49678 Reliability Availability and Maintainability
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Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksDescription
Effectiveness of engineered systems is often judged by the extent to which they fulfil their intended purpose. For this to happen a system must be available when required and be able to be used reliably, consistent with operational needs. This subject explores the concepts of Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM), and the relationships between them. RAM directly affect the effectiveness of a system. The approach taken to understanding the concepts include a treatment of each of the factors separately, together with a consideration of the relationships between them, so that a systemic view of RAM is obtained. Students are encouraged to consider the applicability of concepts and techniques used to their own experience in system acquisition and support.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Demonstrate the importance of the concepts of RAM in the context of systems and system life cycles, |
|---|---|
| 2. | Define and use the appropriate measures associated with each of the concepts, |
| 3. | Ensure that RAM concerns are effectively considered in the system acquisition and development cycles, |
| 4. | Demonstrate familiarity with RAM engineering and management processes, |
| 5. | Use the RAM tools and techniques considered in the subject. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following faculty Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) and Engineers Australia (EA) Stage 1 competencies:
- Identify, interpret and analyse stakeholder needs. (A.1)
- Establish priorities and goals (A.2)
- Identify constraints, uncertainties and risk of the system (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc.) (A.3)
- Apply systems thinking to understand complex system behaviour including interactions between components and with other systems (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business etc.) (A.5)
- Identify and apply relevant problem solving methodologies (B.1)
- Synthesise alternative/innovative solutions, concepts and procedures (B.3)
- Apply decision-making methodologies to evaluate solutions for efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability (B.4)
- Demonstrate research skills (B.6)
- Manage own time and processes effectively by prioritising competing demands to achieve personal goals (Manage self) (D.1)
- Reflect on personal and professional experiences to engage in independent development beyond formal education for lifelong learning (D.2)
- Communicate effectively in ways appropriate to the discipline, audience and purpose. (E.1)
- Be aware of global perspectives (needs, rules/regulations, and specifications) (F.4)
Teaching and learning strategies
Concepts and techniques are introduced in a series of core lectures and problem based class discussions, supplemented as appropriate by case studies and assignments.
Content (topics)
The topics discussed in this subject include:
- Reliability - component and system
- Reliability growth, evaluation and tools
- Software reliability
- Importance Measures
- Maintainability - preventive and corrective
- Reliability centred maintenance
- Availability
- RAM Management
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Individual Assignment 1
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): A.1, A.2, A.5, B.1, B.4 and B.6 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type: | Report | ||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Individual Assignment 2
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): A.1, A.2, A.5, B.1, B.4, B.6 and E.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type: | Report | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 3: Individual Assignment 3
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): A.1, A.2, A.3, A.5, B.1, B.3, B.4, B.6, E.1 and F.4 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type: | Report | ||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 30% | ||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 4: Reflection
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs): 1, 2, 3 and 4 This assessment task contributes to the development of the following course intended learning outcomes (CILOs): D.1, D.2, E.1 and F.4 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type: | Reflection | ||||||||||||
| Groupwork: | Individual | ||||||||||||
| Weight: | 10% | ||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Minimum requirements
The student must pass each component of the assessment to pass the subject.
Required texts
There are no required textbooks for this subject.
Recommended texts
A useful reference for this subject is:
Blanchard B (2004), Logistics Engineering and Management, Pearson Prentice Hall.
References
Langford, John W, Logistics: Principles and Application, McGraw-Hill, 1995 Blanchard, B S, Logistics Engineering and Management, Pearson International, 6th edn, 2004 MIL-STD 756B, Reliability Modeling and Prediction, 1981 (or latest update) Samaniego, F and Cohen, M, Reliability Issues for DoD Systems, National Academies Press, Washington, 2002 Selected papers from Reliability Engineering and System Safety, especially those on common-mode failures. A text on statistical modelling of reliability (tba) Selected papers on the engineering of maintainability. Selected standards in the IEC Dependability Management series, UTS Library 658.562/DEPE Smith, D J, Reliability, Maintainability and Risk, Butterworth Heinmann, 7th edn, 2005, UTS Library 620.00452/SMIT Defence Standard 00-40, Reliability and Maintainability, MOD UK Defence Standard 00-60, Integrated Logistics Support, MOD UK
The Lectures & Reading Material (LRM) and the Lecture Support Notes (LSN)
The LRM may be purchased from the Union Shop in Building 1. It comprises a set of readings that cover the topics considered in this subject. The readings are keyed to various topics as indicated in the LRM. Please note that from time to time additional readings that may be of interest to you may be placed online. Check on the UTS Online announcements page for purchasing details.
The LSN contains copies of the overheads used in the lectures. PDF versions of these will be available via UTS Online Learning Resources folder. You are encouraged to download these for your use during the lecture blocks.
Other resources
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