WM204-15 Engineering Systems
Introductory description
To provide the learner with sufficient understanding of the nature of complex systems and how they can be designed and managed so that they can apply this to any engineering context, either as designers, managers or operators, but initially in their work-place.
Furthermore, to provide them with a greater understanding of the inter-connectedness of complex engineered systems and the environment in which they operate, including the physical, political and societal dimensions.
Module aims
To provide the learner with sufficient understanding of the nature of complex systems and how they can be designed and managed so that they can apply this to any engineering context, either as designers, managers or operators, but initially in their work-place. Furthermore, to provide them with a greater understanding of the inter-connectedness of complex engineered systems and the environment in which they operate, including the physical, political and societal dimensions.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- Systems and their composition: Systems Thinking; complexity, reduction
- Engineered Systems & Systems Engineering: Systems Engineering (SE), the SE process,
Requirements Analysis and Concept Development. - Tools and techniques: system function modelling, user interaction modelling, the use of
systems modelling in general. - Open Systems: emergence, system boundary, engineering systems in their environment,
- General systems principles considered with respect to requirements, specification, development.
- Soft Systems: Human-activity systems, safety systems, regulation & compliance
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Identify fundamental characteristics of systems in industrial/engineering contexts.
- Apply structured methods to manage the complexity inherent in most engineered systems when defining system requirements.
- Evaluate how different stakeholder perspectives can be accommodated within an engineering system problem.
- Analyse the structure, capabilities and limitations of an existing system within their engineering sector.
Indicative reading list
Blanchard, B.S., System Engineering Management, Wiley, 4th ed. 2008 [T.352.B5]
Johnson, N., Simply Complexity, OneWorld, 2012.
Hitchens, D.K.,Systems Engineering: A 21st CenturySystems Methodology, Wiley, 2007 [online]
Kossiakoff et al. Systems Engineering Principles and Practice, Wiley, 2011 [TA168.K6 and online]
Perrow, C. Normal Accidents, Princeton University Press, 2011 [online]
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Identifying and describing systems;
Distinguishing systems from products and tools;
Appreciating the importance of people to the success of systems.
Transferable skills
Critical thinking,
Problem solving,
Self-awareness,
Communication,
Information literacy (research skills),
Organisational awareness
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 sessions of 1 hour (18%) |
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 1 hour (9%) |
| Online learning (independent) | 30 sessions of 1 hour (27%) |
| Private study | 50 hours (45%) |
| Total | 110 hours |
Private study description
Revision and assessment preparation
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group C
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
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| Coursework | 50% | 20 hours | Yes (extension) |
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A single assignment examining key skills associated with analysing systems and/or applying Systems Engineering techniques. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Assessment component |
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| Exam | 50% | 20 hours | No |
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A written exam consisting of short- and long-answer questions, held locally. |
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Reassessment component is the same |
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Feedback on assessment
Written and/or verbal feedback will be given as appropriate to the assessment type
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 2 of UWMS-H7B1 Undergraduate Applied Engineering
- Year 2 of DWMS-H7BK Undergraduate Applied Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship)
- Year 2 of DWMV-H7BL Undergraduate Applied Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship) (for Warwickshire College Students)