Manufacturing technology is the backbone of engineering sector. Understanding of modern manufacturing technologies and processes is incredibly important for converting ideas and market needs into reality. This module will introduce modern manufacturing management techniques implemented by professionals to develop products from concept to delivery. You will learn about project management engineering tools used in the manufacturing environment. These tools will cover the management of complex interactions between materials and design, selection of manufacturing processes and the potential of future technologies. Students will also gain knowledge of modern concepts of product design as well as related to facility location and layout design.

Indicative Module contents may include: project management tools and techniques, product design process, materials and process selection for design, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) and statistical quality control. You will learn different decision making and optimisation tools related to management of manufacturing systems.

You will also learn the latest concepts of industry 4.0 along with the main components of cyber physical systems which are commonly used by modern manufacturing industries.

1. A 20-minute group presentation weighted at 50% assessing learning outcomes 3 and 4. The assessment is related to analysing a case study of a manufacturing system and proposing practical solutions. Literature review of modern manufacturing techniques will be required to devise solutions. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes C14, C15 and C16
2. A 1.5-hour examination weighted at 50% assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2. Different questions related to the knowledge and systematic use of quantitative techniques to be answered during the examination. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes C1, C2, C4, C5


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 be delivered through a variety of activities which will include:
• Lectures and Seminars
• Tutorials and Case Study Analysis
• Group Problem Solving Activities
• Use of appropriate software for decision making and analysis

Blended mixture of lectures, interactive group tutorials and seminars/labs will allow you to understand theory and applied practical terms related to modern manufacturing tools and techniques to evaluate problems and creating effective solutions

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of various planning and management tools used in a manufacturing environment (AHEP 4: C1, C2, C4) Knowledge and Understanding

Critically evaluate and optimise manufacturing system operations using quantitative methods. (AHEP 4: C2, C5) Analysis

Develop appropriate solutions using modern philosophies and tools of product design and manufacturing. (AHEP 4: C14, C15, C16) Problem Solving
Team Work

Apply the knowledge of modern manufacturing technologies to devise solutions for contemporary manufacturing systems. (AHEP 4: C15, C16) Application
Team Work

Ashby, M. F. (2016) Materials Selection in Mechanical Design. 5th Edition. Butterworth-Heinemann
Groover, M. P. (2021) Automation, Production Systems, and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing. 5th Edition. Pearson
Kalpakjian, S. and Schmid, S. (2020) Manufacturing Engineering and Technology. 8th Edition. Pearson

Blackboard VLE
Library facilities
Standard office software
Smart Zone Manufacturing and Measurement Equipment as appropriate
The following software or suitable alternative:
• CAD Software i.e. Autodesk Inventor / Fusion360
• Granta Design CES Software
• Microsoft Project
• IBM SPSS

Interested in learning advanced concepts used in modern industries? This module will provide you the insights of different technologies and tools used in contemporary businesses for performing and managing activities ranging from identification of customer needs to delivering the right product, at right place in right quantity. This module will help you to not only develop understating of modern manufacturing processes and technologies, but it will also foster your skills of critical thinking and developing innovative business ideas in the form of new product or process design. The contents of this module, along with the relevant case studies and assessment, will allow you to enhance your skills and experience of problems solving in real life industrial scenarios.