The world is becoming increasingly connected, raising many challenges in terms of organisational management, product development and cross-border collaboration. Global product development is a new way of thinking that aims to utilise and manage the power of the global market to design and manufacture intelligent, sustainable and internationally competitive products.
This prestigious course develops highly employable leaders able to respond to the challenges and demands of modern globalised markets. Students are introduced to cutting-edge technologies for worldwide product development and management, including concept creation and creativity for practical product engineering.
The course has been developed in conjunction with Factura, a leader in senior executive search and selection, which ensures it is aligned to industry needs and is well positioned to enable successful graduates to gain high profile careers.
Students benefit from use of state-of-the-art software and technical equipment such as a rapid prototyping machine, and access to a real-world global production environment through supporting industrial partners. Students are able to apply their skills in a hands-on mini project that culminates in the physical generation of a real industrial product.
The course comprises a carefully integrated and structured series of eight one-week assessed modules, a group project and an individual project.
Group project
The major learning experience for full-time students is the group project. This involves students working in teams to fulfil demanding objectives within a tight timescale, applying state-of-the-art technologies and approaches and delivering results to a high professional standard. Projects are industrially orientated and have the support of external organisations. Experience gained is highly valued by both students and prospective employers. For part-time students a dissertation usually replaces the group project.
Individual project
Either industrially or academically driven, students select the individual project in consultation with the Course Director. It provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research, think and work in an original way, contribute to knowledge, and overcome genuine manufacturing problems. Many of the projects are supported by external organisations.
Modules:
- Concept Engineering and Prototyping
- Enterprise Systems
- Use of Novel Materials and Manufacturing Technologies
- Product Engineering and Costing
- General Management
- Product Lifecycle Management
- Product Development
- Product Quality Control and Optimisation
