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Continuing Professional Development in

Aerospace

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Contents

About the CPDA 3

Career Prospects 4

Bespoke Training 5

Postgraduate Qualifications 6

Structure of the Programme 8

Modules Available 9

Module Descriptions 12

The Research Project 23

Graduate Development Programme 24

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Industrial CollaborationThe CPDA scheme is a flexible framework offering you a range of part time study options across the topic areas of Aerospace, Design, Manufacture and Management. Subject areas include Systems, Airworthiness, Management and Aircraft Operations.

The programme works closely with Aerospace industry to provide short courses and postgraduate qualifications relevant to the Aerospace and Engineering sectors.

Courses are developed in collaboration with the scheme’s Industrial Advisory Board which meets throughout the year to review the course portfolio. Members of the Industrial Advisory Board include Rolls-Royce, Airbus, QinetiQ, MOD, AgustaWestland and Marshalls Aerospace.

Professional AccreditationThe MSc in Aerospace is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers which are licensed to accredit academic courses run by universities and professional development schemes provided by companies and the armed forces. Successful completion of the accredited MSc will contribute towards the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

The CPDA courses will develop your professional capabilities as an engineer or manager within the context of your organisation. They also seek to enhance your technical and business awareness, helping prepare you for key functions within the industry.

Networking OpportunitiesThe CPDA is an excellent way for you to network with the industry and the majority of courses will include employees from a number of aerospace companies.

Flexible StudyStudy options include short courses and bespoke in-house training as well as postgraduate qualifications including the Certificate, Diploma and MSc in Aerospace.

Continuing Professional Development in Aerospace

The Continuing Professional Development in Aerospace Engineering (CPDA) is a flexible part-time postgraduate framework provided by the University of the West of England with support from a number of Aerospace and Engineering companies. The scheme has been running for over 20 years and continues to meet the needs of the Aerospace Industry.

Career ProspectsThe CPDA scheme is suited to graduates or equivalent working in the Aerospace industry.

The courses are industry specific and benefit from a high level of industrial and academic input. The flexible delivery of the modules will provide you with the opportunity to study whilst in full-time employment and can also benefit if you require:

• recognitionfromprofessionalbodies

• shortcoursesinspecifictopics

• bespoketrainingpackages

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Bespoke Training PackThe CPDA can provide bespoke training packages and currently works with a number of organisations to provide training to meet their specific needs. This can be anything from short courses to accredited awards. This training is both tailor-made and flexible with the opportunity for in-house and e-learning delivery, depending on specific needs.

In-house training is often a more cost effective option for organisations wanting to put a group of employees on the same module.

Current examples of this include delivery of Avionic Systems and Aircraft Systems Technology training to both BAE Systems and Airbus UK. We run a successful academically accredited programme for Rolls-Royce graduate trainees, with over 60 students enrolled.

Each module can be taken as a stand-alone short course or part of a qualification.

The advantage to the company is that onsite training is usually much more cost effective than sending employees away for a training course.

Short CoursesShort Courses give you the opportunity to learn specific leading edge skills, directly related to your jobs, without embarking on a major academic programme. In other works, we can offer you: “Practitioner Training”

Continuing Professional Development via short courses is an excellent way to improve your work-based skills. As your career develops, you may find your earlier qualifications need topping up, or that you have changed career direction, or even that you simply want to enhance your skills in your current job.

Arrange a ConsultationIf you want to find out more about bespoke training packages and discuss your Organisations’ needs contact the CPDA office on cpda@uwe.ac.uk. Telephone 0117 32 83030

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Qualifications AvailableThere are three postgraduate qualifications available which are:

MSc AerospacePostgraduate Diploma in AerospacePostgraduate Certificate in Aerospace

Entry RequirementsYou should have:

• A degree in Engineering, Science or Mathematics-based subjects, or equivalent

• A minimum of three years industrial experience at graduate level for MSc entry.

If you have different qualifications and experience then you are encouraged to apply and your application will be treated on its individual merits. You should be employed within the Engineering or Aerospace sector or similar as the post module assignments are based on your workplace.

The MSc, Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in Aerospace are professional, postgraduate qualifications which will provide you with a broad range of skills and knowledge relevant to the Aerospace industry.

The qualification has been developed in partnership with industry and the course content meets the requirements of the aerospace sector.

For the MSc, you will complete 12 taught modules (120 credit points) plus the industrial project worth 60

credits, totalling 180 credit points. This award has been accredited by RAeS and IMechE.

For the Postgraduate Diploma you will need to complete 12 taught modules (120 credit points).

For the Postgraduate Certificate, you will need to complete 6 taught modules (60 credit points).

You will be encouraged to select modules from the four areas of Aerospace, Manufacturing, Management and Design as well as a number of core modules.

The CPDA is offered as a part-time modular postgraduate programme with over 40 modules offered within the areas of Aerospace, Design, Manufacture and Management.

You can start your studies any time throughout the year and will be encouraged to complete your studies in the following periods:

Postgraduate Certificate within 2 years

Postgraduate Diploma within 3 years

MSc within 5 years

FeesCurrent fees for the CPDA modules and Postgraduate Qualification are available on the University website: www.uwe.ac.uk

The majority of students on the programme are sponsored by their employer. The Royal Aeronautical Society offers occasional professional funding grants; please refer to its web site for further information.

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Industrial ProjectA significant part of the MSc Aerospace is completion of an industrially-based project. The project will integrate the taught material and develop your ability to engage in an in-depth study of a substantial technical or management problem, relevant to your organisation.

The industrial project is a particularly attractive feature for employers as is provides the opportunity to deal with a real issue or problem in a very cost effective way. The project outcomes could have a significant impact on the operation or sustainability of your organisation.

The project will have both an industrial and an academic supervisor appointed. On completion of the project, you will be required to attend a viva volce examination which will allow you to share your research within your company.

Teaching and learningModules are delivered by a combination of class room lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions and occasional industrial visits.

You will be taught by experts from academia and industry, and approximately 25% of teaching is performed by skilled practitioners from industry who help express the academic theory through work-based examples.

Assessment will be done through a post-module assignment, which will normally be based on a problem or issue within your workplace and successful completion of each assignment will provide you with 10 credit points.

ModulesEach module is delivered over three to five days duration in Bristol apart from Flight Test Principles and Practice and Introduction to Helicopter Design which are delivered in Farnborough and Yeovil respectively. Rolls-Royce in-house modules are delivered onsite at Derby and Bristol.

Each module:

Consists of approximately 100 hours of work

• 10-15 hours on pre-module work;

• 35 hours of module including: lectures, case studies, presentations, discussions and group work;

• 55 hours on the post module assignment.

You will need to study at least one core module from each of the four clusters shown. This is to ensure that you have the breadth of learning required to really optimise on the holistic nature of the programme.

The balance of modules can be chosen from any of the areas above to suit the needs of your sponsoring employer as well as your own career objectives. You can choose to select these options just from one area of specialism or more broadly across two or more clusters. However, we recommend as wide a range as possible, to ensure you gain a broad set of skills and knowledge, with the ability to implement them as required by you and your organisation. All modules, with the exception of the industrial project (dissertation) are clustered around four areas, as follows:

Module Credit PointsCore (C)

Optional (O)

AerospaceIntroduction to Aeronautics 10 CAircraft Structural Design and Stress Analysis 10 OAircraft Propulsion 10 OAvionic Systems 10 OFlight Test Principles and Practice 10 OAircraft Operations and Performance 10 OAirworthiness 10 CAerospace Materials Engineering 10 OAerodynamics and Performance 10 OCivil Aircraft Maintenance 10 OIntroduction to Helicopter Design 10 OAircraft Systems Technology 10 OUnmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems 10 OSustainable Aviation 10 OHolistic Gas Turbine Design 10 C

ManufactureAircraft Manufacture and Assembly 10 CManufacturing Systems Engineering 10 CDecision Making for Manufacturing 10 O

Manufacturing Technology 10 O

DesignReliability and Maintainability 10 OAerospace Life Cycle Analysis and Cost Modelling 10 CNon-Linear Flight Mechanics 10 OFoundations of Systems Engineering 10 OSystems Engineering for Design 10 OAerospace Design Process: Concept to Compliance 10 CRequirements Engineering 10 OControl of Engineering Systems 10 OGas Turbine Performance 10 OIntroduction to Materials Engineering 10 OGas Turbine Materials 10 OBasic Stress Loads 10 O

Business and ManagementAerospace Strategic Management 10 CAerospace Marketing 10 OBusiness Systems Excellence 10 CManagement of International Aerospace Projects 10 OPeople in Organisations 10 CProject Management 10 CFinancial Management and Control 10 OProduct Liability and Contract Law 10 OCorporate Culture and the Management of Change 10 CAerospace Risk Management 10 OLean Thinking for Continuous Business Improvement 10 OExcellence Through Project Management 10 C

MSc Project 60 C

Nick Panayides

Paul Morrell

Marcus Louroza MSc Student, Airbus UK

I chose the CPDA course because of the wide range of modules and options it offers. These cover all aspects of the aerospace industry and the operational environment.

My approach to my work and career is now more professional. I am expanding my knowledge in areas that I had never been academically exposed to before, including managerial and business fields.

Students develop a broader understanding of all aspects of their employer. This is further developed through industrially-based assignment work, normally focusing on a problem or issue at work. I think this is a very effective way of fixing concepts and ideas.

Nick PanayidesMSc Student, AgustaWestland

I chose the CPDA programme because it offered a relevant Masters Degree within flexible timescales, with modules that support day to day activities within the aerospace sector. The modules I have completed to date have given me extra knowledge and confidence in the workplace and this would benefit myself and my employer. I have been pleasantly surprised at the amount of colleagues I have met and friends I have made on the modules. The CPDA programme enables professional engineers to network beyond their normal circle of colleagues. Personally I find the technical modules easier to absorb, however I probably learn more from the management modules - the selection caters for technical engineers and managers.

Paul Morrell MSc Student, Airbus UK

I chose the CPDA programme because the part time and modular nature of the course means I am able to tailor my studies to both my personal and company needs. The time required to complete the modules is also, for the most part, able to be squeezed into my other commitments.

The course has been beneficial to my career in that it has developed a better understanding of the business, my role within it and how I interact with other colleagues. I now feel more capable of supporting the business as it evolves within the market place. I have a better understanding of the way the company functions and its long-term goals. I feel I am more able to support these goals, by tailoring my personal objectives with the targets of the company.

The mix of taught activities and project work is usually very good, with the taught activities being suitably planned and delivered to provide the tools to then complete the project work.

Testimonials

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I felt that this course was a really good introduction to all the key principles of aerospace structural design. The section on testing was particularly interesting for me, hearing first hand experiences of serious structural issues such as flutter.

Andy Patterson, Short course student

Module SummaryAerospace ModulesIntroduction to AeronauticsThe module introduces the student to the whole field of aeronautics, aerospace engineering and the aerospace business in the widest sense.

It also introduces the modular MSc programme and provides a background to prepare students for the subsequent core modules. It is also suitable as a stand alone course for students wishing to gain an introduction to this subject area.

Aircraft Structural Design and Stress AnalysisThe aim of this module is for students to develop an appreciation of the criteria for the selection of aircraft material and the methods for designing and analysing aircraft structures, and how structural loading and stress analysis influence the decisions upon aircraft and helicopter shape and airworthiness.

Aircraft PropulsionThis module aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the characteristics of gas turbines for application in aircraft and helicopters. This will include technical performance, design and manufacturing aspects as well as their impact on the design of aircraft and helicopters and their relevance to operation and support.

Flight Test is an excellent and well balanced introduction to the Flight Test discipline. Highly recommended for Aerospace Engineers and other industry professionals

MSc Student

The Flight Test Principles and Practice course was a very enjoyable and informative course with a great combination of classroom lectures, group learning development activities, and flight simulator experience. The module leader and all guest speakers were very knowledgeable in the field of flight testing and engaging with the audience.

Short Course StudentFlight Test Principles and Practice

The module introduces students to the field of aircraft flight testing and will enable them to understand the processes involved in planning and executing effective flight trials to evaluate aircraft performance, stability and control.The module covers the following topics: airspeed measurement and calibration, performance testing, stability and control testing, trials planning, avionic systems testing, helicopter testing, flight test instrumentation. Students will also plan and undertake three practical flight tests exercises in a Beech King-Air simulator.

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Introduction to Helicopter DesignThe aim of this module is to provide an introduction to helicopter design principles for those who may wish to broaden their technical knowledge of helicopter design and operation.

The module will include the following:

• Introduction to helicopter design

• Fundamentals of aeromechanics

• Rotor dynamics

• Fuselage dynamics

• Helicopter acoustics

• Helicopter structures

• Rotor system design

• Helicopter transmissions

• Helicopter airframe systems

• Helicopter avionics

• Flight mechanics / handling qualities

• Rotorcraft design and development process future concepts

• Operating rotorcraft

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Aircraft Operations and PerformanceThis module provides students with an understanding of airline and military aircraft operations, covering concepts such as market requirements, infrastructure, cost modelling, yield management and dispatch.

The course will provide a comprehensive introduction to low-speed and high-speed integrated operational performance analysis when it pertains to contemporary fixed-wing aerospace vehicles.

The module sets out to develop an understanding of the fundamentals associated with the operation and performance optimisation of transport category and military aircraft.

AirworthinessThe module is directed toward an understanding of current airworthiness regulations by revealing the historical development and justification for regulations.

The module will cover the following topics:

Historical development and justification for regulations Certification requirements: the central issues and procedures, Differences of MoD policies from civil policies: clarification of the MoD’s position as both customer and regulator, Harmonisation of American and European certification requirements, Helicopter regulations, Problems of collaboration in international consortia, Internal structures in design engineering organisations, Testing requirements for complex mechanisms, Safety standards for light aircraft, Legal scene and accident investigation, Maintaining continued airworthiness and safety assessment.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Operation of a UAV system involves far more than just an aircraft. This module aims to give you an understanding of the many subsystems that must come together to make a successful UAV system and to illustrate how such systems are designed and integrated.

The module is run in conjunction with the Bristol International UAV Systems Conference providing the latest information from experts in the field both on operations and novel developments. Students will attend the UAV conference over two days and then a further three days will be spent on the module delivery of this subject.

The module comprises the following:-

• UAV types and roles

• UAV platform design

• Control and autonomy

• Ground systems

• Data-links and payloads

• Standards and regulations

• Operational experience

• UAV research topics.

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Sustainable AviationThis module is aimed at students who wish to develop their skills and knowledge in aerospace systems that meet present needs without compromising future developmental and operational needs. Development of such systems will need to incorporate the rigorous principles of sustainability.

The module sets out to develop an understanding of sustainability and the skills for sustainable aerospace development, including:

• Issuesrelatingtosustainable aerospace development

• Theimpactofaerospaceon the environment – focusing on climate change

• Regulatorypolicyonsustainability and aerospace development

• Economic,operationalandtechnological issues of aerospace development

• Industryviewofsustainable aerospace development – focusing on design efficiency, emission and noise control

• Sustainableaircraftdesign and manufacture - propulsion, aerodynamics, structures and avionics systems.

Holistic Gas Turbine DesignDelivered onsite at Rolls-Royce.

This module provides a balanced mixture of key point lectures on gas turbine theory supported by a hard calculation engine design exercise that applies the theory to the fundamental performance, aerodynamic and mechanical design of a simple turbofan or intercooled and recuperated marine engine. Lectures build up from fundamental physical explanations based on typical engineering or scientific degree knowledge.

Aircraft Systems TechnologyThe aim of this module is to provide an overview of the ever expanding role of aircraft systems in modern aircraft and to consider their design, development and certification aspects.

The module will include the following topics:

• Electricalpowergenerationanddistributionsystems

• Enginesystems

• Hydraulicsystems

• FuelSystems

• Environmentalcontrolsystems

• Primaryandsecondaryflightcontrol

• Landinggearandbreakingandsteeringsystems

• Iceandrainprotector

• Firedetection

• Emergencysystem

Avionic SystemsThe module provides a comprehensive overview of the technical performance, certification requirements and the technologies employed in current and future avionic systems – civil and military, in the context of their airborne operational environment.

The module will cover the following topics: systems engineering; systems safety, design processes and certification; airborne computing; flight control; engine control and utility systems; electrical systems; on-board sensors; communications and Nav-aids; civil flight deck; military crew station; navigation, flight management and mission management systems; radar and electro-optical systems.

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Aircraft Manufacture and AssemblyThe module aims to give engineering personnel an understanding of the way aircraft are manufactured and assembled and the importance of designing for ease of manufacture, maintenance and minimum cost while meeting customer requirements.

Manufacturing Systems EngineeringThe module aims to provide an overview of the range of functions within a manufacturing system and the inter-relationships involved. This module builds upon the material developed in Aircraft Manufacturing and Assembly and looks at the issues relating to volume and repetitive manufacturing.

Manufacturing Technology FoundationDelivered onsite at Rolls-Royce.

The aim of the course is to provide you with introduction to the methods of manufacture of the types of components used in gas turbines. It describes the purposes of fabrication processes and categorises the various approaches that are possible. General casting methods are discussed as well as bulk forming and sheet forming procedures.

Particular emphasis is placed on the control of metallurgical structure through special casting techniques and thermo-mechanical processing. The course includes a brief description of process models and their use in optimising metal usage and efficient manufacture of components with specified mechanical properties. Case studies include the forging of compressor discs and the casing of DS and single crystal turbine blades.

Decision Making for ManufactureThe module aims to provide an overview of the interaction between design and manufacture, the role of statistical analysis and decision making in the context of manufacturing and manufacturing system design and issues related to manufacturing cost. The module builds upon the material developed in Aircraft Manufacture and Assembly and Manufacturing Systems Engineering.

Manufacturing Modules

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Design ModulesReliability and MaintainabilityThe aim of the module is to give a basic understanding of Aircraft reliability and maintainability and the methods and techniques commonly used to perform analyses during the design, specification and in-service phases of a system.

Aircraft operators in general and airlines in particular are recognizing the importance of high availability whilst minimizing their in-service maintenance costs. In order to achieve this, the aircraft of the future will need to be more reliable, more maintainable, more supportable and more predictable.

Aerospace Life Cycle and Cost ModellingThis module will provide:

• A detailed understanding of the tools and techniques used for life cycle cost estimation and analysis in the aerospace industry

• An illustration of how these tools and techniques are used through the use of case studies

• An understanding of how manufacturing costs models can be developed and the importance of architectural and integration issues associated with IT solutions to cost estimation hands-on use of tools and techniques.

Foundations of Systems EngineeringThe module aims to develop a critical systems approach to engineering processes and practices within the wider organisational context

On completion of this module a student will typically be able to:

• understand the holistic approach to systems engineering

• understand issues in the embedding of systems engineering in an organisation and identify areas for the application of systems engineering

• understand the range of systems engineering methods and tools

• analyse and critique engineering practices

• understand the processes and practices of systematic systems engineering

Systems Engineering for DesignDelivered onsite at Rolls-Royce.

The module will include systems theory, customer needs and requirements, system sensitivity and failure analysis, concept generation and systems approach to verification and validation.

Aerospace Design Process: Concept to ComplianceAerospace design projects are generally characterised by large distributed design teams and long duration projects, thus aerospace design engineers frequently do not have a good overview of the entire design process and because of the relative infrequency of projects will gain design experience at a relatively low rate. This module intends to give an understanding of the total design process associated with aerospace products and to give delegates a firm grasp of the dynamics and relative importance of each stage of the design process.

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Requirements EngineeringThe aim of this module is to provide knowledge of the requirements, engineering process and it’s context within systems engineering. The module will include the following topics:

• The characterisitics of requirements

• The requirements engineering process

• Managing requirements

• Roleplay, discussion and reflective activities

Gas Turbine PerformanceDelivered onsite at Rolls-Royce.

The module provides a detailed understanding of gas turbine performance from both the manufacturer and user standpoints. The module covers cycle selection to suit engine application and engine behaviour under a variety of conditions.

Introduction to Materials EngineeringDelivered onsite at Rolls-Royce.

The module provides a comprehensive grounding in materials. It covers the principles of materials selection, mechanical behaviour of materials, solidification, and the evolution of microstructure, deformation processes and failure modes.

Gas Turbine MaterialsDelivered onsite at Rolls-Royce.

Provides a detailed insight into the current range of materials used in gas turbines and focuses on their performance envelope and limitations. It covers titanium alloys, nickel alloys, steels and composites, processing and heat treatment, microstructures and recent advances.

Basic Stress Loads Delivered onsite at Rolls-Royce.

This module provides a basic understanding of the sources of stress in the major components of gas turbines and their application to component life prediction. It covers static and rotating structures, the relationships between stress and strain conditions and mechanical integrity and the interface between external loads, material of construction, resultant stresses/strains and mechanical performance.

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Management and Business Modules

Aerospace Strategic ManagementThe aim of the module is to provide the engineer with the tools and industry knowledge necessary to understand the commercial development and organisation of the Aerospace industry and the strategies of individual firms.

Aerospace MarketingTo provide a general introduction to marketing for non-marketing executives working within the aerospace industry, and to equip them with an understanding of the role of marketing, and market orientation, in contributing to organisational ability to deliver value to customers.

Business Systems ExcellenceThis module aims to introduce the principles of effective business systems management (Total Quality Management) and is aimed at achieving excellence and total customer satisfaction in the context of organisational and cultural change and dedicated to the continuous improvement of products and services.

Management of International Aerospace ProjectsTo develop an awareness of specific characteristics and challenges associated with contemporary international aerospace projects, and to accelerate the development of operational, strategic and leadership skills for effective participation in a successful management of projects in the international aerospace context.

People in OrganisationsThis module explores how and why people perform effectively in organisations and demonstrates how and why the organisation of human as well as technical and financial resources contributes directly to organisational success.

Excellent course, made the subject matter very interesting and got it across to the audience

Financial Management and Control student

Good balance between theoretical learning and practical application provides a connection between the financial world and engineering world in a way which I have never seen before. The course tutors were very good as well!”

Financial Management and Control student

Project ManagementThis course looks at the main theories of project management with particular reference to systems and integrating theories, to enable those in general and project management to use these methods to achieve complex organisational and technical goals. Graduates working in aerospace project organisations who need to acquire techniques for managing complex work programmes should consider attending. It may also be suitable for managers who need to broaden their knowledge of modern team management systems

Financial Management and ControlThe module aims to generate a financial awareness which will influence your decision-making processes, proposals and information analysis. It will also enable you to understand and use the language of accountancy.

Product Liability and Contract LawThe module aims to provide you with an understanding of liability matters worldwide and also be able to take the necessary practical steps to minimise the chances of liability.

Corporate Culture and the Management of ChangeWhy do so many change programmes fail to meet their objectives? To what extent can scientific planning principles be applied to change situations that require the commitment of others? The so-called ‘soft’ or ‘people’ issues are often the hard ones to manage. How can we pragmatically manage our own and others’ emotions, and so raise everyone’s engagement? This module introduces theoretical and practical approaches to understanding organisation culture and change. It enables participants to develop practical insights into planning and managing change.

Aerospace Risk ManagementThis module is intended for managers, graduates and experienced staff involved in new product development, research and development, innovation, design, manufacturing, support, management of change or technology transfer who need to manage risks within the aerospace and defence context.

The module comprises the following topics;

• Business, organisation and project risk

• Risks in R&D, new product/process development, innovation, change management, international programmes, technology transfer, manufacturing, support, contracting, aerospace regulations

• Human, system and organisational factors

• Risk management strategies and plans

• Tools and techniques for risk identification, analysis and action

Lean ThinkingDelivered onsite at Rolls-Royce.

Course Content

• The five principles of Lean Thinking

• Human factors within the change process

• Analysis of the business processes and implementation of the principles of lean in order to enhance customer value

• Knowledge of the tools and techniques available to support the change process

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Excellence through Project ManagementDelivered onsite at Rolls-Royce. The course introduces and develops the planning and control skills necessary for the successful management of projects. It will cover the following topics;

• Project management terms and definitions

• The role and accountability of the project manager

• Leadership and teamwork

• Planning techniques

• Risk management, work breakdown structures and milestones

• Budgeting and earned value analysis.

Research ProjectA significant part of the Master’s degree is completion of an industrial project which contributes towards a third the overall award. The area of research should be relevance to contribute towards your organisation.

The project is generally designed to integrate the taught elements of the programme. It is intended to develop your ability to

engage in an in-depth study of a substantial technical or management problem and is expected to be relevant to organisation business objectives. The nature of the problem should be such that it provides you with the scope to carry out a logical analysis, explore solutions based on the knowledge gained through the taught material and independent study, make recommendations and put forward convincing arguments in your defence.

The aim of the project is to provide you with the opportunity to develop your skills of project management and prepare a clear, concise and logical project report. Topics can be technical, business related, or both. Previous research areas have included:

• The role of helicopters in network enabled capability

• Airworthiness requirements for fixed wing light unmanned air vehicles

• Feasibility study for a missile rail launcher body to be manufactured from a composite material

• Preliminary design tool for turboprop and prop-fan propulsion systems

• Vibration reduction strategies for rotorcraft engine installation

It is expected that a significant proportion of the time spent on the project would be during normal working hours. For this reason it is important that the organisation is fully involved in the initial selection and subsequent monitoring of the project to completion. An industrial supervisor and an academic supervisor are therefore appointed for each project. The academic supervisor is appointed by the university, whilst the industrial supervisor is normally nominated and engaged by you.

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Graduate DevelopmentThe Rolls-Royce Early Engineering Early Professional Development Programme

In the late 1990s, Rolls-Royce wished to broaden the master’s level professional development arrangements for its graduate recruits in the engineering function. It set about developing what is now the Rolls-Royce Engineering Early Professional Development Programme (RREEPDP) with the CPDA’s assistance.

The RREEPDP programme is designed for all early-career professional engineers, whatever their route of entry to the company – for example, graduate programme or direct entry.

Rolls-Royce typically recruits between 60 and 70 graduate engineers a year, all of whom are eligible to join the programme.

The company views the development programme as an important means of broadening graduates’ technical skills and developing wider business and management knowledge.

Collaboration on delivery is a hallmark of the programme. Many modules are taught at Rolls-Royce premises in either Derby or Bristol, although some sessions take place at one or the other of the universities. The modules are led and taught by a mix of external academics and internal experts employed by Rolls-Royce.

The company also draws on its recent retirees for guest speakers and viva assessors, thereby encouraging knowledge transfer between some of its most experienced ex-employees and new recruits. The choice of modules means the programme is tailored to the company’s operational needs, whilst having its own employees so directly involved in delivery further customises it. As all modules are open via the CPDA to delegates from other companies, Rolls-Royce employees also have the opportunity to develop external networks as well as broaden their perspectives on business and technical issues.

There is high level support at Rolls-Royce for the programme, with senior management presenting awards at regular in-house achievement ceremonies.

Company TestimonialRolls-Royce Jim Wickerson, Specialist Gas Turbine Design Trainer at Rolls-Royce, FIMechE

The EEPDP scheme helps Rolls-Royce to provide good quality professional engineering training to its new graduates. It provides the opportunity to attend university-taught courses alongside work-based project and assignment work, making the whole training package more attractive. Our trainees spend hundreds of hours of their own time studying to develop their abilities to the mutual benefit of both Rolls-Royce and themselves.

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For further information or an application form, please contact:

CPDA Office Room 3Q75Faculty of Environment and TechnologyUniversity of the West of EnglandFrenchay CampusColdharbour LaneBristol BS16 1QY

Telephone 0117 32 83030Website www.uwe.ac.uk E-mail cpda@uwe.ac.uk