GENERAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

Module Title:

Manufacturing Systems Design

Module Code:

M34012

Level:

7

Assessment Title:

Simulation-Based Diagnosis and Redesign of a Production Line.

Assessment Description (short):

In this assessment, students will model a production line, find bottlenecks, and test improvements using Enterprise Dynamics Simulation software. Each student will first build their individual models, then use their individual input to build the final group model.

Assessment

Weighting:

50%

Word Count/Time:

25-minute group presentation

Aggregation:

Pass

Individual/Group:

Group

Mode of Submission:

WISEflow: Folder with final group three simulation models

Live, in-person: Group technical poster – A0 size [Bring hardcopy for the presentation]

Other: Individual reflective video 2.5 minutes [each individual submits

themselves]

Submission Deadline:

18 March 2026

Anonymous Marking:

No

Planned Feedback

timing:

2 weeks

MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

TICK IF ASSESSED

IN THIS ASSESSMENT TASK

LO1

Critically appraise a systematic approach with lean thinking and apply it into analysis, planning,

design and performance evaluation of a complex production system.

LO2

Examine modelling techniques and mathematical approaches for capturing the deterministic and stochastic behaviours of manufacturing and prototyping systems.

X

LO3

Identify and critically assess key bottlenecks in an existing manufacturing system,

 providing alternative solutions for system improvement, including flexibility,reconfigurability and responsiveness with innovative features to create efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly systems, based on numerical analysis and results.

X

Task

Description

Learning Outcome

Target Week

Task A

Individual baseline simulation model and reflection notes

LO2

Week 2

Task B

Comparison of Individual Baseline Models and Development of Group Baseline Model

LO2 → LO3

Week 3

Task C

Individual Simulation Modelling of Management-Proposed Improvement Strategies

LO2 → LO3

Week 4

Task D

Group Evaluation and Synthesis of Management-Proposed Improvement Strategies

LO3

Week 5

Task E

Group poster presentation & simulation demonstration; individual reflection

LO3 + reflection

Week 6

ASSESSMENT TASKS

Assessment 2 is one integrated assessment, completed across the 6-week block. It consists of both individual and group elements, all of which contribute to the final mark. The production line case study will be provided by the lecturer.

To support clarity and effective time management, each task is explicitly associated with a target completion week, as shown in Table 1.

Task A: Individual baseline simulation model and reflection notes)

• Build an individual baseline model
• Find bottlenecks and explain why.
• Write an individual short reflection (what, why, issues).

Task B: Comparison of Individual Baseline Models and Development of Group Baseline Model

• Compare individual models
• Use individual input to build and agree on the final group baseline model.
• Agree on the production line bottlenecks

Task C: Individual Simulation Modelling of Management-Proposed Improvement Strategies

• Individually model two management strategies in the case study provided.
• Keep all other settings the same
• Run the simulation and record changes in the KPIs
• Write an individual short reflection (what, why, issues).

Task D: Group Evaluation and Synthesis of Management-Proposed Improvement Strategies

• Compare individual models
• Use individual input to build and agree on the final group models with management suggestions.
• Run the two simulations and record changes in the KPIs.
• Pick the best strategy to suggest to the management.

Task E: Group poster presentation & simulation demonstration; individual reflection

Group technical poster

• Poster presentation plus simulation demonstration
• Submission of individual reflection video

COLLABORATION REQUIREMENTS

• Groups will be assigned by the tutor in the first week of the module.
• Each group will use a dedicated Microsoft Teams channel for communication and collaboration.
• At least two recorded collaboration meetings are expected.
• All individual models and notes must be saved in the group workspace.
• Individual models must be saved as Student Name_Surname_Flowshop (Model Number).mod for example Whisper_Maisiri_Flowshop1.mod
• Group models must be saved as Group Name_Flowshop (Model Number).mod for example Group3_Flowshop1.mod
• The reflective summary must be saved as Student Name_Surname_Notes Task Number for

example Whisper_ Maisiri_Notes Task A and submitted on MS Teams.

Marking Criteria

Individual Modelling (20%)

• clear structure and naming
• sensible assumptions
• bottleneck identified with evidence
• honest short reflection Group Diagnosis & Improvement (20%)
  • evidence of collaborative synthesis
  • combine models into one
  • use numbers to justify bottlenecks
  • show correct simulation use
  • Justify the selected management improvement strategy Poster & Demo (35%)
    • clear visuals
    • accurate demo
    • everyone can answer questions Process & Reflection (25%)
      • show meetings and contributions
      • reflection explains learning and challenges

Use of AI Tools

Permitted?

Acknowledge

use?

Additional Notes

Planning your time

and assessment

Yes

No

• Plans generated by AI may not always be

suitable.

Finding answers to

pre-workshop quizzes

No

Not applicable

• The quizzes are designed to help you check your understanding.

Reflection

No

Not applicable

• Reflection a task for you and your brain!
  • Asking a tool to reflect for you is dishonest and the work will probably have factual errors – an easy way to fail!

Brainstorming

Yes

Yes

• AI may not necessarily produce the most

reliable and credible solutions or ideas.

• The AI tool can help you develop your ideas, but it should not replace them.

Uploading UoP course materials to AI tools

No (with an

exception)

Not applicable

• Uploading course materials usually breaks copyright,
• Exception: You have permission (e.g., to

support a disability).

Uploading other people’s personal

or sensitive data

No

Not applicable

• This is against UK law (UK Data Protection

Act 2018).

Searching for and summarising sources (e.g., articles, books,

websites)

Yes

Yes

• You must still read, check, and cite the

original sources.

• Do not copy and paste AI-generated summaries into your work.

Translating from other languages to aid comprehension

Yes

No

• Translation should support understanding

only.

• Do not copy and paste translations into

your assessment.

Using AI-generated text as source material (e.g.,

asking a tool a

No (with an

exception)

Not applicable

• You should not use AI tools as a source. Instead, find, read, and cite reliable, academic, or professional sources.

Use of AI Tools

Permitted?

Acknowledge

use?

Additional Notes

question and using the answer in your work)

• Exception: If you are talking about an AI tool in your reflection, you can quote or paraphrase what the AI tool said. Add a

citation and reference.

Writing or rewriting parts of (or all of) your assignment

No

Not applicable

• You must not use AI to write or rephrase

content included in your final submission.

• Do not copy and paste output from AI tools into your work.

Generating or editing non-text media (e.g., images, charts, videos, audio)

Yes

Yes

• AI produced media may not be accurate, so review itbefore including it in your work.
• Any AI-generated media included in your assessment must be explained, cited,

referenced, and linked.

Generating citations and references

No

Not applicable

• Learning how to cite and reference is a vital part of your studies.
• Do not paste AI generated citations and

references into your submission.

Getting feedback on language, references, your writing style, etc

Yes

Yes

• You must review and approve any

corrections yourself.

• Do not copy and paste edited content from an AI tool into your work.

Other uses

It depends!

Yes

• Other ways may be permitted if they

support your learning without replacing it.

• Ask your lecturer if you are unsure.