This module progresses the competencies gained from Maker Projects 1 through more advanced projects. Hand tools, power tools, basic and advanced machinery will be used. Learners assess and select processing systems, construction methods and materials before manufacture. Learners also prepare relevant production documentation for product manufacture.

1. 1. Apply through project work the cognitive and practical skills necessary to produce high quality furniture.
2. 2. Use applied technologies and material theory to furniture making practice and project work.
3. 3. Assess, plan, formulate and apply hand, power tool and machining processes necessary to produce high quality furniture, components and products to defined specification.
4. 4. Prepare and integrate relevant production documentation for product manufacture.
5. 5. Design and construct manufacturing jigs/work holding devices to expand machine capacity and enhance processing safety.
6. 6. Evaluate, reflect, propose and improve manufacturing efficiency and quality.
7. 7. Integrate and apply manufacturing systems and techniques related to high quality furniture manufacture.

The module Joinery and Panel Processing introduces the theoretical and practical elements of joinery and panel process manufacturing. It provides an overview of the key joinery elements of doors, windows and staircases along with processing technology and systems employed in panel processing. The module broadens knowledge, skill and experience through applied practical assignments and research.

1. 1. Identify and explain the nature, function, characteristics and integration of components found in joinery and panel process manufacturing.
2. 2. Specify, integrate and apply standards and regulations relating to the design, setting out and manufacture of joinery elements.
3. 3. Apply theoretical principles to the manufacture of joinery elements and panel components.
4. 4. Set up and operate machine technology and equipment allied to joinery production and panel process manufacturing .
5. 5. Identify and evaluate on-going developments in joinery and panel process manufacturing.
6. 6. Appraise, analyse, set out and make joinery and panel process elements within defined specification

This module introduces learners to the materials, equipment and processes involved in metal work and upholstery. Learners will attain knowledge and skills related to the competent and safe machining and fabrication of metal components suitable for cabinetmaking. Additionally, learners will develop skills in the use and application of a range of upholstery materials and techniques suited to modern furniture applications. Learning, knowledge and skills acquired will be applied in the Maker Projects 2 module as learners will be required to integrate a minimum of one metal and one upholstered component in project work completed in that module.

1. Setup and operate selected metalworking and upholstering machinery and tools.
2. Formulate, prepare, fabricate and finish metal components and assemblies.
3. Analyse and identify where and how metal and upholstery can be incorporated into furniture production.
4. Outline current Health and Safety issues and regulations pertinent to metalwork and upholstery.
5. Formulate, prepare, process and fit upholstery to modern furniture and furniture components.

This Module introduces the theory and practice of the safe set-up and operation of basic as well as more advanced wood manufacturing machinery such as CNC equipment. The concept of jig making and usage is examined and practiced. Machine tooling, feed speeds, cutter speeds and cutter block design and their relevance is explored. Best practice for Health and Safety in relation to woodworking machinery and equipment is studied.

1. Plan, organise and manage the setup and operation of a variety of woodworking machines
2. Select appropriate tooling, cutting materials and feed speeds for specific processing applications

3. Integrate the processing capabilities of manufacturing equipment with design specifications and deadlines
4. Incorporate health and safety regulations to a working environment using woodworking machinery and tooling
5. Evaluate processing operations in relation to machine suitability, jig design, tooling requirements, etc.
6. Set-up and operation of CNC equipment and usage

This blended delivery module aims to further develop the learner's use and competence with various Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems and their application for the realisation of 2 and 3-dimensional images of design concepts. It employs currently used industry-standard software and stresses the value of computer-based visual data to professional designers and makers, particularly in respect to the speed of producing or updating drawings and to their communication.

1. Apply the features of relevant CAD and CAM software packages to generate high quality 3D digital models of various artefacts.
2. Recognise the key factors required to produce high quality working drawings in accordance with relevant standards.
3. Engage the features of CAD and CAM software to explore geometric concepts and principles.
4. Employ best practice in the transfer of images and models files between relevant CAD and CAM software packages.
5. Compare and apply the fundamental principles of parametric modelling across a range of furniture and wood processing industry applications.

This module aims to develop students' knowledge and understanding of how economies and markets operate and the role played by a business in those environments. The module presents the Learner with the challenges to be faced in successfully managing any business or organisation in those contexts.

The study of the furniture industry,in preparation for the Learner's placement in Year 3 of their Programme, provides one specialised area of focus for the Learner in examining its structure, composition and significance to Irish society and the Irish economy.

1. Identify, describe and illustrate the elements, structure and organisation of the Irish economy.
2. Identify, discuss and evaluate the role and significance of the wider furniture industry on Irish society and the Irish economy.
3. State and evaluate the influences of relevant regulatory and legislative influences on the management of a business with particular reference to the management of staff and transacting business.
4. Perform an asssessment and report on the market potential, costing and pricing of a specified job or product.

This module explores the following areas as they relate to and affect the furniture industry; basic physics; specifying standards in the areas of product testing, fire safety, workshop H&S and an introduction to ergonomics. Learners will develop their knowledge of environmental issues and concerns with reference to the role of the EPA and implementation of Environmental Management Systems. Learners will carryout basic structural analysis in labs and lectures and apply these principles to furniture construction using solid modelling software.

1. Preformpractical experiments and showcase the associatedresults with reference to the furniture industry.

2. Demonstrate best practices techniques in using digital technologies as a method that generatesscientific rigour within the furniture industry.

3. Differentiate between the types of standards as they apply to furniture products; test methodologies, classification, and safety requirements.

4. Present comprehensive analyses and findings while referencing the implications for the wood industry, sustainability and the environment.

5. Measure and evaluate wood properties and furniture joints/assemblies using physical models.

This module may be delivered on campus, using traditional face-to-face lecturing, or using an online or blended format. The module aims to further develop the learner's use and competence with various modern Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems and their application within the furniture and wood processing industry. It employs currently used industry-standard software and stresses the value of computer-based visual data to professional designers and makers, particularly in respect to the speed of producing or updating drawings and to their communication. The module will expose the learner to an integration of CAD/CAM techniques as well as processes for advanced modelling and manufacturing.

1. Efficiently apply the features of Computer Aided Design software to generate 2D presentation drawings and 3D digital models of artefacts, to a professional standard.

2. Identify and critique advanced CAD and CAM workflows and problem-solving techniques in various applications across the furniture and wood processing industry.

3. Investigate how efficiencies in CAD and CAM systems can be achieved using parametric modelling, solid body manipulation, surface modelling and rules based design.
4. Demonstrate the application of a range of advanced CAD and CAM parametric modelling techniques.

5. Describe and demonstrate competence with the application of the various processes involved in the generation of NC codefor use in the furniture and wood processing industry.

6. Compare and assess different furniture CAD and CAM software packages and become confident withmaking informed choices about the advantages and disadvantages of each.

7. Confidently apply the various procedures and workflows involved in transferring files and data between various CAD, CAM and BIM software packages.

The Enterprise Operations module is divided into Operations Management, an Introduction to Marketing, and Management Accounting,

Operations Management is one of the core functions that a furniture/wood product's manufacturer engages with in order to achieve its performance goals. This module introduces the Learner to a model for operations management, which is based on the principle of a good initial design, followed by ongoing analysis and performance measurement with a view to continuous improvement of these operations. An understanding of topics such as performance measurement, operation's design, operations management, and production documentation will be developed in this module through the use of case studies and worked examples. The module prepares the Learner for full engagement with operations management in their industry.

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The Marketing and Finance elements of the module aim to develop the Learner's understanding of and ability to use specific marketing and finance concepts and techniques as part of the processes of product development and decision-making in the management of an organisation. The subject areas will include market analysis, the segmentation of markets, formulating an offering for potential customers in the form of a 'Marketing Mix' i.e The Product, The Price, How it will be Promoted, The Place where it will be made available. Product/Process Costing with specific focus on the management of fixed overheads costs; Cost-Volume-Profit analysis; Investment Appraisal and Introduction to Financial Statements.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of Operations Management and its application in the manufacturing field with particular emphasis on its role in the furniture/wood products industry.
2. Select and monitor a variety of Performance Measures in a manufacturing operation for the purpose of analysis and continuous improvement.
3. Examine the principles and issues related to Designing the Manufacturing Operation and Operation’s Delivery in order to be able to recommend how they may be applied in the furniture/wood prodects industry.
4. Apply a variety of Manufacturing Operations Design and Operations Delivery techniques to industry based problems, interpret the results, and comment on an appropriate course of action.
5. Identify and describe the factors and processes which influence the demand for goods and services in a modern economy
6. Perform and report on an investigation and assessment of the market potential for a specified product/service.
7. Perform an assessment and report on the financial and non-financial considerations relevant to common business decisions.

The Industry Placement module involves an industry experience placement with a ATU Connemara approved manufacturing company or other organisation associated with the furniture and wood products industry. It is a progressive extension to the academic, practical and management skills developed during the programme. Students will be given an opportunity to apply their knowledge, skills, and learning in a real-world environment while applying academic theory from their programme learning.

Students will actively engage in self-directed learning to facilitate successful integration into the host organisations day to day and planned operations and projects. Students will complete academic reports and presentations during the placement to demonstrate experiential learning and skills development. Students will submit placement reports detailing their learning experiences and will be required to make a presentation to a group of academic and industry stakeholders upon successful completion of the industry placement module.

To facilitate the completion of modules while on placement students will be required to work 4 days per week with the placement company and will have one day per week for online module delivery and to focus on completing industry focused applied projects for blended delivery modules specific to the student's programme.

Students will gain valuable insights into current work practices and identify potential graduate employment opportunities. The module shall address the professional practice required by students entering and participating in the modern workplace. Each student is required to undertake the industry placement module in the third year of their programme, occurring from September to May.

1. Develop work-related skills and professional practice in project work, product quality, deadlines, and budgets.

2. Enhance career and industry knowledge and best practice.

3. Demonstrate the ability to record work experiences and practices and communicate in an academic format.

4. Apply academic theory to commercial projects in a professional environment.

5. Demonstrate an ability to work efficiently and effectively as part of a team and integrate as a productive member of the host organisation.

6. Engage in self-directed learning while working in industry to aid in the development of key professional and transferrable skills.

7. Critically evaluate and reflect on their placement experience in terms of personal development and assess the effect of their placement experience on their future career prospects.

This module will introduce learners to the principles and practices of Building Information Modelling (BIM) processes and techniques as applied to the furniture and wood products industry. The module will also facilitate learners in understanding and applying suitable advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to graphically represent buildings and the furniture and fixtures within them and to generate various outputs that are useful and relevant to the modern furniture and wood products industry.

This module may be delivered in a traditional face-to-face lecturing format or via online/blended delivery.

1. Define and differentiate between the various terminology, file types and software associated with the field of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD).

2. Demonstrate an ability to construct high quality, correctly prepared Architectural BIM models.

3. Appraise and select suitable BIM techniques to create building components and BIM families relevant to the furniture and wood product industry.
4. Formulate and apply solutions to various BIM design and modelling issues as they arise.
5. Develop and apply an architectural awareness of the design and modelling of products for project-based manufacturing firms in the furniture and wood products industry.

6. Identify and critique the various procedures and workflows involved in transferring files and data between various CAD, CAM and BIM software packages.

Manufacturing management will identify and analyse the processes necessary to bridge from product design to production execution. The effective management of resources and supply chains is critical to ensuring companies develop a culture of continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence. The Irish Wood and Furniture Manufacturing sector comprises many small to medium-sized enterprises which are experiencing a period of unprecedented growth. This module will investigate and explore the processes required to ensure the highest quality products are produced considering the capabilities of internal resources and the global supply chain.

This module is a follow-on to the stage 3 Enterprise Operations module. Upon completion of this module the learner will be able to define the processes required in each phase manufacturing phase, from ideation to installation. All material is delivered in a practical and applied manner using case studies, workshops, laboratories, and simulations.

1. Discuss the philosophy of lean production in detail, and interpret how it may be applied in furniture/wood products manufacturing.

2. Explore resource management concepts, apply associated techniques, and assess their suitability for lean furniture/wood products manufacturing.

3. Examine the principles ofquality management, apply associated techniques, and assess their suitability for furniture/wood products manufacturing.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of supply chain management and how it may be applied in the furniture/wood products’ industry.

5. Identify suitable continuous improvement projects, select and apply suitable techniques and tools, and advise how it may be implementedin the furniture/wood products sector.

The furniture and wood manufacturing industry in Ireland is now primarily project focused with the majority of organisations being high-mix, low-volume manufacturers. The recent high demand for graduates in project management roles emphasises the importance of formal project management tools and procedures within the industry. This module covers core project management concepts with an emphasis on best practice methods and theory that relate directly to the furniture and wood manufacturing sector. All key project management knowledge areas will be explored and their relevance to the current industry dynamic will be presented through practical exercises. Various project management tools from each phase of the project lifecycle will be applied to industry scenarios and case studies.

1. Define and discussthe Project Life Cycle and Project Management Life Cycle for furniture and wood manufacturing projects.

2. Apply the principles of Project Time Management to develop project schedules and resource estimates.

3. Apply Project Planning Tools and Techniques to Industry Scenarios and Assignments.

4. Identify Risk Management Tools and Techniquesand apply them to industry scenarios and assignments.

5. Explain the importance of Quality Management as it relates to commercial interiors and apply Quality Management Toolsto industry scenarios and assignments.

6. Identify and apply the various tools used by project managers to monitor and control projects within the industry.

7. Identify the various leadership qualities and management skills that are required to become an effective project manager.
8. Evaluate the importance for ICT in project management and explore implementation strategies.
9. Estimate resourcerequirements for projects through the use of project cost management tools and techniques.

The module aims to develop and encourage Learner's entrepreneurial potential by enhancing their thinking and skills in this area. Learners will study and experience techniques which promote an entrepreneurial outlook while developing their ability to use established approaches to analyse potential opportunities before making appropriate choices for their organisation. It is anticipated that the skills and abilities they develop will have value in Learner's future career roles as both employees or in starting their own business.

The module will also focus on developing learners' knowledge of the professional skill sets required and their ability to successfully use these in managing their careers in the context of the work environments in which they will be engaged.

1. Describe the process of entrepreneurship: the motivations, challenges, opportunities, efforts, planning and decisions, risks, rewards, commitments and outcomes that entrepreneurs commonly experience
2. Demonstrate the importance of having a personal vision, curiosity, alertness to opportunity, commitment to a goal, self belief, an internal locus of control, self motivation and flexibility, an urgency to complete the task in hand and a bias for action.
3. Contrast the range of skills, abilities, experiences and personal qualities required by successful entrepreneurs with that of other career options and form a judgement about the career paths which best suit them at this stage in their career.
4. Apply techniques for problem identification, idea generation, creative thinking, approaches to problem solving, evaluating alternatives and choosing best options
5. Research, develop, prepare and present a detailed Business Plan and in so going, appraise alternative business options, choose appropriate options for the business and justify the choices made to relevant interested parties.
6. Demonstrate skill in interacting with others, building relationships, influencing and developing oneself and others and networking.

This module integrates applied research practice to three dimensional high quality practice. Learners apply research findings to the on-going development of manufacture, process, material or technology used in the furniture and wood products industry to produce a piece of fine furniture of gallery display standard. The module draws from the culmination of four years study allowing students develop competencies, proficiencies, skills and capabilities in a specified area of research interest. Learners also generate detailed specifications and production documentation related to the development of an exceptional furniture piece. The module may be delivered in traditional face-to-face lecturing format or in a blended format.

1. Analyse, evaluate and apply a substantive research topic allied to manufacture, process, material or technology utilised in the furniture and wood products industry to the formulation and execution of an exceptional high quality applied to practice proposal.

2. Apply research to the exploration, experimentation and development of new and/or existing processes, systems, materials and technologies of the furniture and wood products industry and integrate research findings into a high quality furniture piece.

3. Formulate detailed specifications; drawings and production documentation related to the development of a high quality furniture piece.

4. Integrate and apply manufacturing systems, techniques and technologies related to high quality furniture manufacture.

5. Assess, evaluate and develop the capacity to think and implement critically and reflectively.