Unit information: Integrating Engineering and Management Systems in 2016/17

Unit name	Integrating Engineering and Management Systems
Unit code	CENGM0011
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Professor. Godfrey
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	CENGM0006 Research Methods 1, CENGM0001 Advanced Systems or new units Problem Structuring and Research Methods, and Socio-Technical Systems
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Civil Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is the final mandatory module unit in support of the Research Engineers EngD research project. It takes the form of a “master class in two sessions” to address key challenges in systems engineering that have emerged from the first 18 months of their EngD research work. Each RE will identify a real challenge and submit it at start of the module. The RE will facilitate a team of about 5 peers (Other EngD REs) to identify and assess strategies to meet the challenge. The RE will then implement the strategy whilst maintaining a reflective diary and then produce a conference quality paper on implementation and learning achieved. This will be presented to and be peer reviewed by the rest of the EngD cohort and supervisors. The RE will then complete and submit a conference quality paper which is independently marked by at least 2 supervisors.and after completion logged as part of the body of knowledge accumulated by the Systems Centre. Feedback is provided after each stage.

On successful completion of the module the student will have demonstrated that they can plan and deliver a systems thinking approach to solving a practical systems problem and used the process to add to the body of knowledge in the subject. They will learn how to produce a conference quality paper which they will be encouraged to publish externally. They will also learn from peer review of their colleagues approaches and results.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of the module the RE will have:

1. Demonstrated they know how to formulate, plan, execute and present a systems engineering problem
2. Justified, selected and used appropriate research methods and models including the management of uncertainty and commercial/industrial constraints
3. Facilitated a team approach to problem solving and strategy formation
4. Understood the value of peer review as a reviewer and reviewee
5. Used a reflective diary to establish learning during delivery of the problem solution or resolution
6. Produced and present a conference quality paper that adds to the body of knowledge of systems engineering

Teaching Information

The module will be taught as a “master class” with a Tutor acting as coach in breakout groups of about 5 people with plenary feed back of learning and performance measurement.

Assessment Information

Assessment will be of the following submitted on completion of the work:

• Presentation 1 Statement of the problem and strategy for solution or resolution. (10%)
• Presentation 2 and Reflective diary - no more than 5 pages A4 (10%)
• Conference quality paper presented and submitted to add to the body of knowledge in solving systems engineering problems (80%, 3-6 5-10 A4 pages).

Reading and References

• Doing it differently, Blockley and Godfrey, Thomas Telford 2000
• Fifth Discipline Fieldbook, Nicholas Brealey Publishing, Senge 1994
• Creative Approaches to Problem Solving, Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Isaksen 2000
• Theory of Constraints, Goldratt Institute, Goldratt 2004
• Creating Systems that Work. 2007 Royal Academy of Engineering.
• How to write a paper, Mike Ashby, Engineering Department, University of Cambridge, 6th Edition, April 2005.