Handbook

This subject is an introduction to the general principles of the organisation and control of engineering operations. The subject starts by looking at early practitioners and theorists in the area, and applies their thinking to the organisation of construction projects. Key skills will be developed in time and resource planning - critical path networks, decision processes, and quality, safety and environmental planning and control systems including the phases of plan generation, control and continuous improvement. Additional issues considered include procurement systems, field operations and the potential impact of the contract on relationships, processes and outcomes. A part of the course addresses the organisation and control of continuous processes; topics include process design, simulation and modelling, process control and adaptive management. Finally the course also looks at the management of the firm including product development and marketing, engineering entrepreneurship and financial planning and control and engineering economics.