Engineering Management MSc

Core modules

• Management Theory

  This module is designed to facilitate each student's development of their own individual knowledge base and approach to management. Its aim is to get students to develop their own particular approach to management by establishing a solid foundation of management knowledge and integrating this with their own values, experiences and goals, to provide the basis for a life-long development of their management skills. It is based on a thorough understanding of the theories and practice of management, reinforced by examples of best practice drawn from a wide range of organisations, together with an appreciation of the context and constraints that influence organisations and management. The module will consider the main activities of management from an integrating perspective, together with identifying and developing the qualities required for a successful manager, including leadership. Organisations form the focus of management, consequently the module will develop a sound understanding of the functions, forms, operation and behaviour of organisations in a variety of contexts and situations, together with an appreciation of how all aspects of management are integrated in the management of organisations. Students will examine and critically evaluate examples of good management and bad management, with regard to developing workable solutions that can be applied to management situations and to facilitate the application of management principles and practice to their own field of work.

• Project Management Systems

  This module establishes the framework for the management of projects and develops a comprehensive understanding of the role and functions of the project manager throughout the project life-cycle, from inception to completion, together with the diverse range of resources and activities that the project manager must plan, co-ordinate and control to achieve a successful project.

• Engineering Management Systems

  You will develop a critical awareness and understanding of engineering operating systems, including production, manufacturing, planning and plant resources required for a business to operate efficiently and reliably satisfy customers' needs. You will be provided with an in-depth study of the operating systems used in complex technical organisations with a view to identifying good practice and the tools and techniques to systematically develop and improve the efficiency of such systems, including the use of discrete event simulation.

• Engineering Quality Management

  Quality management methods are essential in today's engineering and business environment. This module provides a critical awareness and an in-depth understanding of the principles of modern quality assurance and their applications in engineering. Among the topics we'll cover are: the history and nature of quality management; views of the gurus and ISO 9000; problem solving tools; benchmarking; quality function deployment; statistical process control; failure modes and effects analysis; significance testing; design of experiments and Taguchi methods. You'll gain a professional working knowledge of the reliability engineering techniques that can be applied to monitor risk assessment and improve the safety of an industrial plant.

• Research Design and Methods

  Gain an in-depth understanding of the theories and methods of research and research design and develop a theoretical and practical foundation in research for your major project/dissertation. You will get an understanding of a range of approaches to research, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods, together with an understanding of a number of specific research methods. You will develop your knowledge of research design in order to critically consider the design for your research project, including preparing your proposal and considering ethics and ethical issues. You will develop a theoretical and practical foundation from which to develop your Masters Level Major Project/Dissertation.

• Economic, Legal and Political Framework

  Firms in the built environment are very dependent on the external environment and this module enables students to understand and analyse these complex relationships and the impact they have on firms. This module is designed to give you an appreciation of the influence of economic, political and legal influences so that you are able to develop on appreciation of the complex inter-relationships involved and synthesise these. Topics covered equip you with a theoretical base which you will then be able to apply to current events through own research and debates. The module is assessed by a written assignment and an exam so you can demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts and theories and their applications.

• Sustainability and Environmental Management

  Here, you will look at wider developments in environmental protection and how these affect construction, as well as how construction affects them. You will also examine the demands that greater environmental awareness places on the built environment.

• Cost and Financial Management

  Develop an understanding of the financial, commercial and cost aspects of project management. We will explore the business and commercial environment in which projects exist, critically evaluating the factors that influence the strategic and financial rationale for them. You will gain an understanding of how the business case for projects is developed, established and evaluated, together with the processes involved, supported by an understanding of financial and accounting protocols and practices. You will also develop an appreciation of various sources of funding and financial arrangements for projects and project portfolios.

• Masters Project

  You'll chose an independent research topic from an area of expertise within our department (subject to availability of suitable supervision) and will conduct a significant research project in that area which may involve a literature review, data collection, analysis and a write-up. The final piece of work should be equivalent to a maximum of 12,000 words.