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for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.
| Unit name |
Professional Studies A - The Commercial, Economic and Management Context of Engineering Processes |
| Unit code |
EFAC20001 |
| Credit points |
10 |
| Level of study |
I/5
|
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
|
| Unit director |
Dr. Wanous |
| Open unit status |
Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department |
Department of Civil Engineering |
| Faculty |
Faculty of Engineering |
Description including Unit Aims
This unit is designed to provide a number of the generic (core) learning outcomes required for accreditation of engineering programmes under the new UK-SPEC. Specifically, it will explore the commercial and economic context of engineering processes and management techniques, which may be used to ensure such processes achieve their objectives within that context. The unit will cover the environment within which engineering activities take place and the need for engineering-based organisations to develop business strategies in such an environment. Principles of accounting and analysis of company performance will also be covered. Relevant management techniques, including project management, value management and decision-making will also be covered.
Aims:
The aim of this unit is to give students a sound understanding of the commercial and economic context of engineering processes and management techniques, which may be used to ensure such processes achieve their objectives within that context. Also, the unit is designed in a way to develop essential transferable skills including effective communication, good report writing and team working.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On completion, students should be able to:
- take responsibility of their personal and professional development;
- analyse various organisational strategies, structures and cultures;
- identify key elements required for delivering a project within time considering available resources, possible risks and opportunities;
- understand and analyse simple financial statements;
- understand the principles of whole lifecycle costing;
- understand how ethical issues arise in practical Engineering situations;
- analyse how health and safety risks can be identified and assessed using techniques such as the Health & Safety Executive 5-steps model;
- understand the basic legal and professional responsibilities for safety, health and environment.
Teaching Information
Lectures
Assessment Information
Personal and Professional Development Plan 15% (ILO 1)
Online test, 2 hours 85% (ILO 2-8)
Reading and References
- Chang, C. M. (2005). Engineering Management: Challenges in the New Millennium. Pearson Education Inc. USA.
- Campbell, D. and Craig, T. (2005). Organisation and the Business Environment. 2nd Edition. Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Organisations-Business-Environment-David-Campbell/dp/0750658290#reader_0750658290.
- Stewart, D. M. (1999). 'Handbook of Management Skills'. 3rd Edition. Gowar.
- Cutts, M. (1999). 'Plain English Guide'. Oxford University Press.
- Rice, A. (1999). 'Accounts Demystified'. Pitman. 2nd Edition. 1999.
- The Economist – www.economist.com
- Warren, R. (1998). 'How to understand and use accounts', 4th edition, Hutchinson Business.
- Bucciarelli, L. L. (2008). 'Ethics and engineering education', European Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 33, No. 2, 141 – 149.
- Davis, M. (ed) (2005). 'Engineering ethics'. Ashgate.
- Oakland, J. S. (1999). 'Total Quality Management', 2nd edition, Butterworth-Heinemann.
