Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
ME50320 International networks for production, service and logistics |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW 40%, EX 60% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: Provides an enhanced understanding of technologies and methods relating to the definition, operation and management of distributed and collaborative production, service and logistics activities within international networks.
Learning Outcomes: On completion of the module, the candidates will be able to: * Apply strategic corporate considerations to the definition of international, distributed operations; * Design international networks by taking into account production, service and logistics criteria; * Understand and be able to use knowledge management methodologies and ICT systems, such as PDL, for the codification and management of corporate knowledge and data; * Develop competence profiling criteria and metrics that are relevant to a particular industry or market; * Develop strategic approaches and operational methods for evaluating the performance of international networks using quality, cost, delivery and customer satisfaction metrics. Skills: Personal/Interpersonal * a systematic understanding of networked organisations, and how they can be effectively managed; (T and A) * a critical awareness of current issues and frameworks in management of industrial operations at multiple locations and cultutres; (T) * an understanding of theoretical concepts and frameworks that enable the student to link theory and practice meaningfully and the ability to appraise critically both theory and practice; (T and A) * an understanding of appropriate research and methodological techniques that allow detailed investigation into topical business and manufacturing issues and ability to use these skills to produce professional, critical business reports. (T, F and A) Professional Practical Skills * assess and further develop the strategic position of an organisation under conditions of complexity and uncertainty; (F) * evaluate the current standing of an organisation and practically contribute to the attainment of an organisation's strategies and objectives; (T, F and A) * operate effectively both independently as well as within teams and assume leadership roles where appropriate; (F and A) * be self-directed and able to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects at professional levels.(F and A) Transferable/Key Skills * an ability to develop a holistic perspective on an organisation and an understanding of how the different functions relate to one another; (T, F and A) * an appreciation and in-depth understanding of the resources and competences required for successful cross-functional management in organisations including enterprise skills; (T and F) * an ability to conduct in-depth research into the management of production and logistics issues. (F and A) Personal/Interpersonal * an ability to manage and work in teams with an awareness of issues such as culture, gender, working styles etc. and to use these to the benefit of the individual and the team; (F) * the facility to communicate including presenting and marketing themselves and their ideas; preparation and production of effective business plans and reports.(F and A) Content: * Strategy for international manufacture * Configuration of international production, service and logistics networks * Knowledge and information management tools and procedures for collaborative and distributed networks * Identification of competences and capabilities in international networks * Performance evaluation of international production and logistics networks. |