Module Descriptors – Master of Science in Engineering Management

Core Modules

Engineering Statistics

This module supports students in the analysis of engineering information, presentation and analysis of data in the development of engineering models of the systems, and the use of data and theoretical concepts to make engineering decisions for products, processes designs and problem solving. The module develops a critical understanding of the statistical methodologies which underpin a range of engineering activities. The aim is to cover the common types of problems in engineering practice, with engineering scenarios and problems providing the basis for practicals, tutorials and computer classes.

Engineering Management and Corporate Strategy

The module enables students to evaluate how corporate strategy is formulated, analyse the need for strategic thinking in a rapidly changing economic and competitive environment, and appraise the objectives of engineering management.

Accounting and Finance for Managers

This module will enable students to gain an advanced knowledge and deep understanding of accounting and financial aspects that are expected to be acquired by a manager working for a modern organization. Students will be applying different analytical tools, learn to identify the relevant information for better decision making to the advantage of the organisation. The topics include cost concepts, cost-volume profit relationships and cost information for decision making, analysing and interpreting financial statements applying ratio analysis. It also includes important areas of management accounting useful for decision making purposes which includes preparation of cash flow, funds flow statements and budgets.

Organisational Behaviour and Business Leadership

The purpose of this module is to provide a solid understanding of individual and group behaviour in work organisations.  It examines the role of management in diagnosing behaviours and adopting practices that can improve organisational effectiveness. This will involve consideration of employees’ attitudes; motivation; learning and reinforcement; job satisfaction workgroups; organisational culture; leadership; communication; decision making; organisation conflict; change management; and management of stress. An emphasis is placed on Organisational Behaviour and Business Leadership in a mixed global environment.

Concentration/Elective Modules

Reliability Engineering and Maintenance Management

The module will provide detailed knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of reliability engineering and apply these principles in the design, operation and maintenance of engineering systems. Students will explore advance probabilistic concepts and theories, define important reliability measures, and introduce related computational algorithms for the reliability analysis of engineering systems models. Practical skills in methodologies will be applied to life failure data analysis with a focus on reliability as failure mode avoidance.

System and Maintenance Management

Students will be able to understand the principles of engineering system maintenance management, and the various maintenance strategies, requirements and models including preventive and corrective maintenance. The module will introduce simulation methods for maintenance, condition monitoring principles and diagnostics, and real time fault detection.

Energy Management 1 

The module will introduce the concepts and applications of modern energy management practices. Topics covered will include the need and impact of energy management, types and equipment used in energy auditing. It will also introduce the economic aspects of energy sourcing, purchase and use. The module will include economic assessments of alternative decision-making approaches based on present worth, payback period and life cycle costing, and the range of available financing options.

Six Sigma and Quality Management

Students will acquire deep understanding of the theories and practices of Six Sigma and associated quality assurance and management principles and directly apply them to a variety of engineering products and service industries. Also will develop conceptual knowledge of total quality management philosophies.

Total Quality Management

The module will familiarise students with the latest thinking in Total Quality Management and best practice management. It examines in detail different models for managing quality and best practice throughout organisations to enable them to understand how organisations manage and improve processes to support policy and strategy and fully satisfy, and generate increasing value for customers and other stakeholders.

Supply Chain Management and Integration

This module covers a wide range of topics in supply chain strategies, design, planning, operations and development. Emphasis is mainly on the perspective of the supply chain integration process. Releasing value in business through relationship management, cost reduction and lean supply are also considered.

Renewable and Sustainable Resources

This module emphasises the links between sustainability, improved performance and resource management in terms of what resources are used and the way they are used with emphasis on sourcing and using renewable materials.  It examines the principles of reuse, recycling and renewal in achieving sustainability in the built environment. It looks at the consumption of materials, energy and water and at the production of waste through the whole life cycle of the building.

Efficient Building Services

The design of ‘environmentally friendly’ buildings depends critically on the choice of appropriate servicing strategies. This module explores the principles behind current low energy solutions to servicing strategies, and deals with basic application information and strategies.  Students will have an opportunity to extend their use of current environmental software to take into account service loads.

Intelligent Building Design

This course provides an overview of all aspects of intelligent buildings including: history; design; components; construction; management strategies; economic implications; effects on the environment; and future trends. An intelligent building is inherently of an efficient and environmentally friendly design. An intelligent building also optimises its occupants’ circulation and networking, enhancing their collaboration, productivity and creativeness (Total Building Performance).

Enterprise Risk Management

The module equips students with an advanced knowledge of the risk management process, by exploring strategic and tactical issues associated with the implementation of effective risk management practices. Students will develop the appropriate skills to appreciate the key processes and decision stages at corporate and project level.