A 2-day Design Review Assessor Course

Course Description  

Design reviews are critical to good engineering and Lifecycle Management, but the make-up and experience of the review team is fundamental to the efficacy and the value gained to the business from the review. Design reviews must be objective, evidence based and requirements driven. They are not opportunities for the review assessors or chair to “show-off” or ride their “pet pony”. They are about questioning to seek evidence that the system has been designed to meet a clear and documented set of requirements; that the engineering maturity, from the evidence presented is consistent with the phase of the lifecycle and there are clear plans and measures in place looking ahead in the lifecycle. Where there are gaps, the risks should be established and appropriate and proportionate corrective action agreed for the next phase of work.  

This course aims to educate and train participants to become a Design Review Assessor by providing the necessary understanding and an opportunity to practice preparation for a review, conducting reviews, documenting findings and giving feedback.  

Who Should Attend?

This course is for people who have been identified as potential Design Review Assessors or Project Engineering Managers who are interested in learning about the task in order for them to prepare for a review. It is highly desirable that they have attended the following courses prior to this one:  

  • 3-day Lifecycle Management Course
  • 2-day Engineering the Lifecycle Course
  • 5-day Systems Engineering Fundamentals Course  

It is also expected that they are familiar with their organisations lifecycle and review processes.  

Benefits to the Individual and Business  

During an intensive two days of teaching and practical ‘hands on’ exercises, participants will be challenged to develop the understanding and skills needed to be a Design Review Assessor.  

At the end of the course participants will:  

  • have reviewed their understanding of the concepts and principles of Lifecycle Management including the types of review, and review phases
  • understand the purpose and process of design reviews and their role as a Design Review Assessor
  • understand the characteristics and behaviours of a Design Review Assessor both good and bad
  • know and practice the process for preparing for a review
  • know and practice how to conduct a review
  • know and practice documenting review findings
  • know and practice giving feedback
  • know how to provide advice and recommendations to design review chairs. 

Learning Approach

The learning approach is based on the Kolb learning cycle with a significant proportion of the course set aside for exercises to reinforce the learning. Indeed, the course employs a number of small group exercises involving a case study to provide a practical focus for the course that enables the delegates to practise the methodology and tools.  

Course Delivery  

Critical to this course is the second day where participants will have an opportunity to practise and receive peer and tutor feedback. To this end the course has been designed for a minimum number of six and maximum of 12 such that is can be delivered by one (six participants) or two (12 participants) tutors.  

The course can be delivered on site or at a suitable external venue.  

Course Structure                   

Day 1 Day 2 
Introduction and Delegate expectations
Review of the Concepts and Principles of
Lifecycle Management (LCM)
The generic systems lifecycle and the generic
engineering lifecycle
Purpose and types of Review
Roles of the review team
  • Design Review Chair
  • Design Review Assessors
  • Design Review Process
    Characteristics of a Design Review Assessor
    Review of Day 1
    Preparing for a Review
    Practise exercise and feedback
    Conducting Reviews
    Practise Exercise and feedback
    Documenting Reviews
    Practise exercise and feedback
    Providing feedback
    Practise exercise and feedback
    Individual Action planning

    Course Costs  

    The cost of delivering the 2-day course assuming two tutors, excluding delivery tutor accommodation and   expenses, but including all courseware is £6,000.VAT will apply at the prevailing rate.  

    The course can be tailored to suit individual customer’s lifecycle and review process.  

    More Information and Contact Details  

    For more information about the 2-day Design Review Assessor Course or any of our other Systems Engineering courses please contact Dr Stuart Burge on +44 (0) 7803 131614 or sburge@burgehugheswalsh.co.uk.    

    A printable version of this information can be downloaded here.