Course detail

Engineering Thinking

FSI-ZMYAcad. year: 2026/2027

The course provides an overview of selected design tools such as product specifications, test plan development, risk analysis, production validation, failure analysis, and related methods. Emphasis is placed on integrating the theoretical knowledge acquired during the bachelor’s studies with its practical application, particularly through the use of systems-engineering approaches in solving real engineering problems. Graduates will therefore be able to approach the technical part of a project effectively, and thanks to the experience gained from working on real tasks, they will be capable of efficient collaboration with other stakeholders involved in the design process. This ensures they are well prepared for their professional roles within an industrial environment.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Ing. Ivan Křupka, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Machine and Industrial Design (ÚK)

Entry knowledge

Knowledge of engineering design, mathematics, statistics, manufacturing technology, experimentation and data analysis, CAD, and CAE.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Conditions for obtaining the graded credit:

  • active participation in lectures and seminars through consultations (min. 5 out of 10 points),
  • preparation of the semester project (min. 25 out of 50 points),
  • presentation and defence of the semester project (min. 20 out of 40 points),
  • a total of up to 100 points can be earned; the final grade is determined according to the ECTS scale.

Lectures: attendance is mandatory and monitored by the instructor.
Seminars: attendance is mandatory and monitored by the instructor.

A maximum of two absences is permitted. In the case of long-term absence, the possibility of compensating missed classes is at the discretion of the course coordinator.

Aims

Graduates will be able to analyse problems individually and in teams, define project objectives, propose solutions, and identify the technical risks associated with the final design, which they will be able to communicate effectively within an industrial environment.

  • Ability to recognise a problem and identify weak points.
  • Ability to apply an appropriate degree of improvement using knowledge gained during prior studies.
  • Ability to analyse technical risks and determine methods for their detection.
  • Knowledge of systems-quality tools in development and the connection between manufacturing quality and the functional properties of a product.
  • Ability to function effectively within an organisation and contribute to meeting project objectives.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

JEŽKOVÁ, Zuzana, Hana KREJČÍ, Branislav LACKO a Jaroslav ŠVEC. Projektové řízení: jak zvládnout projekty. Kuřim: Akademické centrum studentských aktivit, 2013, 381 stran : ilustrace (některé barevné). ISBN 978-80-905297-1-7. (CS)
KOÇ, Muammer a Tugrul ÖZEL. Modern Manufacturing Processes. Somerset: John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2019. ISBN 1118071921. Dostupné z: doi:10.1002/9781119120384. (EN)

Recommended reading

DAVIM, João Paulo. Machining. London: Springer Verlag London Limited, 2008. ISBN 9781848002128. Dostupné z: doi:10.1007/978-1-84800-213-5.  (EN)
MONTGOMERY, Douglas C, Douglas MONTGOMERY a George C RUNGER. Applied statistics and probability for engineers. 3th ed. New York: Wiley, 2003, xiv, 706 s. : il. + 1 CD-ROM. ISBN 0-471-38181-0. (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme B-KSI-P Bachelor's 3 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

18 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Ivan Křupka, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  • Project management and the role of the engineer in the project process.
  • Target setting, functional analysis, product or service specification.
  • Gap analysis and identification of discrepancies between resources and objectives.
  • Risk analysis, FMEA, and risk-mitigation strategies.
  • Product validation, mitigation plan, and failed-part analysis.
  • Failure analysis and warranty cost evaluation.
  • Design for manufacturing, statistics, and tolerancing.
  • Product release process for manufacturing.

Laboratory exercise

2 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Ivan Křupka, Ph.D.

Syllabus

Analysis of a failed component, disassembly from the assembly, examination of damaged surfaces, fracture analysis (depending on the available failed part), systematic approach, and selection of optimal procedures.

Computer-assisted exercise

6 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Ing. Ivan Křupka, Ph.D.

Syllabus

  • Specification of a device and its components (e.g., functional analysis of a bicycle and a chainring).
  • FMEA and function verification (e.g., potential failures of a thermostatic valve).
  • Statistical analysis of production data (e.g., dimensional analysis of an engine head).