Projects play an important part in all engineering sectors and successful projects require effective project management. This module, therefore, aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the effective management of complex engineering projects. Any successful project management requires project delivery on time, within budget and to the specified quality, safety and sustainability standards. To accomplish this, engineers must have a sound grasp of modern project management tools and techniques.
This module is divided into two main parts. The first is focussed on project planning and control, while the second part focusses on project production management techniques and processes.
The module starts by exploring the importance of project management in engineering. It then covers a wide range of project planning and scheduling techniques, including systems used for project performance management and control. The module then discusses the concept of productivity and the factors influencing it, including leadership and team dynamics. It provides students with an understanding of various production management methods and theories, with a focus on Lean Production and the fundamentals of Lean Thinking. The module also introduces the main pillars and components of supply-chain management (SCM), and how it can be used to support and improve productivity and innovation in projects. Other important related concepts are also explored including workflow, waste, and sustainability.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Evaluate a range of project planning and scheduling techniques and apply them to production processes.
Compare and critically discuss the main types of production systems used in engineering projects.
Identify and critically analyse the various factors influencing productivity in engineering projects.
Explain and critically discuss different supply chain strategies for managing risks and productivity in engineering projects.
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge about the manner in which modern engineering project management could contribute to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals.
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: Assessment by closed book 3-hour examination (50%) Coursework / Assignment (50%)
Reassessment:
Assessment by closed book 3-hour examination (100%)
