Feasibility and Business Improvement Project - 2024 entry

This module is the final module of the Part-Time Programme and in this module you will draw on all previous modules undertaken to execute an industry-based project with your company over 12 weeks, Projects will be carefully designed and managed and may be based on technical engineering options, computer or laboratory-based investigations, and contribute to, for example; business improvement, design-related options, feasibility assessments, and be of benefit to your company and in your work role. It will also help you develop your project management skills. At the end of the module you are expected to produce a project report, a poster, and present your findings as part of the formal assessment.

The module aims to develop well-rounded mining professionals. By integrating project management skills with the technical mining knowledge, training, and your industry experience the module encourages you to take responsibility for a focused research project. The module develops your ability to conduct critical examination and execute and deliver a project within time and organizational constraints. The module also aims to deliver real-world value impact; and you are expected to demonstrate the value of the research to your company.

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge

The student will be required to submit a project title and scope requirements prior to starting the project along with a brief project summary of no more than 500 words

Upon completion of the project a 6500 word report must be submitted. The report must include at least:

• an executive summary (or abstract)
• an introduction
•  the scope of the project (including key performance indicators, aims and objectives)
• a project plan
• research outcomes
• data analysis outcomes
• project outcomes
• discussion of findings
• recommendations and conclusions
• references
• appendix containing a reflections and mapping of KSBs to the report*

A project presentation will be made to independent assessors providing an overview of the students project followed by Q&A by the assessors.. All presentations must include at least:

• an overview of the project
• the project scope (including key performance indicators)
• summary of actions undertaken by the apprentice
• project outcomes and how these were achieved.

* KSB’s mean the Knowledge , Skills & Behaviours as specified in the Mine Management Apprenticeship Standard (ST1309) as required by the EPA plan. Although this module is not for the degree apprentice students, the KSB’s apply to any aspiring mining engineer/mine manager, wherever based

All passed components of the module will be rolled forward and will not be reassessed in the event of module failure.

• All necessary reference and study material for the business improvement project will be provided.

Reading list for this module: