Developing Manufacturing Strategy: Methods and Techniques for Competitive Advantage

This Assignment assesses the following module Learning Outcomes (Take these from the module DMD):

* critically apply the theoretical knowledge and tools required to develop a manufacturing strategy;

* derive appropriate manufacturing strategies to suit different companies and product scenarios;

1.Describe the range of methods, tools and techniques used gaining competitive advantage using research and development

2.Contrast the predicted claimed benefits and identify drawbacks based on an SME versus a global corporation (using your research to support this)

3.Provide a final summary of the research material (examples) and the comparisons made.

Some of the following will be useful sources of material:

International Journal of Production Research

Journal of Engineering & Technology Management

Journal of the international academy for case studies

International Journal of Technology Management

International Journal of Production Economics

Production and operations management

Submit word document online before the submission deadline. You are expected to provide a range of secondary sources to underpin your work. These should be cited and referenced according to the Harvard convention.

•the title page

•table of contents

•list of references (in text citations are included)

Material in appendices will not count for marks and they should not exceed 8 pages in length. Assignments shorter than 1,800 words will not lose marks but may lead to the omission of material which would gain them. Any words over will not be marked. You should not use any mechanism, such as embedded jpeg images containing significant text, to circumvent the word count.

1.Final Report presentation

2.An appropriate range of methods, tools and techniques related to R&D for competitive advantage

3.Contrast the predicted claimed benefits and identify drawbacks using the two types of business for a comparison using examples.

4.Appropriate summary based on the research and report comparisons.

1.For undergraduate modules, a score above 40% represent a pass performance at honours level.

2.For postgraduate modules, a score of 50% or above represents a pass mark.

3.Modules may have several components of assessment and may require a pass in all elements. For further details, please consult the relevant Module Guide or ask the Module Leader.

A report that displays significant weaknesses across a range of relevant topics or headings encompassed by the project aim. Little evidence of knowledge or understanding about the subject area and limited or superficial use of external material to support the work presented.

A competent attempt with a reasonable, if modest, knowledge and understanding of relevant material. Makes use of evidence from outside sources but not always properly related to the research problem or aim. Some important / salient points, factual and intellectual, are made but may have some significant omissions. There is evidence of attempted critique but often some information may be used uncritically, without a serious attempt at analysis, evaluation or interpretation.

Good in almost all respects but several areas where further work could have been merited or where additional analysis or consideration might have been useful. A good knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the project topic is clearly present with evidence of reading and study beyond the guidance given by the supervisor, and that expected of a threshold report. Examples are well chosen and salient points are emphasized 

Very good in almost all respects. Extensive knowledge and understanding clear and includes evidence of substantial reading and study beyond the guidance given by the supervisor, and that expected of a good report. Examples are well chosen, salient points are emphasized and the relevance to engineering, management, the profession or other practice is highlighted.

Outstanding/Excellent report showing experience and knowledge beyond the demands of this topic. A clear and concise report highlighting issues with a concise and critique with salient conclusions.