PO 1: Apply the knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering practices, innovation techniques, entrepreneurship and human factors to provide value-adding solutions to complex Mechanical Engineering challenges
PO1 Attainment: 80/100
Self-Assessment: 4/5
Appendix A – PO1
A1: Engineering Design and Innovation
A2: Design of Engineering Components and Systems
A3: Business Skills for Engineers
The first programme outcome (PO) relates to the ability of an individual to come up with valuable solutions to engineering challenges through the application of mathematics, science, engineering practices, innovation techniques, entrepreneurship and human factors. One module that can be linked to this programme outcome is Engineering Design and Innovation. For the group project, my team decided to build a semi-autonomous device that is able to remove waste from water sources while creating monetary gains for end-users. The whole design and building process for the device was based on the engineering practice of using the Understand, Observe, Ideate and Prototype (UIOP) method. This method not only enabled us to clearly identify the issue at hand but also gave us a broader view of what was required to be put in the design of the final solution. An Ishikawa Diagram was also used to breakdown the complex engineering issue and find out the root cause. The ‘Six-Hat’ Technique was also key for us to further refine our design before actually building the prototype. Hence, preventing effort and time wastage. In addition, a business value summary was conducted on our design based on specific criteria determined by the team to evaluate the potential gains for the end-user. Attached in Appendix A1 are parts of the module’s final report, Scheme of Work (SOW), student handbook and team/ product pictures.
Besides that, the Design of Engineering Components and Systems module can also be related to this PO. In the group project, my team and I were required to analyse various springs, rivets, bolts and power screws to come up with the best optimum design using the right specifications of components so that the design will be able to support a piping system. Each component’s specifications were tested for compatibility through in-depth calculations of criteria such as diameter, shear stress and deflection. Standard reference tables were also used to assist with the calculations and decide on the best dimensions for each component. For example, optimum spring diameter was based on the Standard Wire Gauge (SWG) table and bolt class/ diameter was based on the SAE table. The final design was mainly based on the recommended safety factor value given. Thus, the system we designed had to at least meet the required safety factor value. Attached in Appendix A2 are parts of the module’s final report, Scheme of Work (SOW), assignment instructions and team/ product pictures.
Furthermore, the Business Skills for Engineers module is also connected to this PO. In the group assignment, my team was required to start a crowdfunding project by using an online crowdfunding platform. We decided to conduct a charity crowdfunding project using a website called Mystatr (Crowdfunding platform) to obtain funds and donations for the Global Street Mission Children’s Home who were in need for clothes, food and rent money. Through the entrepreneurship and business skills obtained in this module, we not only successfully promoted our project through various online and social media platforms, but also managed to exceed our fund target of RM700. The project brought out the best of the team as we needed to get creative in order to achieve our goal and provide help to the children’s home. Attached in Appendix A3 are the YouTube promotional videos, MyStartr website created, Scheme of Work (SOW), assignment instructions and team/ product pictures.
PO 2: Identify, formulate, analyse and document complex engineering challenges to arrive at viable solutions and substantiated conclusions.
PO2 Attainment: 80/100
Self-Assessment: 4/5
Appendix B – PO2
B1: Data Measurement, Analysis and Experimental Design
B2: Electronics and Microprocessors
B3: Introduction to Electronics and Electrical Power and Machines
The next programme outcome (PO) relates to the ability of an individual to identify, formulate, analyse and document complex engineering challenges and come up with viable solutions and conclusions. One module that can be connected to this PO is Data Measurement, Analysis and Experimental Design. The group assignment of this module was one where my team and I had to design an engineering/ scientific experiment that collected data using a smartphone application (app). Thus, we chose to base our experiment around the Sehat app. This app collected data on the number of steps that humans made per day. We selected 4 human age groups to be used as the sample data collection. From there, a hypothesis was made and an analysis was done using the Anova 1 Way method to interpret the data. The data was further examined using a normal probability and residual graph to determine the results of the experiment. The method used justified our initial hypothesis and the effect that age groups had on number of steps taken per day. Attached in Appendix B1 are parts of the module’s final report, Scheme of Work (SOW), assignment instructions and team/ product pictures.
In addition, the Electronics and Microprocessors module is also related to this PO. The assignment given in this module was to build an automated system that applied the concept of automation, programming, electrical and electronic knowledge to solve a real-world problem. Thus, my team and I decided to build an automated cleaning robot that is able to detect dust and dirt levels before cleaning a surface automatically while being able to move autonomously by the application of ultrasonic sensors. The purpose of this was to reduce the need of manual (human) labour. Complex circuitry was also applied to ensure that all electronic components such as dust and ultrasonic sensors could function simultaneously while being controlled automatically by a central processing unit (CPU) which in this project was an Arduino board. The project was a success as a fully functional prototype was able to be built and programmed. Attached in Appendix B2 are parts of the module’s assignment report, Scheme of Work (SOW), assignment instructions and team/ product pictures.
Besides that, the Introduction to Electronics and Electrical Power and Machines module can also be linked to this PO. The module’s final assignment was to build a circuit that can be applied to a real-life electrical system using the given selection of electrical components. Therefore, my team and I decided to use logic gates (digital logic) as our electrical component. The circuit we made was based of alarm systems whereby the alarm will go off if something is wrong and will remain silent if everything is going as programmed. Challenges such as wiring, circuitry and selecting the correct type of combination of logic gates had to be overcome in order for us to produce a working prototype. Attached in Appendix B3 are parts of the module’s assignment report, Scheme of Work (SOW), assignment instructions and team/ product pictures.
PO 4: Conduct research and investigation into complex challenges using methods which include experiment design, analysis of data and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions.
PO4 Attainment: 70/100
Self-Assessment: 3/5
Appendix D – PO4
D1: Theory of Machines and Mechanisms
D2: Advanced Thermofluid Engineering
D3: Engineering Design and Ergonomics
The fourth programme outcome (PO) required students to do research and investigation on complex challenges using various engineering methods to come up with a valid conclusion. One module that is related to this PO is Theory of Machines and Mechanisms. The module’s individual assignment required each student to conduct a performance analysis of gears and a vector polygon analysis for a small sedan car. The performance analysis was to be based on factors such as climb ability, response and fuel consumption. So, I had to research each factor to have a better understanding of how a car’s gearing configuration will affect the criteria given. In the vector polygon analysis, primary and secondary force polygons had to be derived from the initial problem given. Experiment designs for both primary and secondary force had to done in order for the analysis to be conducted. Once both analysis were completed, a conclusion was made based on the results obtained. Attached in Appendix D1 are parts of the module’s assignment report, Scheme of Work (SOW), assignment instructions and pictures.
The next module that can be linked to this PO is Advanced Thermofluid Engineering. The lab report section of this module required groups of students to design experiments by themselves. In order to do that, my team and I had to research the lab experiment topics given and come up with procedures, experimental design and data collection methods. After conducting the experiment, we had to conclude our findings and document it in a lab report. Attached in Appendix D2 are parts of the module’s lab report, Scheme of Work (SOW), lab instructions and team/ product pictures.
Besides that, the Engineering Design and Ergonomics module can also be connected to this PO. The group project for this module required students to incorporate one of the 14 Engineering Grand Challenges into their final product. Thus, my team and I decided to take on the ‘Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure’ challenge. The theme of our project was to make the conventional bookshelf more ergonomically user friendly. Thus, we had to research on current challenges of the conventional bookshelf and what are the ergonomic dimensions for various age groups to be applied into our final design. Our project was successfully made and concluded with future recommendations for improvement. Attached in Appendix D3 are parts of the module’s final report, Scheme of Work (SOW), project instructions and team/ product pictures.
PO 12: Recognise the importance of lifelong learning and engaging in continuous professional development activities in accordance with technological change.
PO12 Attainment: 70/100
Self-Assessment: 3/5
Appendix L – PO12
L1: Industrial Training
L2: Professional Engineers and Society
L3: Managing Project for Success
The final PO required students to understand the significance of continuous learning and professional development. A module that can be connected to this PO is Industrial Training. As stated in PO8, I was given the opportunity to work with a multinational company named Palm Oleo Sdn. Bhd. which is under the KLK Oleo Sdn. Bhd. group of companies. This is not only one of the largest companies in Malaysia, but also one of the biggest palm oil manufacturing companies in the world. While working there, I learnt many new things outside of the study environment provided by Taylor’s University that I am usually in. I learnt skills and techniques such as:
-
Non-Destructive and Destructive Testing on Plant Equipment
-
SAP Software management
-
Forklift fuel consumption analysis
-
ISO drawing (By hand)
-
Equipment Wall Loss Analysis
Working at Palm Oleo Sdn. Bhd. broaden my view on education and that I am able to learn something new wherever I work at after my university studies. Attached in Appendix L1 are parts of the module’s final report, Scheme of Work (SOW), assignment instructions and product pictures.
Besides that, the Professional Engineers and Society module can also be related to this PO. As stated in PO8, the e-portfolio assignment was to be done individually. From this assignment, I was introduced to website and e-portfolio creation. These are things I have not been exposed to before and it was great to be able to learn something new and interesting. The module also emphasized to always be professional and ethical when working as an engineer. Humility is key as there is a wide range of knowledge yet to be discovered and learnt by us students. Attached in Appendix L2 are parts of the e-portfolio website, Scheme of Work (SOW), assignment instructions and pictures.
Furthermore, the Managing Project for Success module can also be linked to this PO. As stated in PO11, the group assignment for this module required my team and I to apply project management skills and tools to our engineering project. In addition to that, the skills we learnt in this module were applied to our future modules in terms of time management, budget evaluation and risk assessment. The fundamentals of this module are not only helpful in studies, but also real life. Attached in Appendix L3 are parts of the module’s final report, Scheme of Work (SOW), assignment instructions and product pictures
