HNC Unit 4003: Engineering Science I Assignment: LO1 Examine scientific data using both quantitative and qualitative methods

Unit Learning Outcomes

LO1 Examine scientific data using both quantitative and qualitative methods

Vocational Scenario

You work as a junior quality engineer in a company that manufactures components for the defence sector. Your manager has tasked you with ensuring the members of your department are familiar with the correct presentation of engineering quantities and the methods that are used to solve scientific problems.  They also need to understand how to present large quantities of data in an accessible manner. You will be organising a seminar to develop your team’s knowledge in these areas and have decided to use the following tasks, as well as some production data from the plant in which you work, to aid your delivery.

Assignment Activity And Guidance

Task 1

Examine three quantitative research methods commonly used in engineering research. Explain how each method can be applied to gather numerical data in the context of a manufacturing/electrical/mechanical systems process improvement.

Task 2

Examine three qualitative research methods suitable for engineering studies. Discuss how these methods can be utilised to understand user experiences and preferences in the development of a new engineering product.

Task 3

Apply scientific method procedure of both quantitative and qualitative methods to explain how can the design of residential building ventilation systems be improved to enhance indoor air quality while maximising occupant comfort and satisfaction?

Task 4

a) The ideal maximum and minimum working temperatures in the workshop are 30°C and 14°C. By analysingthe temperature variation for each shift (from Table T, Appendix B), make recommendations whether the company needs to provide active cooling or passive ventilation (open windows etc.) or active heating for each shift. You have been asked to present your analysis of these quantitative scientific data using an appropriate software package (e.g., Microsoft excel). Use must include graphical evidence and justify it.

b) Your manager has asked you to analysethe production faults given in Check sheet N (Appendix A). To do this, you should analyse the qualitative scientific data given and make recommendations on how to reduce the number of non-conformances. For example, should the company change material supplier, is operator training required on a particular shift, does the machinery on a particular production line require adjustment etc. You have been asked to present your analysis using an appropriate software package (e.g. Microsoft excel). Use must include graphical evidence and justify it.