturing systems. (AHEP 4: C1, C2).

Analysis

3. Demonstrate knowledge of commonly used quantitative methods for managing operations of a manufacturing system. (AHEP 4: C3, C6).

Problem Solving

A manufacturing system is a complex integration of diverse elements, including humans, machinery, materials, energy, and the surrounding environment. The efficient operation of such systems necessitates addressing a range of challenges, with critical decisions required on a frequent basis to manage these complexities effectively. During this module, the following topics will be covered:

Introduction to basic components and different types of Manufacturing Systems. Basic planning and control methodologies and tools applicable to manufacturing organisations including, for example, concept and types of productivity and related calculations, different costs associated with manufacturing, use of forecasting as an effective tool for identifying and managing customer requirements, qualitative and quantitative methods of demand forecasting and their importance in manufacturing. Inventory, its Importance and uses in manufacturing systems. A discussion of different types of inventories in manufacturing systems and commonly used mathematical models of inventory management.

Are you fascinated by different products around you and are willing to learn how their overall production is managed? A manufacturing system is any business intended to add value for its customers. This module will introduce you to the common elements of a manufacturing system. You will gain knowledge of different types of manufacturing systems, their relative merits and demerits, and will be able to understand and select the suitable type of manufacturing system for different types of products. You will be able to analyse the common challenges faced by a manufacturing system and will be able to apply the concepts of demand forecasting and inventory management in different manufacturing scenarios.

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions related to manufacturing systems through a variety of activities which will include:

Lectures and seminars

Case studies and tutorials

Group problem solving activities

Mukherjee, K. (2024)¿Sustainable operations management. First edition. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429195600.

Deveci, M. and Paksoy, T. (2023)¿Smart and Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management in Industry 4.0. 1st Edition. CRC Press. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003180302.

Slack, N., Brandon-Jones, A. and Burgess, N. (2022)¿Slack: Operations Management 10th Edition. Pearson Education.

Heizer, J., Render, B. and Munson, C. (2020) Operations Management: Sustainability and Supply Chain Management. 13th Edition. Pearson

Vinodh, S. (2022) Lean Manufacturing: Fundamentals, Tools, Approaches, and Industry 4.0 Integration. 1st Edition. CRC Press

Resources used during the module will include:
Library (for books and reference material)
International Standards published by BSI/ISO.
Lecture notes/tutorials.