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. You 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.

You will be required to complete two elements of summative assessment as follows:

A 4000-word written Manufacturing Case study Assignment weighted at 70% assessing learning Outcomes 1 and 3. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes B4, B5, B6, and B9.

A 20-minute presentation (including Q&A) focusing on project management, modern manufacturing practices and future technologies weighted at 30% assessing learning outcomes 2 and 4. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes B4, B5, B6, B8, and B15.

Formative assessment, guidance and feedback will be provided throughout the module.

This module will enable students to gain understanding, apply knowledge, analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including problem-based lectures, tutorials, laboratories and independent study.¿

1. Critically evaluate modern manufacturing technologies, materials, and process selection techniques, and effectively communicate the findings and recommendations for product design and development. (AHEP 4: B4)

University Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding, Application, Communication

2. Apply project management tools and techniques to plan, monitor, and control product development within a manufacturing environment. (AHEP 4: B5, B6, B15)

University Learning Outcome: Enquiry, Analysis

3. Analyse and optimise manufacturing systems using decision-making, statistical quality control, and risk assessment tools such as FMEA and DFMA. (AHEP 4: B5, B6, B9)

University Learning Outcome: Analysis, Problem Solving

4. Communicate your evaluation of the impact and potential of Industry 4.0 and cyber-physical systems on modern manufacturing practices and future industrial development. (AHEP 4: B4, B8)

University Learning Outcome: Analysis, Communication

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
Statistical Analysis software (e.g. IBM SPSS or SIGMA XL)

Ashby, M. F. (2024) Materials Selection in Mechanical Design. 6th Edition. Butterworth-Heinemann
Groover, M. P. (2021) Automation, Production Systems, and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing. 5th Edition. Pearson
Kalpakjian, S. and Schmid, S. (2022) Manufacturing Engineering and Technology. 8th Edition. Pearson
Hawkins, W.M, (2013) Automating Manufacturing Operations: The Penultimate Approach, Momentum Press
Brecher,C , (2015) Advances in Production Technology; Springer
British Standards and ISO Standards

Must be registered on BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing provision at Riverside College.

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 understanding 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.