Module manager: Ian Fouweather
Email: I.M.Fouweather@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 Nov to 31 Dec, 1 Nov to 31 Dec (2mth)(adv yr) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Students will have met the entry requirements for the Online Engineering Management MSc programme
This module is not approved as an Elective
Developments in science and technology continue apace and disruptive technologies and business models continue to emerge that can transform businesses at breakneck speed. One of the greatest challenges for engineering managers is to maintain a good understanding of emerging and disruptive technologies and be ready to adopt them when the time is right. Too early, and resources can be wasted. Too late, and the competition may have developed an unassailable lead in a new product type or business model. The Internet revolution gives a number of case studies – spectacular successes and failures – for students to learn from. The digital revolution is by no means over however, with new technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence and big data having profound impacts on almost all industry sectors. This module will bring students up to date with a range of research areas and help prepare them to manage the adoption of new technologies within their own organisation.
This module seeks to introduce students to a range of new technology areas across science and engineering and give students an understanding of how emerging and disruptive technologies and new business models must be embraced by engineering managers. Students will also consider the societal impacts of the technologies and how to manage them. The module will encourage students to critically analyse the claims made by technology proponents and think about how to successfully apply the right new technologies in their own field of engineering.
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate a knowledge of a wide range of developments in science and technology,
2. Evaluate emerging technologies from a business and management perspective,
3. Demonstrate the ability to adapt processes, products and company strategy in order to minimise risk from new technologies and maximise business performance
4. Be able to keep up to date with research and development in science and technology, making use of suitable digital literacy skills
5. Be familiar with key developments that are relevant to their own Engineering sector
6. Contribute to discussions on emerging and disruptive technologies and their potential impact on business strategy within an organisation
The ability to critically review new technologies and evaluate their potential sphere of influence.
Ability to work as a group to develop a case study of a previous example of rapid technology adoption in a specific engineering sector.
- Emerging technologies from a representative range of Science and Engineering disciplines, such as:
Spintronics, quantum technologies, 2D materials, nanotechnology, Industry 4.0, 5G, graphene and nanotechnology, augmented/virtual reality, sustainable energy systems, autonomous vehicles, space systems, medical engineering & surgical robotics, e-commerce, cyberphysical systems, additive and hybrid manufacture, artificial intelligence, cloud robotics, big data, complex systems, technologies for sustainable development.
- Business strategies and tools for adopting new technologies
- Intellectual property in science and engineering
- Managing organisations in the midst of rapid technological change
- Methods for responding to external disruptive change
- New business models and funding schemes; crowd sourcing and crowd funding
- Ethics, sustainability and societal factors
Case studies from a representative range of Engineering sectors will be used, where appropriate, to illustrate these principles.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-line Learning | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Discussion forum | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Group learning | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Independent online learning hours | 28 | ||
| Private study hours | 103 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 19 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Private study will include directed reading and self-directed research in support of learning activities and discussions, as well as in preparation for assessments.
Independent online learning involves non-facilitated directed learning. Students will work through bespoke interactive learning resources and reflective activities in the VLE.
Online learning materials will provide regular opportunity for students to check their understanding (for example through formative MCQs with automated feedback). Regular group activity embedded into learning will allow self and peer assessment providing opportunities for formative feedback from peers and tutors. These activities are part of the teaching and learning methods and are not to be considered as formative assessments.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1200 words | 50 |
| Group Project | 2000 words | 50 |
| In-course MCQ | VLE based weeks 2 4 and 6 | 0 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Resit: 100% individual assignment
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 31/10/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team