EDP401M/101/0/2021

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2021

Engineering Design Project IV

EDP401M

Year module

Department of Mechanical and Industrial

Engineering

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please register on myUnisa, activate your myLife e-mail account and
make sure that you have regular access to the myUnisa module
website, EDP401M-2021-Y, as well as your group website.

Note: This is a fully online module. It is, therefore, only available on myUnisa.

BARCODE
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Getting started .............................................................................................................................. 3
2 OVERVIEW OF EDP401M ........................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 4
3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 5
3.1 Lecturer(s) .................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Department ................................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 University ...................................................................................................................................... 5
4 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Joining myUnisa ........................................................................................................................... 5
4.2 Prescribed book(s) ........................................................................................................................ 5
4.3 Recommended book(s) ................................................................................................................. 6
4.4 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ................................................................................................... 6
4.5 Library services and resources ..................................................................................................... 6
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 6
6 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE ............................................................................................................ 7
6.1 What does it mean to study fully online? ....................................................................................... 7
6.2 myUnisa tools ............................................................................................................................... 7
7 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 7
7.1 Assessment plan .......................................................................................................................... 8
7.2 Year mark and final examination/other options ............................................................................. 8
8 CONCLUSION.............................................................................................................................. 9
ANNEXURE A........................................................................................................................................ 10
ANNEXURE B: Student Declaration Form .......................................................................................... 11
ANNEXURE C: Mentor Declaration Form ............................................................................................ 12

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 EDP401M/101/0/2021

1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student
Welcome to Engineering Design Project IV.
Because this is a fully online module, you will need to use myUnisa to study and complete the
learning activities for this module. Visit the website for EDP401M on myUnisa frequently. The
website for your module is [the module website code written out in full, eg EDP401M-20-Y.
1.1 Getting started

Owing to the nature of this module, you can read about the module and find your study material
online. Go to the website at https://my.unisa.ac.za and log in using your student number and
password. Click on "myModules" at the top of the web page and then on "Sites" in the top right
corner. In the new window, click on the grey Star icon next to the modules you want displayed
on your navigation bar. Close the window in the top right corner. Then select the option
"Reload to see your updated favourite sites". Now go to your navigation bar and click on the
module you want to open.

We wish you every success with your studies!

2 OVERVIEW OF EDP401M
2.1 Purpose
Students who complete this module can carry out a detailed design of a mechanical component
or system. This will involve conducting research, in the form of a literature survey, as
background for their design work, selecting an appropriate mechanical design, carrying out the
actual design work, and reporting on the research and design in a portfolio.

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2.2 Outcomes
For this module, you will have to master several outcomes:
2.2.1 Research and plan a design of a mechanical component or system:
• An appropriate design problem is identified and formulated.
• Requisite knowledge to undertake the design is identified and applied in the
design.
• Alternative concepts are evaluated and the most suitable one for the
particular situation is selected, using a decision matrix
• The objectives of the design project are identified, and a focus on the
objectives is maintained throughout the project.
• Relevant information to carry out the design is gathered through literature
and internet searches.
• The information that was gathered is evaluated and correctly applied in the
design project.
2.2.2 Perform a design of a mechanical component or system.
• A design is produced that meets the following criteria:
• The choice of materials is appropriate for the particular design and the
context in which it will be used. A feasible manufacturing schedule is
included.
• An appropriate maintenance schedule is compiled.
• The design will result in a reliable product.
• The design is cost-effective.
• Relevant aspects of the problem are correctly analysed and/or modelled by
applying principles of mathematics, physical science and engineering
science.
• Mathematical conventions and notation are correctly used to communicate
concepts or ideas.
2.2.3 Produce a design portfolio.
• Design logic and information are communicated correctly.
• The portfolio is coherently structured according to prescribed guidelines.
• The portfolio includes a PowerPoint presentation that sets out the main
aspects of the project.
• Style and language are correct and appropriate.
• Clear technical drawings are made to illustrate design features
• The portfolio includes a detailed list of references.
• 'The portfolio contains design information of sufficient quality to be
potentially used by other engineers as a resource document
2.2.4 Compile a reflection and self-evaluation of the design
• Strengths as well as weaknesses are identified and considered in
evaluating the design.
• At least one improvement is recommended.

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3 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

3.1 Lecturer(s)
The primary lecturer for this module is Mr P Kruger:
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Telephone: (011) 471-2137
Email: pkruger@unisa.ac.za
Contact Times: Mondays – Thursdays from 09h00 to 12h00.
3.2 Department
You can contact the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering as follows:
Telephone: (011) 670-9284
Email: molawnd1@unisa.ac.za
3.3 University
To contact the University, follow the instructions on the Contact us page on the Unisa website.
Remember to have your student number available whenever you contact the University.
Whenever you contact a lecturer via e-mail, please include your student number in the subject
line to enable the lecturer to help you more effectively.

4 RESOURCES
4.1 Joining myUnisa
The myUnisa learning management system is the University's online campus which will help
you communicate with your lecturers, other students, and the administrative departments within
Unisa. To claim your myUnisa account, please follow the steps below:
1. Visit the myUnisa website at https://my.unisa.ac.za/portal
2. Click on the "Claim Unisa login" link on the top of the screen under the orange user ID box.
3. A new screen will load, prompting you to enter your student number. Please enter your
student number and click "continue".
4. Enter your surname, your full name, your date of birth and, finally, your South African ID
number (for South African citizens) OR your passport number (for foreign students). Then
click "continue". Remember to enter either an ID number or a passport number, NOT
both.
5. Please read through the guidelines and click all the check boxes to acknowledge that you
have read all the information provided. Once you are done, click the "Acknowledge" button
to redirect you to the final page in the process.
6. The final page will display your myLife e-mail address, and your myLife AND myUnisa
password. This password will also be sent to the cellphone number displayed on the page
for safekeeping.
7. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours for your myLife e-mail account to be created.

Remember, the password provided is your myUnisa AND myLife password.

4.2 Prescribed book(s)
There are no prescribed books for this module. All the information is under the lesson tabs
(General, Proposal, Literature Study, Design, and Portfolio) on your module site on myUnisa.

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4.3 Recommended book(s)
If you would like to know more about the design process and its management, you will find the
following book useful:
Engineering Design Process, Y. Haik and T.M. Shanin
In addition, there are a number of books available from the UNISA at the Florida Campus library
relating to the subject of design and its applications. These books give further examples and
additional explanations on the various aspects covered in the course. I suggest that, whenever
possible, you peruse these books. It will broaden your knowledge of the particular field and help
you with your studies and preparation for the examinations.
Recommended books can be requested online, via the Library catalogue.
4.4 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)
E-reserves can be downloaded from the Library catalogue. More information is available at:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request
4.5 Library services and resources
The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:
• For detailed Library information, go to https://unisa.ac.za/library
• For research support and services (eg personal librarians and literature search services),
go to https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Research-
support
• The Library has created numerous Library guides: https://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• Request and download recommended material:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request
• Postgraduate information services:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad
• Finding and using Library resources and tools:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/research-support
• Frequently asked questions about the Library:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask
• Services to students living with disabilities:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability
• Assistance with technical problems accessing the Unisa Library or resources:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport

You may also send an e-mail to Lib-help@unisa.ac.za (please add your student number in the
subject line).

5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study @ Unisa website is available on myUnisa: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies
This website has all the tips and information you need to succeed at Unisa.

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6 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE

6.1 What does it mean to study fully online?
Studying fully online modules differs completely from studying some of your other modules at
Unisa.

• All your study material and learning activities for online modules are designed to be
delivered online on myUnisa.
• All your assignments must be submitted online. This means that you will do all your
activities and submit all your assignments on myUnisa. In other words, you may NOT post
your assignments to Unisa using the South African Post Office.
• All communication between you and the University happens online. Lecturers will
communicate with you via e-mail and SMS, and use the Announcements, the Discussion
Forums and the Questions and Answers tools. You can also use all of these platforms to
ask questions and contact your lecturers.
6.2 myUnisa tools
The main tool that we will use is the Lessons tool. This tool will provide the content of and the
assessments for your module. At times you will be directed to join discussions with fellow
students and complete activities and assessments before you can continue with the module.
It is very important that you log in to myUnisa regularly. We recommend that you log in at least
once a week to do the following:

• Check for new announcements. You can also set your myLife e-mail account so that you
receive the announcement e-mails on your cellphone.
• Check the calendar. The calendar will have all the important dates marked on it. Please
check it regularly.
• Do other online activities. Go through the Lesson tabs (General, Proposal, etc.). These
contain the listings of what you need to study in the textbook.
We hope that by giving you extra ways to study the material and practise all the activities, this
will help you succeed in the online module. To get the most out of the online module, you MUST
go online regularly to complete the activities and assignments on time.

7 ASSESSMENT
MENTORSHIP
Before a student can start his/her design project he/she will have to get a mentor in
his/her workplace to guide them through the project process. The following requirements
relating to the mentor must be met:

• The mentor should be registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa
(ECSA) and have at least 4 years relevant experience. (Registration number
required with first assignment)

• If the mentor is not registered with ECSA he needs to have 6 years relevant
experience and a CV must be sent with the first assignment before the mentor will
be accepted.

• A mentor should be adequately qualified in the relevant engineering field.

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7.1 Assessment plan
All Three Assignments (Progress reports) must be submitted by every student before his final
report can be submitted. All submissions should be done on myUnisa with 1 file in pdf format.
The contents of these three assignments will be:

• Project Proposal and Mentor information. This assignment is due by the beginning of
May.
• Literature Study and decision matrix. This assignment is due by the beginning of June.
• Development of Design specifications and procedures, including calculations, drawings
and specifications. This assignment is due by the beginning of August.
To get everything in one pdf file, insert everything in your word file and make sure that
everything looks correct and is numbered as per the General lesson tab. After that you export
(or save as pdf) your file to pdf.
All assignments have to be submitted in typed format. No hand-written assignments will
be accepted. Only Engineering drawings are acceptable but may be done by hand.

• No late assignment submissions will be accepted.

• Keep a clear copy of the assignment for your own reference. This is important, as
assignments do get lost.
• Submissions of assignments must be in accordance to the mystudies @ unisa.
• All assignments must be submitted through myunisa.
• Remember that for assignment 4 the final report and the PowerPoint presentation must
be submitted. Attach the PowerPoint presentation to the final report as an appendix.
• All assignments must have the signed student and mentor declarations attached in an
appendix. Examples of the declarations are in Annexure B. Declaration forms are also
available on myUnisa.
Assignments are available on myUnisa with guidelines to complete them.
7.2 Year mark and final examination/other options
Your year mark and portfolio mark composition for this module is as follows:

ASSIGNMENT YEAR MARK

CONTRIBUTION DUE DATES FOR
TOWARDS FINAL
NUMBER CONTRIBUTION
MARK ASSIGNMENTS
1 Compulsory 20 % 4.0% 3 May 2021
2 Compulsory 40 % 18% 7 June 2021
3 Compulsory 40 % 18% 2 August 2021
Final Report 0 60 4 October 2021
The unique number for assignment 1 is: 645080.
The unique number for assignment 2 is: 597779.
The unique number for assignment 3 is: 814100.
The unique number for the Portfolio (Final Report) is: 763476.

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8 CONCLUSION
Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail if you are experiencing problems with the content of this
tutorial letter or with any academic aspect of the module.
We wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material, and trust that
you will complete the module successfully.
Enjoy the journey!
Mr P Kruger – lecturer for EDP401M
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering

Unisa ©2021

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ANNEXURE A
The following flow diagram will help you pace yourself through the course. The due dates are
fixed, and no late submissions will be accepted. For your peace of mind try to submit each
assignment at least a week before the due date on myUnisa. No hardcopy assignments will be
accepted, so you must submit through myUnisa.

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 EDP401M/101/0/2021

ANNEXURE B: Student Declaration Form

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Engineering Design Project IV (EDP401M)

DECLARATION BY STUDENT
I .............................................................. declare that the work contained in my design project
report entitled………………………………………………………………………….
...................................................................................................................................... for the
subject Engineering Design Project IV, is my own work and has not been submitted to any other
tertiary institution as a design project.
...................................... .....................................
Date Signature of student

.....................................
Name in print

.....................................
Student number
Witnesses:

.....................................

.....................................

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ANNEXURE C: Mentor Declaration Form

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Engineering Design Project IV (EDP401M)

DECLARATION BY MENTOR
I, ................................................ acting as mentor for ........................................................... in
the subject Engineering Design Project IV, declare that to the best of my knowledge the work
contained in the design project report entitled ……………………………….…………..
................................................................................................................................. by ...........
................................... Student No. ............................ is his/her own work.

...................................... .....................................
Date Signature of mentor

.....................................
Name in print

.....................................
Telephone No.

.....................................
ECSA Registration No

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