Sustainable Manufacturing - 2025 entry
| MODULE TITLE | Sustainable Manufacturing | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MODULE CODE | ENGM023 | MODULE CONVENER | Dr Wei Zhang (Coordinator) |
| DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DURATION: WEEKS | 11 |
| Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 250 |
|---|
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module aims to broaden your understanding of how to make “manufacturing” more sustainable. We are currently living in a highly globalised world, in which most of our products are manufactured in one country while sold in another country. In the manufacturing process, huge amounts of energy and materials are consumed, a large amount of waste is generated, and various social concerns are raised. Most of the current production and consumption systems are linear, adopting a “take, make and dispose” model and thereby contributing to the depletion of natural resources. To achieve sustainable growth, firms need to shift from linear to circular economy models. In recent years, new technologies are emerging, the international trading policies are changing, and sustainability issues are becoming more important. It is important to understand how these would affect the manufacturing system and supply chain management.
The module provides you with a comprehensive view of sustainable manufacturing from theories and practices. In this module, you will learn the theoretical concepts of sustainable design, business model innovation for sustainability, sustainable supply chain, circular economy, and digital solutions for sustainable manufacturing, understanding the cutting-edge challenges in the context of sustainable manufacturing, and use the practical methods/tools to solve problems. Case studies, methods and tools from the latest research will be provided in the module.
No pre-requisite or co-requisite modules are needed in order to be able to take this module. This module is suitable for specialist/non-specialist students and is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.
AIMS - intentions of the module
The aim of the module is to introduce the practical and theoretical elements of sustainable manufacturing. This module will include the knowledge related to sustainable design, sustainable production, business model innovation for sustainability, sustainable supply chain, technology innovation for sustainability, circular economy, and digital solutions for sustainable manufacturing. In particular, the module intends to introduce a set of new and emerging concepts and practical tools in sustainable manufacturing in the digital context. The module combines case studies, latest research findings, academic research papers and practical tools. This module will adopt a project-based learning approach which allows students to use the provided tools to solve chosen challenges within groups. There will be a few group discussions and presentations in this module.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
This is a constituent module of one or more-degree programmes which are accredited by a professional engineering institution under licence from the Engineering Council.
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge
1 Gain a comprehensive knowledge of sustainable manufacturing, including the terminologies, key concepts and theories of sustainable design, business model innovation for sustainability, sustainable supply chain, circular economy, life cycle analysis etc.
2 Understand all aspects of sustainability development and related development principles, especially environmental and social aspects, such as the Net Zero, Sustainability Development Goals, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
3 Understand the sustainability challenges manufacturers face and the methods and tools to address the challenges
4 Be able to apply the methods and tools to make manufacturing more sustainable.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge
5 Apply appropriate theories and methods/tools to develop sustainable manufacturing strategies
6 Apply the knowledge and problem-solving skills to develop potential solutions of the real-world challenges in sustainable manufacturing
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
7 Work in groups and develop teamwork skills
8 Communicate effectively to technical and non-technical people by preparing and presenting a poster in groups
9 Write concise and high-quality individual report
10 Critical thinking and research skills (i.e. desk-based, online search for archival data)
11 Write a concise and high-quality individual report.
Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.
The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are covered on this module:
M4 Develop Critical thinking and research skills (i.e. desk-based, online search for archival data).
M5 Apply appropriate theories and methods/tools to develop sustainable manufacturing strategies.
Be able to apply the methods and tools to make manufacturing more sustainable.
M7 Gain a comprehensive knowledge of sustainable manufacturing, including the terminologies, key concepts and theories of sustainable design, business model innovation for sustainability, sustainable supply chain, circular economy, life cycle analysis etc.
M5, M7 Apply the knowledge and problem-solving skills to develop potential solutions of the real-world challenges in sustainable manufacturing.
M8, M11 Understand all aspects of sustainability development and related development principles, especially environmental and social aspects, such as the Net Zero, Sustainability Development Goals, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).
Understand the sustainability challenges manufacturers face and the methods and tools to address the challenges.
M16 Work in groups and develop teamwork skills.
M17 Communicate effectively to technical and non-technical people by preparing and presenting a poster in groups.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
- Introduction: understanding the sustainable manufacturing context & evolvement and why it is so important;
- Sustainable manufacturing: definition, key concepts, challenges (cases);
- Design for sustainable manufacturing;
- Sustainable supply chain management;
- Business model innovation for sustainability (lectures + workshop):
- Technology innovation for sustainability (lectures + workshop)
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 22 | Guided Independent Study | 128 | Placement / Study Abroad |
|---|
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | 22 | Lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | 128 | Private study |
ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
| Coursework | 80 | Written Exams | 0 | Practical Exams | 20 |
|---|
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
| Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Assignment | 80 | 3000 words | 1-6,8-10. M4, M5, M7, M8, M17 | Written |
| Group poster project | 20 | Poster and 15-20 min. poster presentation per group | 1-9. M5, M7, M8, M17 | Verbal during class sessions |
DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-reassessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Assignment | Resubmission of Individual Assignment (3000 words) 80% | 1-6,8-10. | Referral/deferral period |
| Group poster project | Resubmission of a poster and a 10-15 min presentation recording | 1-9 | Referral/deferral period |
RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.
Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single 100% coursework assessment. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 50%..
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
Reading list for this module:
| CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
|---|---|
| CO-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
| NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 7 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORIGIN DATE | Tuesday 14th November 2023 | LAST REVISION DATE | Wednesday 5th March 2025 |
| KEY WORDS SEARCH | Sustainable manufacturing, sustainable business models, circular economy |
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Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.
