MODULE DESCRIPTOR
MECHGN05 – Project Management & Design
Code:
Alt. Codes(s)
Title:
Level:
UCL Credits/ECTS:
MECHGN05
MECHM011, MECH4011 (until 2012)
Project Management & Design
MSc
45 credits
Start:
End:
Taught by:
September
March
M Selfridge
(Module Coordinator)
Other Staff: P Wrobel, various external lecturers
Brief
Description
The course comprises an interdisciplinary Group Design Project supported by a
series of lectures/seminars on Project Management, Ship Design, and Marine
Engineering. The Design Project is undertaken in small groups of students
combining with the Marine Engineering MSc. Students are tasked to design ships
and offshore structures from a customer’s outline requirements, taking the design
through concept and early feasibility phases. The course is carried out part time
over the first 2 terms and full time for a period of 10 weeks on completion of the
examination .
Pre-requisites
Competence:-
As exemplified by a naval architecture MEng degree; in particular candidates
taking the project management and design module as CPD must have prerequisite knowledge at MSc level in:Ship Structures,
Ship Dynamics,
Ship Hydrodynamics
Co-requisites
Availability
Compulsory course for:1. MSc Naval Architecture
Optional course for:As a stand alone course for CPD :May be taken in the following forms:1. Entire Project management and design course including lectures and design
exercise.
2. As lecture course only.
Candidates for CPD must have the prerequisite competence.
Aims &
Objectives
The Design Project is the crowning point of the MSc Programme. The aim of the
course is to give the student an understanding of the procurement and design
process for a large marine artifact, by requiring the students to synthesize a
design concept from a set of operational requirements. He/she will have to
balance conflicting requirements such as cost and performance, and learn how to
resolve interdisciplinary technical issues with other team members.
General
Learning
Outcomes
(See Ref 1)
Ability to develop, monitor & update a plan, to reflect a changing operating
environment
The course involves a major group design exercise planning, monitoring progress
and
adapting the plan to the changing situation are necessary skills
Ability to monitor and adjust a personal program of work on an on-going
basis, and to learn independently
1. Normal background reading/study common to all degree programs
2. The NA MSc the ship design exercise form a significant personal work load
requiring well developed self study and independent learning skills
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An understanding of the different roles within a team, and the ability to
exercise leadership
Fundamental to the ship design exercise, the exercise combines students from
the NA ME MSc’s in design teams of 3-5.
The ability to learn new theories, concepts and methods in unfamiliar
situations
Normal learning situation common to all degree programs. Particularly
emphasised in this exercise due to the interdisciplinary nature of the exercise.
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Specific
Learning
Outcomes
(See Ref 1)
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Economic, Social & Environmental Context
1. Extensive knowledge of management & business practices, their
limitation and correct application
The design must include consideration of production and through life support as
well as economic and environmental constraints
2. Ability to evaluate commercial risk through an understanding of the
basis of such risks
All designs are evaluated on a cost capability basis and commercial design are
driven by economic analysis.
Engineering Practice
1. An understanding of current practice and limitations, some
appreciation of likely new developments
Designs must meet all current and planned legislation.
2. Extensive knowledge & understanding of a wide range of engineering
materials & components
Design consider a range of material and component solutions
3. Ability to apply engineering techniques taking into account of a range of
commercial and industrial constraints.
Economic analysis is a key element in the design process.
Communication
skills
Present technical work in the following ways:Written
A design report
Oral
Five design presentations are made throughout the design process and an oral
examination is held on completion
Participate in a technical discussion of:-
Technical discussion occurs at each of the design presentations and in the oral
examination as well as at informal design reviews throughout the exercise.
Lead a technical discussion of:-
Students lead the design reviews
Competence statements derived from UK Spec - Ref 1
A Use a combination of general and specialist engineering knowledge and understanding to
optimise the application of existing and emerging technology.
A1 Maintain and extend a sound theoretical
approach in enabling the introduction
and exploitation of new and advancing
technology and other relevant
developments. This could include an
ability to:
 Identify the limits of own personal
knowledge and skills
 Strive to extend own technological
capability
 Broaden and deepen own knowledge
base through research and
experimentation.
Addressed in module by:1. Understanding of scientific principles
a) Own Specialisation
See syllabus
b)Related Disciplines
See syllabus
2. Awareness of developing technologies (own
specialisation)
Exercise seeks to exploit new technology
3. Knowledge & Understanding of mathematical &
computer models, appreciation of limitations
Extensive use is made of the latest commercial
and research design and analysis tools.
4. Understanding of a breadth of concepts
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(including some outside engineering, and an
ability to apply these in an engineering project.
 Exercise seeks to develop new concepts by
applying emerging technology.
 Warship studies include developmental systems
and new concepts of operation.
 Merchant studies include extensive economic
studies and seek to exploit new commercial
opportunities
 Designs take full account of proposed legislation
and technical developments in the
environmental area.
2. Ability to apply mathematical & computer
based models for solving problems in
engineering & awareness of limitations
A2 Engage in the creative and innovative
development of engineering technology
and continuous improvement systems.
This could include an ability to:
 Establish users’ needs
 Assess marketing needs and contribute
to marketing strategies
 Identify constraints and exploit
opportunities for the development and
transfer of technology within own
chosen field
 Promote new applications when
appropriate
 Secure the necessary intellectual
property rights
 Develop and evaluate continuous
improvement systems
The exercise involves both synthesis and
performance analysis.
Engineering Analysis
1. Ability to use fundamental knowledge to
investigate new and emerging technologies
This is inherent to the design which seeks to
exploit emerging technology
1. Establishing User needs
The exercise starts with a user requirement
which students must interpret both through their
own studies and through dialogue with the
customer, this may be military or commercial.
1. Assessing the market & exploiting opportunities
Where appropriate market surveys are required
as an integral element of defining the user
requirement.
2. Identifying constraints
Throughout the exercise there is a requirement
to identify constraints on the design (physical,
economic and managerial) and apply these in
an appropriate manner.
3. Extracting and applying data
Ability to extract & apply data in the solution of
unfamiliar problems, The exercise involves
research and data acquisition
B
Apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of
engineering problems.
B1 Identify potential projects and
opportunities. This could include an
ability to:
Addressed in module by:Innovation
1
Ability to generate design of innovative
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Explore the territory within own
responsibility for new opportunities
 Review the potential for enhancing
engineering products, processes,
systems and services
 Use own knowledge of the employer’s
position to assess the viability of
opportunities.
B2 Conduct appropriate research, and
undertake design and development of
engineering solutions. This could
include an ability to:
 Identify and agree appropriate research
methodologies
 Assemble the necessary resources
 Carry out the necessary tests
 Collect, analyse and evaluate the
relevant data
 Draft, present and agree design
recommendations
 Undertake engineering design.
•
products, systems, processes to fulfil new
needs
Fundamental to the exercise.
Design
1. Knowledge & understanding of design process
& methodologies, an ability to apply and adapt
them in unfamiliar situations.
The course focuses on design and project
management
2. Ability to generate design of innovative
products, systems, processes to fulfil new
needs
Fundamental to the exercise.
3.
Extracting and applying data
Ability to extract & apply data in the solution of
unfamiliar problems, The exercise involves
research and data acquisition
4. Present technical work in the following ways:Written
The work is presented by a written report and
supporting work book recording calculations,
considerations and decisions
Oral
Through out the design the students make a
series of 5 presentations to the staff and invited
experts. The design culminates in a viva voce.
Participate in a technical discussion of:There are formal presentations followed by
technical discussions with the staff and panel of
experts every two weeks through out the design
exercise.
Lead a technical discussion of:There are formal presentations followed by
technical discussions with the staff and panel of
experts every two weeks through out the design
exercise. The students take the lead in
presenting their design and fielding questions
B3 Implement design solutions, and
evaluate their effectiveness. This could
include an ability to:
 Ensure that the application of the design
results in the appropriate practical
outcome
Engineering Practice
1. An understanding of current practice and
limitations, some appreciation of likely new
developments
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Identify the required cost, quality, safety,
reliability, appearance, fitness for
purpose and environmental impact of the
outcome
 Determine the criteria for evaluating the
design solutions
 Evaluate the outcome against the
original specification
 Actively learn from feedback on results
to improve future design solutions and
build best practice.
Successful designs must take into account
production issues.
•
2. Extensive knowledge & understanding of a wide
range of engineering materials & components
Material selection is a key element of many high
speed designs
4. Ability to apply engineering techniques taking
into account of a range of commercial and
industrial constraints.
The exercise focuses on cost and risk and aims
to explore the cost / risk relationship in meeting
a given operational requirement.
Economic, Social & Environmental Context
1. Ability to evaluate commercial risk through an
understanding of the basis of such risks
The exercise focuses on cost and risk and aims
to explore the cost / risk relationship in meeting
a given operational requirement.
3. Designs are required to meet both current and
anticipated environmental requirements where
appropriate.
C
Provide technical and commercial leadership.
C1 Plan for effective project implementation.
This could include an ability to:

Identify the factors affecting the project
implementation

Lead on preparing and agreeing
implementation plans and method
statements

Ensure that the necessary resources are
secured and brief the project team

Negotiate the necessary contractual
arrangements with other stakeholders
(client, subcontractors, suppliers, etc.)
Addressed in module by:Project Management
1. Extensive knowledge of management &
business practices, their limitation and correct
application
The exercise is a vehicle for the student to
exercise and practice project management skills
taught in the lecture course. Before the exercise
starts groups prepare a management plan
which is used as a working document
throughout the exercise.
3. Groups liaise as required with both staff and
outside bodies (both governmental and
nongovernmental). These may include: Project sponsors (eg UK MOD, Foreign
governments (typically ONR, ACCESS),
commercial operators (Ferry operators).
 Technical experts both military and commercial
•
C2 Plan, budget, organise, direct and control
tasks, people and resources.
This could include an ability to:
 Set up appropriate management systems
 Agree quality standards, programme and
budget
Planning, budget and organisation
1. A project management plan is required which
students are expected to use and update as the
work progresses, including: the identification of key milestones
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•


Organise and lead work teams,
coordinating project activities
Ensure that variations from quality
standards, programme and budgets are
identified, and that corrective action is
taken
Gather and evaluate feedback, and
recommend improvements.
C3 Lead teams and develop staff to meet
changing technical and managerial
needs. This could include an ability to:
 Agree objectives and work plans with
teams and individuals
 Identify team and individual needs, and
plan for their development
 Lead and support team and individual
development
 Assess team and individual performance,
and provide feedback.
C4 Bring about continuous improvement
through quality management. This could
include an ability to:
 Promote quality throughout the
organization and its customer and
supplier networks
 Develop and maintain operations to meet
quality standards
 Direct project evaluation and propose
recommendations for improvement
Teaching & Learning Methods
Lectures
Private Reading
Tutorials
Practicals
Extramural activity
Independent Project Work
Language Work
Required written Work
Revision
Total
Method & Timing of assessment
Outline syllabus
 critical path
 division of work between members of the group.
2. Economic evaluation of the design performance
against defined performance targets is an
essential aspect of the exercise.
Team work
1. The exercise is a multidisciplinary team
exercise. Design teams are required to: Identify key tasks
 Assigned individuals to the task
 Liaise within the group to ensure successful
design integration
Project evaluation
1. Design teams present their work at two week
intervals to the staff and invited experts, and
can thereby gain feedback on their efforts.
Number / Student Hours
50
50
25
400
525
Written report and viva voce
Project Management/Systems Engineering/ Business Environment
Intro to Engineering Design; Intro to Systems Engineering;
Managing a Project; Cost Forecasting &
Analysis; Project Management - What can go wrong?;
A Current Project ; Procurement Organisations
& Procedures; Formulation of Requirements; Merchant
Ship Politics
Ship Design (General)
The Marine Environment; Principles of Ship Design; Advanced Marine Vehicles; SWATHs &
Trimarans; Stability Considerations; Hydrodynamic Considerations; Design for Production; Safety;
Regulation, Certification & Classification; CAD & Synthetic Environments; Aesthetics & Architecture
Ship Design (Merchant Ships)
Merchant Ship Naval Architecture & Ship Types;
Development
High Speed Ships; The History of Ship
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Ship Design (Warships)
"Systems Design" of Combat Systems; Sensors
Signatures; Survivability; Operational Analysis;
and Weapons; Topside Design; Warship Detection &
The Command Perspective; Complementing.
Offshore System Design
FPSOs
Jack-up rigs; Semi submersibles; TLPs; Spars;
Marine Engineering
Prime Movers; Gas Turbine Developments; Auxilliary Systems; Electrical Propulsion/Systems;
Emissions & Pollution; Gearing & Shafting; Propulsor Development; Regulation/Classification Issues.
References
Timetable
Basic Ship Theory
(Vols I and II)
Principles of Naval
Architecture
Butterworth
K. J. Rawson & E. C. Tupper
Society of Naval
Architects and
Marine Engineers
(SNAME) Press
Spon
J Randolph Pawling
Mechanics of Marine
B. R. Clayton & R. E. D.
Vehicles
Bishop
Modern Warship
Conway Maritime
N. Friedman
Design
Press
One day per week from September to March (lectures) & full time study from
March to June (design exercise)
Ref 1 EC UK – UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence “The accreditation of
Higher Education Programmes” Dec 2008
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