OENG5201M Continuous Improvement in Engineering Supply Chains

The goal of this module is to equip students with knowledge, methods and tools needed to identify improvement opportunities in Engineering supply chains. The module will be structured around the six sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) continuous improvement process. Students will learn how to apply methods for the Define, Measure and Analyse phases and be introduced to Engineering supply chain improvement case studies to reflect the Improve and Control phases.

Course Description

Syllabus

What is an engineering supply chain? 
Including why companies work in supply networks; key benefits and challenges; the transition from make to print to design and make networks; network performance; product and supply chain mapping developed through our research.

The role of continuous improvement in engineering supply chains: 
Including processes such as DMAIC and DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyse, Design, Verify) and ways of identifying, defining and delivering improvement opportunities. 

Value stream mapping and the application of digital technologies: 
Including how to map a value stream, results from current research projects related to computer simulations and data analytics. 

Failure modes applied to supply chain systems: 
Introducing students to ways in which supply chain failures occur, current industry practice in addressing these failures and current research activities.

Learning outcomes

1. Identify key characteristics of Engineering supply chains associated continuous improvement methods and processes; 
2. Map out bills of materials for case study products and use these maps to inform the definition of supply chain structures;
3. Apply value stream mapping techniques to Engineering supply networks and use them to identify metrics for continuous improvement programmes;
4. Analyse (using manual and emerging computational methods) Engineering supply networks to identify improvement opportunities;
5. Describe and identify failure modes that occur in Engineering supply chains;
6. Discuss current industry practices for the improvement and control of engineering supply networks.