Students
MECH4005 – Production Processes
2026 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor
June Ho
Contact via Email
School of Engineering, Level 3, 9 Wally's Walk
Arrangement by email
Unit convenor
Amy Fakhfouri
Contact via Email
School of Engineering, Level 2, 9 Wally's Walk
Arrangement by email
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| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
MECH3005 and MECH3003
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit covers the skills and knowledge in production processes. Students will learn and apply the fundamental principles and practices of just-in-time and lean production as well as six-sigma approach to competitive manufacturing and to optimise production processes. At the end of the unit, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to gather, analyse and apply data to plan, control and improve production processes, to manage and optimise production flow, and to apply mathematical science to design and refine product/service functionality and quality. Learning in this unit enhances student understanding of global challenges identified by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; Responsible Consumption and Production |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Convey fundamental knowledge of the just-in-time and lean production as well as six-sigma approach and how to apply it in planing, controlling, and optimising production systems.
- ULO2: Apply mathematical science to model and control production systems/flow.
- ULO3: Design and refine product/service functionality and quality.
- ULO4: Present and communicate engineering solutions for production processes effectively.
General Assessment Information
Requirements to Pass this Unit To pass this unit you need to: Achieve a total mark equal to or greater than 50% across all assessments
Hurdle Assessments
There is no hurdle assessment in this unit.
Late Submission Policy
- 5% penalty per day: If you submit your assessment late, 5% of the total possible marks will be deducted for each day (including weekends), up to 7 days.
- Example 1 (out of 100): If you score 85/100 but submit 20 hours late, you will lose 5 marks and receive 80/100.
- Example 2 (out of 30): If you score 27/30 but submit 1 day late, you will lose 1.5 marks and receive 25.5/30.
- After 7 days: Submissions more than 7 days late will receive a mark of 0.
- Extensions:
- Automatic short extension: Some assessments are eligible for automatic short extension. You can only apply for an automatic short extension before the due date.
- Special Consideration: If you need more time due to serious issues and for any assessments that are not eligible for Short Extension, you must apply for Special Consideration.
Need help? Review the Special Consideration page HERE
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due | Groupwork/Individual | Short Extension | AI assisted? |
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| Fieldtrip Report | 20% | No | 08/05/2026 | Individual | No | Open AI |
| Final examination | 40% | No | Exam period | Individual | No | Observed |
| Project | 40% | No | 02/06/2026 | Individual and Group | No |
Fieldtrip Report
Assessment Type 1: Written Submission
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: 08/05/2026
Weighting: 20%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Open AI
This activity helps students to understand the modern manufacturing systems covered in the lectures. Students will learn how applicable their skills are to the different roles in an organization so they can visualize themselves in this field. Each student is expected to submit a report which gives them a chance to reflect on how the trip complements the class discussions and illustrates basic principles presented in the lectures.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Convey fundamental knowledge of the just-in-time and lean production as well as six-sigma approach and how to apply it in planing, controlling, and optimising production systems.
- Design and refine product/service functionality and quality.
- Present and communicate engineering solutions for production processes effectively.
Final examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 35 hours
Due: Exam period
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?: Observed
Final examination will cover all the content taught in the unit.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Convey fundamental knowledge of the just-in-time and lean production as well as six-sigma approach and how to apply it in planing, controlling, and optimising production systems.
- Apply mathematical science to model and control production systems/flow.
- Design and refine product/service functionality and quality.
- Present and communicate engineering solutions for production processes effectively.
Project
Assessment Type 1: Problem-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 02/06/2026
Weighting: 40%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual and Group
Short extension 3: No
AI assisted?:
Assignment to reinforce skills or concepts that are taught in class. This assignment requires students to work in a group to analyze a real-world problem and propose improvement alternatives.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Convey fundamental knowledge of the just-in-time and lean production as well as six-sigma approach and how to apply it in planing, controlling, and optimising production systems.
- Apply mathematical science to model and control production systems/flow.
- Design and refine product/service functionality and quality.
- Present and communicate engineering solutions for production processes effectively.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.
3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.
Delivery and Resources
Unit materials are available on iLearn.
Lectures will commence in Week 1. SGTA will commence in Week 2.
All teaching activities will be conducted on campus.
Unit Schedule
Please refer to iLearn for more details.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Academic Success
Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes from Previous Offering
Changing to 3 assessments.
Co-taught with MECH8202.
Engineers Australia Competency Mapping
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EA Competency Standard |
Unit Learning Outcomes |
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Knowledge and Skill Base |
1.1 Comprehensive, theory-based understanding of the underpinning fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline. |
ULO1 & ULO2 & ULO3 |
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1.2 Conceptual understanding of underpinning maths, analysis, statistics, computing. |
ULO1 & ULO2 & ULO3 | |
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1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge |
ULO3 & ULO4 | |
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1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions |
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1.5 Knowledge of engineering design practice |
ULO4 |
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1.6 Understanding of scope, principles, norms, accountabilities of sustainable engineering practice. |
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Engineering Application Ability |
2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex problem solving |
ULO2 & ULO3 |
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2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources. |
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2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes. |
ULO3 & ULO4 |
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2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects. |
ULO1 |
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Professional and Personal Attributes |
3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability. |
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3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. |
ULO3 & ULO4 | |
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3.3 Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. |
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3.4 Professional use and management of information. |
ULO1 & ULO2 & ULO3 & ULO4 |
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3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct. |
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3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership |
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Unit information based on version 2026.04 of the Handbook