Course description
Course Summary
Success in today's business environment requires a solid foundation in essential management and business skills. The Brunel MSc programme equips individuals to handle diverse management responsibilities that require knowledge in finance, systems thinking, operations, human resources and the design and management of the supply chain. The programme balances academic theory with practical opportunities to demonstrate engineering management capabilities and deliver real solutions through assignments and projects. Taught by experienced academic staff, the material is leading edge and ensures a high level of industrial and business relevance throughout.
Modes of Study
1 Year Full-Time - The taught element of the course (September to April) includes eight modules; delivery will be by a combination of lectures, tutorials and group/seminar work. A further four months (May to September) is spent undertaking the dissertation.
3 Years Part-Time - Attendance is one day a week in each of the first two years during which students follow the taught modules. The third year is taken up with the dissertation and attendance is by appointment with your research supervisor.
3-5 Years Distance Learning - The distance learning programme is designed to enable you to conduct most of your studies at home, in your own time and at your own pace. There is no requirement to attend lectures at Brunel University, instead you follow a structured programme of self-study at home or at work. Students are supplied with a study pack in the form of text books and CD-ROMs which are supported by e-learning web based lecture materials. Students can take between 3 and 5 years to complete the course, it is entirely up to you how long you take but usually the minimum is 3 years, with students taking four modules in the first year, four modules in the second year and the dissertation in the third year. However, depending on your other commitments you can take longer up to a maximum of 5 years. Assessment is by a combination of assignments and examinations. Examinations can be taken either at Brunel University or in the country you are resident in. We have an extensive network of organisations (Universities, Colleges and British Council Offices) throughout the world who will provide invigilation services. The cost of invigilation away from Brunel is your responsibility. The exams are held in May and September each year.
Taught Modules
* Managing People and Organisations
Main topics of study: nature of organisations and their development and effectiveness; the role of the engineering manager and the contingency theory of management; the nature and strategic role of human resource management; developments in management theory for business performance management; learning organisations and the role of innovation; managing innovation including organisational culture in a global business environment; motivation and managing high performing teams; managing change and designing organisations that support creativity and innovation.
* Financial Management
Main topics of study: the importance of financial control within organisations; the common tools of financial management, including profit and loss accounts, balance sheets and cash flow statements; the techniques and rationale of budgeting; the use of financial techniques for decision making; techniques such as break-even analysis, simple payback, discounted cash flow, internal rate of return, and contracts.
* Global Manufacturing and Enterprise Systems
Main topics of study: enterprise systems for supporting the product manufacturing, and developmentand lifecycle; the marketing/services/supply chains and their interface; e-Manufacturing and operations; digital enterprise technology (DET), virtual organizations and the integration; selection and use of DET and e-manufacturing tools; global manufacturing implementation isses and methodology; global manufacturing concept, methodology and implementation issues; case studies on global manufacturing operations and best practices.
* Project Management
The module starts with the definition of a project and takes the student through a selection of all of the techniques and methods necessary to understand and use project management, including analytical methods as well as people issues.
* Operations Strategy, Quality and Reliability
Main topics of study: quality assurance; reliability and availability; operations strategy.
* Logistics and Global Supply Chain Management
Main topics of study: logistics and supply chain management- an introduction; managing material flow (the physical distribution and control of goods); the role of information systems (e-commerce) in developing and enhancing supply chain management; supply chain Relationships; the customer service dimension; time based competition; the Global Supply chain; managing the supply chain of the future.
* Engineering Management Projects
* Systems Modelling and Simulation
Main topics of study: principles of systems engineering. modelling and analysis of discrete Systems; material flow systems (assembly lines, transfer lines, serial systems, shop scheduling, flexible manufacturing, group technology, facility layout); machine setup and operation sequence; material handling systems; general modelling approaches (queuing models); process simulation and data analysis, enterprise operations; supply chain and logistics-reverse logistics modelling concepts.
* MSc Project and Dissertation
Following the taught part of the programme and reflecting individual interests, the dissertation is an in-depth study of a manufacturing problem or situation, requiring a high standard of investigation and presentation. The analysis of a 'real' problem is expected, frequently involving a company or workplace. Close liaison between the University, the student and, where appropriate, the company is essential when selecting a topic which has a suitable academic content and an appropriate scope, relevance and timescale. Some students may wish their dissertations to be considered by the Chartered Engineering Institutions to satisfy requirements for corporate membership. In this case, a further set of criteria will have to be satisfied and you should contact the appropriate institute on the best way to proceed.
Recent examples of dissertations by students taking this course include:
o An analysis of the benefits of eCommerce on SMEs and its role in supply chain management
o Implementing activity-based costing in health care industry
o Marketing in the digital age: the adoption of information technology and the internet
Upon successful completion of this programme you will have achieved the following learning objectives:
* An appreciation of the management of engineering businesses and an awareness of the external factors affecting them.
* An explanation of how current management theories and practices are relevant to achieving corporate competitive advantage.
* A wider understanding of the structures of engineering organisations and the role, relationships and behaviour of individuals and groups undertaking engineering activities.
* An understanding of the way in which finance and assets are managed within the business.
* An appreciation of the concepts and principles of marketing and customer care.
* A clear appreciation of the impact of quality in engineering organisations.
* The ability to develop a corporate strategy for successfully achieving an engineering driven change by applying current concepts, theories, research and the key issues of engineering management.
Transferable skills:
* Problem solving using a variety of techniques.
* Project management tools including network analysis software and Gantt charts.
* Team building and motivation. Research, surveys and analytical skills including strategic and financial analysis.
* Demonstration of improved verbal and written communications.
* Enhancement of relevant IT skills.
In summary the programme is designed to enable engineers to develop the engineering management abilities, skills, and knowledge required in a modern engineering environment.
Special Features
This MSc programme is iMechE accredited for the 2007 - 2013 intakes for CEng requirements.
Careers
Engineering Management graduates may enter a broad range of careers in the Manufacturing, Service and Government Sectors. Previous graduates are employed in industries ranging from metal cutting to process, working for such companies as Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Atkinson, Ford and Unilever. A number of graduates have also built their own consultancy companies.
