A manufacturing system is a complex integration of different elements including humans, machines, materials, energy and environment. Effective operation of manufacturing systems requires handling of a variety of challenges and frequent decisions must be made related to these critical challenges. During this module, you will learn different techniques and philosophies related to managing the main challenges within a manufacturing system.
The indicative contents may include concept of productivity and its calculation, use of forecasting as an effective tool for identifying customer requirements, inventory management and material requirements planning. You will learn modern manufacturing system philosophies and techniques such as lean manufacturing, seven common wastes, just-in-time manufacturing, process mapping, kanban, five S and jidoka.

A critical element of any manufacturing system is quality and its management. You will learn main concepts and theories related to quality management including introduction to various quality gurus, quality control tools, acceptance sampling, process capability analysis and total quality management. You will also learn the international standards related to quality management system.

A 2000 words individual report related to analysing a case study of a manufacturing system and proposing possible solutions, weighted at 50%, and assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes C1, C2, C6, C17

A 15-minute-long group presentation (including Q&A) based on review of modern literature to discuss modern manufacturing systems philosophies, weighted at 50%, and assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes C13, C14, C15, C16, C17



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.

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

Revision quizzes

Group problem solving activities

Individual and group assignments to improve research and communication skills

1. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the main challenges and critical decisions related to manufacturing systems. (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C6)

Knowledge and Understanding

2. Demonstrate knowledge of commonly used quantitative methods for managing operations of a manufacturing system. (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C17)

Enquiry


3. Use statistical techniques to critically analyse and optimise the quality of output produced by a manufacturing system. (AHEP 4: C6, C13, C14)

Analysis


4. Evaluate critically different manufacturing system problems, propose solutions using lean manufacturing tools to improve productivity and effectively communicate the results of improvement. (AHEP 4: C14, C15, C16, C17)

Problem Solving, Communication

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

Montgomery, D. C. (2012) Introduction to Statistical Quality Control. 7th Edition. Wiley.

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

Important resources used during the course will include:

Use of excel templates provided by American Society for Quality (ASQ).

International Standards published by ISO.

Statistical Analysis Software (IBM SPSS).

Are you ready to fine tune your skills to govern the operations of a business? A manufacturing system is any business intended to add value for its customers. This module will introduce you to the main challenges faced by a manufacturing system. You will learn different tools and techniques to control these challenges and make critical decisions using quantitative methods. You will be able to measure the performance of your business in terms of its productivity and will also be able to improve the productivity by identifying and eliminating wastes from the processes. This module will impart you the lifelong skills to critically appraise the quality of goods and services provided by any business and manage the quality to achieve an international standard.