Study information

Sustainable Manufacturing - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLESustainable Manufacturing CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENGM023 MODULE CONVENERMiss Qinglan Liu (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 250
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module aims to broaden students’ understanding of how to make “manufacturing” more sustainable. We are currently living in a highly globalised world, in which most of our products are manufactured in one country while sold in another country. In the manufacturing process, huge amounts of energy and materials are consumed, a large amount of waste is generated, and various social concerns are raised. Most of the current production and consumption systems are linear, adopting a “take, make and dispose” model and thereby contributing to the depletion of natural resources. To achieve sustainable growth, firms need to shift from linear to circular economy models. In recent years, new technologies are emerging, the international trading policies are changing, and sustainability issues are becoming more important. It is important to understand how these would affect the manufacturing system and supply chain management.

The module provides the students with a comprehensive view of sustainable manufacturing from theories and practices. In this module, the students will learn the theoretical concepts of sustainable design, business model innovation for sustainability, sustainable supply chain, circular economy, and digital solutions for sustainable manufacturing, understanding the cutting-edge challenges in the context of sustainable manufacturing, and use the practical methods/tools to solve problems. Case studies, methods and tools from the latest research will be provided in the module.

No pre-requisite or co-requisite modules are needed in order to be able to take this model. This module is suitable for specialist/non-specialist students and is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.

AIMS - intentions of the module

The aim of the module is to introduce the practical and theoretical elements of sustainable manufacturing. This module will include the knowledge related to sustainable design, sustainable production, business model innovation for sustainability, sustainable supply chain, technology innovation for sustainability, circular economy, and digital solutions for sustainable manufacturing. In particular, the module intends to introduce a set of new and emerging concepts and practical tools in sustainable manufacturing in the digital context. The module combines case studies, latest research findings, academic research papers and practical tools. This module will adopt a project-based learning approach which allows students to use the provided tools to solve chosen challenges within groups. There will be a few group discussions and presentations in this module.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

This is a constituent module of one or more-degree programmes which are accredited by a professional engineering institution under licence from the Engineering Council.   

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge 

  1. Gain a comprehensive knowledge of sustainable manufacturing, including the terminologies, key concepts and theories of sustainable design, business model innovation for sustainability, sustainable supply chain, circular economy, life cycle analysis etc.  

  1. Understand all aspects of sustainability development and related development principles, especially environmental and social aspects, such as the Net Zero, Sustainability Development Goals, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).  

  1. Understand the sustainability challenges manufacturers face and the methods and tools to address the challenges  

  1. Be able to apply the methods and tools to make manufacturing more sustainable.  

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge  

  1. Apply appropriate theories and methods/tools to develop sustainable manufacturing strategies  

  1. Apply the knowledge and problem-solving skills to develop potential solutions of the real-world challenges in sustainable manufacturing   

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: 

  1. Work in groups and develop teamwork skills  

  1. Communicate effectively to technical and non-technical people by preparing and presenting a poster in groups  

  1. Write concise and high-quality individual report  

  1. Critical thinking and research skills (i.e. desk-based, online search for archival data)  

 

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education   

Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes. 

The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are covered on this module: 

M4 Develop Critical thinking and research skills (i.e. desk-based, online search for archival data). 

M5 Apply appropriate theories and methods/tools to develop sustainable manufacturing strategies. 

Be able to apply the methods and tools to make manufacturing more sustainable. 

M7 Gain a comprehensive knowledge of sustainable manufacturing, including the terminologies, key concepts and theories of sustainable design, business model innovation for sustainability, sustainable supply chain, circular economy, life cycle analysis etc.  

M5, M7 Apply the knowledge and problem-solving skills to develop potential solutions of the real-world challenges in sustainable manufacturing.  

M8, M11 Understand all aspects of sustainability development and related development principles, especially environmental and social aspects, such as the Net Zero, Sustainability Development Goals, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).  

Understand the sustainability challenges manufacturers face and the methods and tools to address the challenges. 

M16 Work in groups and develop teamwork skills. 

M17 Communicate effectively to technical and non-technical people by preparing and presenting a poster in groups.  

Write concise and high-quality individual report. 

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
  1. Introduction: understanding the sustainable manufacturing context & evolvement and why it is so important;
  2. Sustainable manufacturing: definition, key concepts, challenges (cases);
  3. Design for sustainable manufacturing;
  4. Sustainable supply chain management;
  5. Business model innovation for sustainability (lectures + workshop):
  6. Technology innovation for sustainability (lectures + workshop)
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities 22 Lectures
Guided Independent Study 128 Private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 80 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 20
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Individual Assignment 80 3000 words 1-6,8-10. M4, M5, M7, M8, M17 Written
Group poster project 20 Poster and 15-20 min. poster presentation per group   1-9. M5, M7, M8, M17 Verbal during class sessions

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
Individual Assignment Resubmission of Individual Assignment (3000 words) 80% 1-6,8-10. Referral/deferral period
Group poster project Resubmission of a poster and a 10-15 min presentation recording 1-9 Referral/deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment. 

  

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50% 

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 14th November 2023 LAST REVISION DATE Monday 25th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Sustainable manufacturing, sustainable business models, circular economy

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.