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If sufficient demand

The aim of the course is to provide students with basic understanding, knowledge and insights with regard to the most common process and organisation models, methods and techniques within the area of product development. Most of the time, Undergraduate teaching in product development usually focuses on one methodology and its tools, aiming to provide students with understanding and skills within this field, but it is insufficient for students who want to conduct research within the area. In contrast to other subjects, product development is characterised by widely different perspectives and theories and it is necessary to be informed about the variety, scope and shortcomings of existing methods, techniques and processes to be able to understand published research and develop new methods. The present course provides students with broader knowledge and a critical approach to product development models and the theories on which they are based.

Each student will be provided with a selection of basic references. The focus is on physical, engineered products, but not solely on the technical aspects of product developement. The references are either standard texts within the area, i.e. syntheses of relevant research, or studies that critically discuss these standard texts. Several texts should differ considerably from the knowledge acquired by students in previous studies and enable a broader perspective.
In consultation with the supervisor, the student is to select 5–7 of the references proposed in the reference list. In exceptional cases, students may select references not included on the list. For each text or set of texts, the student is to orally report to the main supervisor or a suitable person appointed by the main supervisor, the most important elements of the text or set of texts and possibly to position the text/s with regards to other references. The oral reports are compulsory but not assessed. After a certain number of reports, the principal supervisor or person appointed by the principal supervisor is to decide together with the student on a certain area of specialisation, possibly linked to the student’s thesis project, which is to be pursued by the student and reported at a public seminar. The student will be assessed on the basis of this seminar.

knowledge of the most well-known theories and process and organisation models, methods and techniques within the field
ability to classify and discern the scope of the different theories and process models of the area, as well as how they are related and overlap with each other
sufficient insight into the theories and process and organisation models, methods and techniques within the field so as to be able to determine their role, significance and limitations in academic and industrial contexts

identify and determine the theories, models or conceptual frames informing the academic texts used by the student for his or her thesis project
identify and determine the most suitable theories, models or conceptual frames for his or her own thesis project

critically reflect on and propose improvements to existing theories, models or conceptual frames within the area.

Self-study literature review

Seminars given by participants

Failed, pass

General knowledge of product development corresponding to that acquired for an MSc in Mechanical Engineering and experience of a product development/construction project.

 

The student is to select 5–7 titles in the list of references in consultation with the principal supervisor. In exceptional cases, the student in consultation with the supervisor may select the titles required to complete the assignment.

Course coordinator: Robert Bjärnemo

MMK001F

 -10-30

FN3/Per Tunestål