Module ENGI4241: PRODUCTION NETWORKS AND CONTROL

Department: Engineering

ENGI4241: PRODUCTION NETWORKS AND CONTROL

Prerequisites

• ENGI3391 Control and Signal Processing OR MEng(Overseas)

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

• This module is for students intending to fulfil the requirements of the M.Eng. degree programmes in General Engineering (H100), Computer Engineering (H130), Electronic Engineering (H610), Communications Engineering (H640) and Design, Manufacture and Management (H700).
• To explain how digital controllers can be designed in the s-plane and the z-plane.
• To investigate state-space modelling and state space design methods.
• This module will provide graduates with the knowledge and the tools necessary to understand, develop, implement and sustain strategies for managing supply chain networks.
• Furthermore, students will be exposed to the various functional and management areas of an enterprise enabling them to recognise the numerous obstacles of today's global market.
• The module provides a firm foundation for a broad range of engineering careers in management, logistics and control.

Content

• Digital control systems and the design of digital controllers;
• State variable methods;
• Design of state variable feedback regulators and controllers;
• State observers;
• Production planning and supply chain management;
• Inventory Management;
• Transshipments in supply chains;
• Multi-Echelon inventory systems;
• Strategic alliances, outsourcing, electronic supply chain;
• Distribution strategies, models and algorithms, applications;
• The inventory routing problem;
• Facility location and planning.

Learning Outcomes

• An appreciation and technical understanding of advanced control systems and their effects on the performance of engineering systems.
• A knowledge and understanding of the design of digital control systems and their practical implementation.
• A knowledge and understanding of the design of state variable control systems.
• An appreciation and technical understanding of supply chain management problems.
• An understanding of production and supply network drivers
• Understanding of management principles of different production and logistic networks.

• An awareness of current technology, analysis methods and industrial practices along with the ability to apply those methods in novel situations.
• To use effectively specialised, advanced computational tools and packages for the analysis of control systems.
• The use of analytic tools and techniques necessary to develop solutions for a variety of production network and logistical problems.
• The ability to design and model complex production and logistic networks.
• An in-depth knowledge and understanding of specialised and advanced technical and professional skills in conjunction with an ability to perform critical assessment and review of proposed solutions.

• Capacity for independent self-learning within the bounds of professional practice.
• Highly specialised modelling and optimisation skills appropriate to an engineer.
• Highly specialised use of information technology (IT) relevant to the engineering profession.
• Mathematics relevant to the application of advanced engineering concepts.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The courses in Production Networks and Control are covered in lectures, and are reinforced by seminars and by problem sheets, leading to the required problem solving capability.
• Students are able to make use of staff 'Tutorial Hours' to discuss any aspect of the module with teaching staff on a one-to-one basis.
• Written timed examinations are appropriate because of the wide range of analytical, in-depth material covered in this module and to demonstrate the ability to solve advanced problems independently.
• The Control examination uses industrial standard control system design and analysis software and is appropriate as students at this level must be able to design appropriate control systems rather than just be familiar with the mechanics of the process.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University