Master of Industrial Engineering

This subject seeks to -

• Build a thorough understanding of the theoretical and conceptual basis upon which the practice of financial project analysis is built and its application to engineering
• Satisfy the practical needs of the engineering manager toward making informed financial decisions when involved in an engineering project
• Incorporate critical decision-making tools that engineering managers can bring to the task of making informed financial decisions.

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Industries widely apply systems engineering for various projects (e.g., product design, process improvement) to handle the system complexity and to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency through the project life cycle. This subject offers a practical introduction to the system engineering principles in an industrial context. The lectures and project work will expose students to the various stages of the systems engineering process and a range of simulation techniques.

Topics covered are grouped in four modules: 1) fundamentals of systems engineering; 2) functional analysis and conceptional modelling; 3) model implementation and discrete event simulation; and, 4) model validation and system evaluation. This subject will include a high level of industry engagement. Real world problems and industry projects will be used as learning instrument to provide first hand experience and to reinforce the system thinking as engineers. Industrial speakers are also invited as guest lectures to provide broader examples of engineering projects.

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Over the history of industrialisation, the manufacturing industry has developed and deployed a diversity of manufacturing processes and technologies to fulfil ever-increasing demands from society for products and service. The aim of this subject is to provide students with the capacity to understand conventional and advanced manufacturing processes, as well as the ability to determine appropriate process pathways of processes for producing specific products.

This course consists of three main modules: 1) Fundamentals of manufacturing, materials and testing methods; 2) Conventional manufacturing processes and technology (e.g. machining, casting, forming and joining);3) Advanced manufacturing processes and technology (e.g. advanced machining, additive manufacturing, surface technology, micro and nano fabrication technology). This subject has a series of laboratory exercises that provide hands-on experience with manufacturing in real-life scenarios.

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Automation and Information Technology (IT) is essential for the survival of a company within the current manufacturing environment. This subject takes a hierarchical view of manufacturing operations which are associated with a task, part, product and order completion. After a broad introduction to the role of automation in industry and beyond, this hierarchical approach to considering manufacturing operations is discussed. The subject discusses, in turn, the different requirements for manufacturing automation and information systems that are required to manage each of the different levels of the hierarchy culminating in an examination of automation and information systems beyond the factory as they apply to an industrial supply chain.

Topics covered are grouped in terms of the different levels of the operational hierarchies, starting at the lowest level of device control and automation and working through to control and information requirements of the organisation and its supply chain. This subject will incorporate real-world problems and industrial grounding activities to reinforce aspects of the work practically.

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Since the first industrial revolution, industrial engineering has evolved as a major engineering and management discipline, the effective utilization of which has contributed to our increased standard of living through increased productivity, quality of work, and improvements in the working environment. This subject is being introduced to offer students an overview of industrial engineering as well as its core principles and approaches, allowing a deeper understanding of the role of industrial engineers in society and organisations.

This subject introduces concepts and most common approaches of industrial engineering, allowing students a wider view of their role. Topics covered are grouped in four modules: (1) history and fundamental concepts of industrial engineering; (2) principles and techniques of lean production; (3) facility planning and production flow design; and, (4) work measurement and ergonomics. A diversified set of classroom and industry activities help to consolidate the concepts and illustrate their applicability, preparing students for the upcoming subjects of the course and enabling a wider view of industrial engineering.

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Reliability and quality are essential elements for today's products, processes and services, since failure in achieving either one can have major consequences. This subject aims to offer a comprehensive overview of methodologies and tool to evaluate and demonstrate reliability and quality of components, equipment, processes and systems, supporting more assertive decision-making from engineers who wish to build a competitive edge in a wide variety of industries.

This course consists of four main modules - 1) Probability and engineering statistics; 2) Reliability and maintenance engineering; 3) Quality management and process control, and 4) Design of experiments. Topics include basic probability rules; random variables and distribution functions; functions of random variables; ANOVA; design of engineering experiments; methods of reliability; management and applications to quality control and the reliability assessment of the product in an engineering industry.

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This subject examines the engine of every organisation: its productive processes. These are the systems, processes and activities that convert the organisation's inputs into its outputs. Whether manufacturing of goods or provision of services, the principles and techniques of Operations Management can assist an organisation to achieve effective outcomes in terms of cost, quality, delivery, service levels, flexibility and innovation. This subject is integrative in nature, drawing upon concepts originally developed in other areas. The traditional topics such as: assessing the strategic importance of operations; planning and controlling the use of resources; ensuring quality of products and services; and various human issues involved in operations are examined from a contemporary perspective that involves complex phenomena such as globalisation, supply chains, virtual and e-operations, agile/lean operations and mass customisation. Quantitative approaches are often useful in leading us toward possible solutions and so these are introduced where appropriate. However, in many situations, it is sufficient to descriptively understand the critical issues and major trade-offs involved. Finally, links with other areas of decisions and organisational functions are considered as they are critical to getting the most from the operations system.

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A central innovation task is to identify the real problem that lies beneath the surface-level symptoms. Another is to find the best solution to that underlying problem. Professional work is often the same. Clearly defined tasks can frequently be delegated to a machine or a technician. Furthermore, because innovation problems are big and messy, we often need diverse teams to solve them. This subject aims to give you theoretical frameworks, practical insights, and preliminary skills to solve ambiguous problems and to work successfully in teams.

You will develop these understandings, insights and skills by working on two projects.  In the first, your multi-disciplinary team, supported by a mentor, will propose an innovation that helps a partner (industry, hospital, not-for-profit, start-up, the University) address a strategic challenge.  Through that project, you will learn the “what and how” of delivering innovation-like projects – understanding the relationship between your challenge and the organisation’s strategy; designing, securing, and conducting interviews; analysing qualitative data to generate insights; ideation and creativity techniques to create value; stakeholder management; working in an intense team on an ambiguous problem; visual and oral communication.  In the second, you will develop the ability to apply to the same concepts to yourself – How will you know what you want and need?   How will you know if you need to change?  How will you innovate yourself as your interests, needs, and work world shift?

We aim for you and your team to own your project and your learning.

Design Innovation and Leadership (DIAL) is delivered by the University's multi-award-winning Innovation Practice Program. To learn more about the Program, including a video about the subject, the range of organizations that have participated as sponsors, examples of past projects, and to hear students talk about their experiences in the predecessor subject, CIE/CIP, please go to the Innovation Practice Program’s website.

All project sponsors will require that students maintain the confidentiality of their proprietary information.  The University will require all students (except those working on projects sponsored by the University itself) to assign any Intellectual Property they create (other than Copyright in their Assessment Materials) to the sponsor of their project. The projects may vary in the hours needed for a successful outcome.

Master of Engineering students please note: This subject has been integrated with the Skills Towards Employment Program (STEP) to create a straightforward pathway for completion of the Engineering Practice Hurdle (EPH). See the STEP page for more information.

Please note: If you commenced a Master of Engineering degree prior to 2025, DIAL qualifies for the selective slot previously held by Creating Innovative Engineering. Engineering students who commenced in 2025 or later may only take DIAL as an elective.

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Critical Communication for Engineers (CCE) addresses the skills vital for professional success. Problem analysis skills and being able to present solutions effectively to your engineering peers, leaders and the broader community are a powerful combination. These are the focus of CCE.

They are challenging skills to learn—and you will likely work to improve them throughout your career. Effective communication is not merely about how to write a report or to give a formal presentation. Developing a strong argument—having something insightful to communicate—is essential for capturing the attention of an audience. This requires developing good interpersonal skills for gathering information and testing ideas.

The subject is divided into four ‘topics’ presented in sequence through the semester. Each topic is self-contained and dedicated to a different engineering issue. There is an assessment for each topic, meaning that you will be able to apply what you have learned from one topic to the following topics. This way, you will have a lot of opportunities to practise and develop your analytical and communication skills.

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The subject involves undertaking a substantial group project (typically in groups of three students) requiring an independent investigation on an approved topic in advanced engineering design and / or research. Each project is carried out under the supervision of a member of academic staff and where appropriate an industry partner.

The emphasis of the project can be associated with either:

• A well-defined project description, often based on a task required by an external, industrial client. Students will be tutored in the synthesis of practical solutions to complex technical problems within a structured working environment, as if they were professional engineering practitioners; or
• A project description that will require an explorative approach, where students will pursue outcomes associated with new knowledge or understanding, within the engineering science disciplines, often as an adjunct to existing academic research initiatives.

It is expected that the Capstone Project will incorporate findings associated with both well-defined professional practice and research principles and will provide students with the opportunity to integrate technical knowledge and generic skills gained in earlier years.

The project component of this subject is supplemented by a lecture course dealing with project management tools and practices.

Please note:

Students enrolled in the suite of Master of Engineering programs must be within the final 112.5 points of their degree to enrol.

Students enrolled in the Master of Industrial Engineering must be within the final 100 points of their degree to enrol.

Students are to take Engineering Capstone Project Part 1 and then subsequently continue with Engineering Capstone Project Part 2 in the following semester. Upon successful completion of this project, students will receive 25 points credit.

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Please refer to ENGR90037 Engineering Capstone Project Part 1 for this information.

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The use of mathematical optimisation is widespread in business, where it is a key analytical tool for managing and planning business operations. It is also required in many industrial processes and is useful to government and community organizations. This subject will expose students to operations research techniques as used in industry. A heavy emphasis will be placed on the modelling process that turns an industrial problem into a mathematical formulation. The focus will then be on how to solve the resulting mathematical problem with mixed-integer programming techniques.

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As manufacturers compete in the global market, their success largely depends on the ability to reduce time in the product development process, improve product quality and productivity, lower cost in the manufacturing process, fulfil customer's requirements and address environmental concerns. Therefore, this subject aims to equip students with a systematic approach to undertake abstract and concrete design tasks, considering the broader engineering environment and the ability to select suitable manufacturing processes to realize their designs.

Topics include an overview of the theory of design and concurrent engineering, conceptual and detailed design based on customer requirements, design for manufacturing and assembly, cost-effective design and environmentally conscious design. This project-based subject allows students to work individually and in a team environment to design and manufacture a functional product.

Please view this video for further information: Design and Manufacturing Practice

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Digitalisation affects all aspects of the value chain and all levels of business. This subject embraces the wide range of industrial developments related to digital transformation such as industrial internet-of-things (IIOT) and digital twins. Digital transformation of industrial systems is defined as the application of digital information (from multiple sources, formats, owners) for the enhancement of manufacturing processes, value chains, products and services.

This subject consists of four modules. The first module provides an overview of the technologies, approaches, applications and rationale for modern digital systems deployments in industry. The following three modules then focus on three distinct dimensions to digital transformation in industrial systems that have been identified: Vertical Systems Integration (connecting production to the business), Horizontal Systems Integration (connecting a manufacturer to suppliers, customers and partners) and End-To-End Systems Integration (connecting concept, design, prototype and product development). Each of these modules will examine industrial challenges, solution areas, relevant technologies and applications.

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Humankind faces global challenges related to economy, ecology and socio-policy, e.g. population growth, climate change, and unequal development. Unsustainable consumption and production patterns have resulted in substantial economic and social costs and may endanger life on our planet. Engineers and scientists have developed methods and tools to evaluate and implement technological and societal processes to tackle the challenges of sustainability. Therefore, this subject aims to develop a holistic view of engineering the entire life cycle of a product or service from raw material extraction, production, usage to disposal.

This subject consists of four main modules 1) sustainable development and life cycle thinking; 2) life cycle analysis tools, 3) eco-design and cleaner production, and 4) closed-loop economy. This subject will engage students with the state-of-the-art research development and leading industrial practices in topics such as product life cycle management, life cycle assessment, sustainable manufacturing, circular economy etc. Guest speakers are also invited to provide broader examples from a global perspective.

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This subject is aimed at developing an advanced understanding of the principles, concepts and approaches employed in the management of supply chains between industrial, commercial, and governmental organisations. It includes the management of materials and information in trading partner relationships. It also includes cost-savings, time-to-market, new product development, and consideration of supply chain management in these and other strategic contexts. Strategic issues relevant to the management of supply chains are covered. These include management of trading partner relationships, use of information technology, configuration of logistics networks and managing international supply chains.

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AIMS

Students will learn how to structure and work with engineering contracts to deliver and procure engineering outcomes in this subject. Students will develop a working knowledge of contract administration and gain an understanding of commercial aspects of engineering. All engineers interface commercially with engineering contracts throughout their careers, and thus the application of the subject content is broad. Those seeking to work as a contractor and as a contract administrator will find a direct application of this subject’s content. Students will learn how to use procurement and contracts to develop successful engineering projects. This includes administration of the contracts and understanding the business environment where these contracts are agreed. These skills will be useful to students in their future work and apply to a wide range of engineering disciplines.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

Management of engineering projects. This includes the role and responsibilities of corporate managers, market analysis, structuring of procurement options, development of contractual terms and conditions and the pricing of work.

Estimating and tendering engineering works via work breakdown structures, work method statements, risk identification and tendering principles. The study material also covers contract administration and project control functions and techniques including time and money negotiations and cash flow management.

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In fiercely competitive global and dynamic environments, companies face increasing pressures to exceed customer expectations along multiple performance measures, such as cost, quality, flexibility and innovativeness. To outperform their competitors, many firms make the mistake of mimicking their rivals, rather than focusing on developing the organizational capabilities that competitors will find difficult to match over the long term. And although operations are at the core of a firm’s value adding activities, few firms have sought to build a sustainable competitive advantage around these capabilities.

As such, this subject emphasises the critical nature of Operations Management as an essential part of a competent engineer’s portfolio of knowledge and skills. Operations deals with the design, management and continuous improvement of business processes. It aims at providing some of the core concepts in operations that are essential for leveraging a firm’s operational capabilities to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. This course provides a logical and rigorous approach to plan and control process structure and managerial levers to achieve desired business process performance.

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AIMS

This subject examines the structure and basic building blocks of high performing organisations from a senior management perspective. It covers tools and techniques to conduct both an analysis of the external environment and the strategies to align the appropriate internal skills and capabilities.

INDICATIVE CONTENT

The subject includes:

• The role of leadership in strategy formulation and its balance with execution
• Overcoming the barriers to implementation of strategic plans
• Business integration and managing technology
• Entrepreneurship in modern business.

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