Module Descriptors
MENG GROUP PROJECT
MECH70706
Key Facts
Digital, Technology, Innovation and Business
Level 7
30 credits
Contact
Leader: Mark Hanstock
Email: M.K.Hanstock@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 276
Total Learning Hours: 300
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Indicative Content
Up to 6 engineering case studies will be drawn from the research expertise of the School. Students will be given the opportunity to work in teams to perform advanced engineering analysis within a broad range of topics drawn from the research expertise of the School of Engineering. Projects will include studies drawn from Renewable Energy, Rotating Machine Design, Medical Engineering, Condition Monitoring, Nanotechnology, Signal Processing and Robotics.
The first case study will always be concerned with team dynamics and project management.
A typical case study would include the following: Four hours of an introductory lecture outlining the research area, its application to the world of engineering and the substantive theory contained; a laboratory based group assignment concerned with the topic of choice which could be the production of a comprehensive literature review, a MATLAB simulation, an analysis of a real system using proprietary software, or an experimental investigation of a real system.
The group will be expected to submit a formal engineering report for each investigation.
To simulate group dynamics it is expected that group membership, wherever possible, will change between case studies. In this way the team dynamics theories met in case study 1 can be explored and critically appraised.
The first case study will always be concerned with team dynamics and project management.
A typical case study would include the following: Four hours of an introductory lecture outlining the research area, its application to the world of engineering and the substantive theory contained; a laboratory based group assignment concerned with the topic of choice which could be the production of a comprehensive literature review, a MATLAB simulation, an analysis of a real system using proprietary software, or an experimental investigation of a real system.
The group will be expected to submit a formal engineering report for each investigation.
To simulate group dynamics it is expected that group membership, wherever possible, will change between case studies. In this way the team dynamics theories met in case study 1 can be explored and critically appraised.
Module Additional Assessment Details
100% in-course assessment drawn from the portfolio of case studies.
The overall grade will be drawn from the BEST 3 marks, but all case studies must achieve a grade of 30%.
The overall grade will be drawn from the BEST 3 marks, but all case studies must achieve a grade of 30%.
Module Learning Strategies
This module is split into a maximum of 6 case study blocks of approximately 4 weeks.
Each module will comprise 4 hours contact, of which 2 hours will be a lecture to all, and then a number of 30 minute seminars per group.
The majority of this module is group work, using library, laboratory and on-line resources.
Where possible, industrial related case studies will be used to support the materials covered.
Each module will comprise 4 hours contact, of which 2 hours will be a lecture to all, and then a number of 30 minute seminars per group.
The majority of this module is group work, using library, laboratory and on-line resources.
Where possible, industrial related case studies will be used to support the materials covered.
Module Texts
Franz, T (2012). Group Dynamics and Team Interventions: Understanding and Improving Team Performance. Wiley-Blackwell. 1405186704
Project Management (e-books within Staffordshire¿s Library portfolio).
Text books and journals relevant to the topics covered in the individual case studies
Project Management (e-books within Staffordshire¿s Library portfolio).
Text books and journals relevant to the topics covered in the individual case studies
Module Resources
All Laboratories
Design Studios
Library
Design Studios
Library
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Progression from Level 6 Engineering Award (or equivalent)