Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 6 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| CW 50%, EX 50% |
| Supplementary Assessment: | ME50326 Reassessment examination (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| |
| Description:
| Aims: * To introduce models of product development, technical change and innovation; * To consider strategic, cultural, organisational and technological aspects of product development in a global context; * To demonstrate various aspects of managing innovative product development including risk and knowledge management; * To provide awareness of sustainable product development drivers and the principles of eco-design; * To illustrate the stages of product design processes and typical activities undertaken including product styling, user centred design and life cycle methods. Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of the unit the student will be able to: * Critically assess product development and innovation models; identify the key elements of successful products; describe the phases of product & technology evolution; * Outline strategic, organisational, human and cultural factors that should be taken into account when developing products for a global market; * Suggest relevant options for risk and knowledge management in a given product development context; * Describe approaches for sustainable product development. Skills: Problem solving; working independently; group work; presentation skills; written communication, reflective practice. Content: Examples of successful products and best practice. Product development: historical and cultural context. Human aspects: communities of practice; critical situations; methods for knowledge sharing, cultural issues. Strategic aspects: managing the design process; product platform and strategy; mass customisation; late and local configuration, issues of and approaches to sustainable development. Knowledge Management: types of knowledge, tools, processes and metrics, communities of practice, strategic considerations Risk Management: types of risk, risk management techniques, design risk, psychological responses Topics for self study that could be examined. |
| Programme availability: |
ME50326 is Compulsory on the following programmes:School of Management
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