Units / MEC5897
MEC5897 · Lean manufacturing
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
In this unit, you will learn why lean is a key driver for sustainable competitive advantage. You will be introduced to the concepts and principles of lean manufacturing and its relationship to sustainability. Using a range of industry case studies, you will evaluate how to maximise customer value while minimising waste. You will learn how to analyse process flows in order to establish capacity and identify bottlenecks. Topics covered include lean concepts, resource minimisation, pull vs. push philosophy, just-in time production, value stream mapping, and the impact of these methods on business, environment and social value.
Areas of study: E6012 Master of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Engineering (Monash-SEU Double Masters) E6013 Master of Applied Engineering - Specialisation: Industrial AI and robotics engineering E6014 Master of Engineering - Specialisation: Smart manufacturing engineering E6017 Master of Advanced Engineering - Specialisation: Robotics engineering E6017 Master of Advanced Engineering - Specialisation: Smart manufacturing engineering E6017 Master of Advanced Engineering - Specialisation: Engineering management
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Suzhou (SEU) | Term 3 | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Malaysia | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
| Clayton | Second semester | Teaching activities are on-campus (ON-CAMPUS) |
Assessment
The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anylogic simulation | Project | 25% | Threshold |
| 2 | Lean consulting | Written | 25% | Threshold |
| 3 | Quiz | Quiz / Test | 20% | Threshold |
| 4 | Final assessment | Examination | 30% | Threshold |
Continuous assessment: 70% Final assessment: 30% This unit contains threshold hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
prohibitions
- CHE5887 — Lean bioproduct manufacturing
Learning outcomes
- Describe the key concepts and principles of lean manufacturing and analyse the relationship between theory and practice.
- Design a value stream map and explain how defects and waste can degrade performance.
- Justify the selection and promotion of strategic quality management systems to support continuous improvement practice.
- Analyse a production process and apply lean principles to improve process performance and outcomes.
- Design strategies to assess and improve sustainable lean practices.
Workload
The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Workshops | 24 hours |
| Lectures | 12 hours |
| Practical activities | 24 hours |
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