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The Register of Regulated Qualifications

View Unit : Resolving Engineering Problems

Unit
Unit Reference Number
K/600/5755
Qualification Framework
QCF
Title
Resolving Engineering Problems
Unit Level
Level 3
Unit Sub Level
None
Guided Learning Hours
96
Unit Credit Value
40
Date of Withdrawal
SSAs
4.1 Engineering
Unit Grading Structure
Pass
Assessment Guidance

This unit must be assessed in a work environment and must be assessed in accordance with the ‘Common Requirements for National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) in the QCF’ which can be downloaded from Semta’s website:

http://www.semta.org.uk/training_providers__awarding/national_occupational_standard/qca_assessment_requirements.aspx

Additional assessment requirements have been published by Semta. These additional assessment requirements are set down in Semta’s Engineering Technical Support Level 3 unit assessment strategy which can be downloaded from Semta’s website: http://www.semta.org.uk/training_providers__awarding/national_occupational_standard/qca_assessment_requirements.aspx

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Learning Outcome - The learner will:Assessment Criterion - The learner can:
1

1a. Resolve engineering problems

1.1

Take prompt action to diagnose and rectify the operational problems and keep all relevant people informed of progress

1.2

Communicate the solution to appropriate people, using the following methods:

• specific company documentation

Plus one more from the following:

• written or typed report

• verbal report

• electronic mail

• computer based presentation

1.3

Obtain all relevant information relating to the problems

1.4

Use information obtained from three of the following sources to help evaluate the problem:

• statistical data

• historical records

• quality audits

• external sources

• feedback from user/customer

• condition monitoring

• fault diagnostics

• operational procedures/manufacturing manuals

• health and safety information

• environmental documents

• development tests

• manufacturer’s data

1.5

Identify correctly the nature and extent of the problems

1.6

Carry out all of the following during the problem solving activity:

• discuss/consult with the relevant people about the extent of the problem and its impact on the engineering activity

• gather all appropriate information to help identify or clarify the problem

• evaluate possible solutions, considering temporary, short term and long term solutions

• consider cost implications for each solution

• select the most appropriate solution to rectify the problem

• communicate the proposed solution to the relevant people, obtaining feedback where appropriate

• prepare a plan of action for implementation of the agreed solution

• ensure that the agreed solution is implemented correctly and promptly

• monitor outcomes of the rectification activity, and make any necessary revisions to the plan of action

• ensure that the problem is rectified to the agreed level of acceptability

• ensure ...

1.7

... that all information is documented to provide an audit trail

• identify the root cause of the problem, using a standard technique

• implement preventive measures, where applicable, to ensure that there is no recurrence of the problem

1.8

Evaluate all realistic engineering solutions to rectify the problems

2

1b. Resolve engineering problems (continued)

2.1

Identify the most effective engineering solution for rectifying the problems

2.2

Resolve engineering problems associated with one of the following engineering disciplines:

• drawing/design activities (such as mechanical, electrical/electronic, motor vehicle, aerospace, marine)

• manufacturing activities (such as machining, detail fitting, fabrication of components, pressing)

• material processing activities (such as heat treatment, casting, injection moulding, purification)

• composite manufacture (such as wet lay-up, pre-preg laminating, resin infusion, blow moulding)

• finishing activities (such as stripping finishes, painting, plating, anodising, veneering, lacquering)

• assembly activities (such as mechanical, structural, fluid power, electrical/electronic, woodworking)

• installation activities (such as mechanical, electrical/electronic, avionic, structural, environmental equipment)

• plant and equipment (such ...

2.3

... as site preparation, plant layout, equipment changeover, equipment replacement)

• equipment capability studies/performance measurement

• movement of materials, components or finished goods

• business improvement activities

• engineering safety audits or risk assessments

• quality control/quality assurance

• maintenance activities

• testing and trialling

• modification and repair activities

• research and development

• commissioning/decommissioning

• engineering support services

2.4

Rectify engineering problems arising from two of the following:

• component/assembly failure

• equipment malfunction

• design related

• quality related

• scheduling/planning

• product over budget

• project slippage

• ergonomically related

• production control

• contractor related

• safety related

• customer request

• deviation from component/product specification

• material handling devices

• utilities supply (gas, electricity, water, air, etc)

• product/service over lead time

• lack of resources/materials

• environmental/compatibility

• deviation from departmental procedure(s)

• other specific situations

2.5

Ensure that engineering solutions are implemented correctly and promptly

2.6

Determine and implement the solution for two of the following:

• temporary (interim solution)

• short term (will require further action)

• long term (permanent solution)

Taking into account both of the following:

• safety/environmental considerations

• associated costs

2.7

Ensure that the rectification complies with all relevant regulations and guidelines from all of the following, as appropriate:

• organisational guidelines and codes of practice

• equipment manufacturer’s operation specification/range

• recognised compliance agency/body’s standards

• customer standards and requirements

• BS and/or ISO standards

• health, safety and environmental requirements

3

2a. Know how to resolve engineering problems

3.1

Explain how to access information on health and safety regulations and guidelines relating to the engineering activities or work area in which the problem exists

3.2

Describe the implications of not taking account of legislation, regulations, standards and guidelines when determining solutions to the engineering problems

3.3

Explain how to obtain information on the engineering requirements, and the type of information that is available (such as customer requirements and instructions, quality control requirements, product specification, manufacturing methods)

3.4

Explain how to access and use the appropriate information and documentation systems

3.5

Explain how to obtain and interpret drawings, charts, specifications, manufacturers’ manuals, history/maintenance reports and other documents needed in the problem solving process

3.6

Describe the company engineering operation procedures where the problem exists

3.7

Describe the business need for problem identification and removal

3.8

Describe the effects of engineering problems on associated activities

3.9

Describe the communication techniques used to obtain information

3.10

Describe the principles of effective problem solving, the main problem solving methods and techniques in use, and how to apply them

3.11

Describe the benefits of adopting a formalised problem solving process

3.12

Explain how to involve the user/customer in the problem solving process

3.13

Describe the importance of collecting as much relevant information as possible, and of collating such information in a way which facilitates decision making, and the methods to achieve this

3.14

Describe the action planning (to include risk analysis, testing decisions, determining time-scales and protecting the user/customer)

3.15

Describe the importance of analysing problems from a variety of perspectives

3.16

Explain how to define and verify root cause of a problem

4

2b. Know how to resolve engineering problems (continued)

4.1

Describe the importance of involving a range of relevant people in generating possible solutions

4.2

Describe the importance of developing a range of possible options in solving problems

4.3

Describe the factors to be taken into account when resolving problems and determining suitable solutions (especially those covering working conditions and safety)

4.4

Describe the methods and techniques for evaluating information

4.5

Explain how to present possible solutions in a way which helps relevant people to reach an informed and realistic judgement

4.6

Explain how to determine and select permanent corrective actions (to include decision making, assessing the criteria and determining the risks, costs and generating alternatives)

4.7

Describe the process used in the organisation to validate the solution to the engineering problem

4.8

Explain how to prevent recurrence of the problems (to include proposed changes to management systems, operating systems and procedures, and identification of opportunities for improvements)

4.9

Describe the importance of customer care and satisfaction

4.10

Describe the importance of maintaining records of the problem solving activities; what needs to be recorded, and where records are kept

4.11

Describe the company procedures that apply to the rectification of problems

4.12

Describe the company reporting procedures, documentation and their application

4.13

Describe the different ways in which the solutions can be reported back

4.14

Identify whom to inform of actions taken, and by what means

4.15

Describe the extent of their own responsibility and to whom they should report if they have any problems that they cannot resolve

4.16

Describe the sources of technical expertise if they have problems that they cannot resolve

Equivalent Units
There are no equivalences to display.
2.1.3.0L