"MIRCE Science is a theory of the motion of working systems through MIRCE Space, caused by any functionability action whatsoever, used for Managing In-service Reliability, Cost & Effectiveness. Dr J. Knezevic, 1999

Master Diploma Programme in MIRCE Science

The Programme is created for scientists, engineers, managers, technicians and analysts in industry, government and academia who wish to understand the philosophy, concept, principles and applications of MIRCE Science, a theory that systematically studies the motion of functionable systems through MIRCE Space:

• Experimentally determine the pattern of the motion
• Scientifically understand mechanisms that generate the motion 
• Mathematically define the motion through time
• Calculate functionability measures for a given functionable system and conditions.

The Programme consists of 7 study modules and the Master Dissertation. Each study module consists of a taught elements (with attendance or distance learning) and self-learning elements at home based on the material and instructions provided. Each student is required to complete a set of assignments in each part. It provides a unique opportunity for students to test their understanding of the principles of MIRCE Science studied in that part of the Programme.
The time required to complete the whole Programme varies between students, but normally is completed in two years.

Part 1:  MIRCE Science Philosophy

The main objective of this part of the Programme is to introduce students to the philosophy, axioms and principles of MIRCE Science. In that aim, the initial studies are focused on observing and measuring the functionability trajectory through MIRCE Space of a functionable system  resulting from the occurrence of positive and negative functionability events.
Observed data, experimental and experiential, clearly demonstrate that the functionability trajectory through MIRCE Space of each individual system exhibits discrete and time dependent pattern. However, a large number of a functionable system type that deliver identical functionality generate a large number different discrete and time dependent trajectories.
Consequently, the only way to determine functionability performance of a functionable system type is to apply statistical methods to the data obtained. 

Part 2:  MIRCE Science Mechanics

The main objective of this part of the Programme is to assist students to scientifically understand mechanisms of atomic, environmental and human actions that cause the motion of a functionable system type through MIRCE Space, manifested by the occurrences of functionability events. The following functionability phenomena are studied:

• Positive Functionability Events:

o Birth of a system (beginning of in-service life)
o Testing (diagnostics, troubleshooting and acceptance)
o Replacements with: identical, modified, cannibalized parts.
o Repairs (full, partial or temporal)
o  Inspections (visual, examination, detail,

• Negative Functionability Events:

o Inherent mechanisms (design, production, transport, storage and installation)
o Over-stress mechanisms (mechanical, thermal, electrical, radiation, chemical etc.)
o Aging/Wear out mechanisms (chemical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, radiation, etc.)
o Maintenance mechanisms (Inspections, Schedule Maintenance Tasks, etc.) 

For each category of functionability phenomena studied the relevant theoretical functions that defined the probability of their occurrences, in respect to time, are identified

Part 3:  MIRCE Science Mathematics

The main objective of this part of the Programme is to assist students to understand the mathematical scheme that formulates the laws of the motions of functionable system type through MIRCE Space. It is a conceptual 3-dimensional coordinate system containing a physical sequence of the motion of a given functionable system type through functionability states in respect to time defined by corresponding probability functions, which through MIRCE Functionability Equations determine works done.

For that purpose MIRCE Science mathematical scheme has been created, based on axioms and rules, which enables probabilistic computation of physically observable measures of the motion. The probabilistic laws of the motion of functionable system through MIRCE Space defined by MIRCE Science mathematical scheme, are equally rigorous as the deterministic laws of classical physics. It is simply that they refer to the probabilities of the occurrence of functionability events and predict  the functionability measures related to their collective behaviour, rather than the specific behaviour of each individual system. 

Part 4:   MIRCE Science Computation

The main objective of this part of the Programme is to assist students to understand how to obtain numerical solutions for the MIRCE Science mathematical scheme, as multi dimensional convolution integrals for even a single component system can be too complex to be solved analytically. It is necessary to stress that these types of problems are not specifically related to MIRCE Science; they are common to all scientific disciplines of this nature, as it is a known mathematical fact that the integral equations do not have analytical solutions. However, mathematical difficulties of integration could be overcome by using the Monte Carlo Method, which facilitates the evaluation of the expected measures of the probabilistic processes presented by the MIRCE Science scheme. Further benefit of the use of the Monte Carlo Method is related to the exponential expansion of calculation time with increase of number of dependent elements. 

Part 5: Applied MIRCE Science: Functionability Engineering

The main objective of this part of the Programme is focused on the application of MIRCE Science to functionable system engineering process, as it is essential for designers and programme to be able to predict functionability trajectory of the future system through MIRCE Space, from the moment when the initial concepts and ideas are generated to the moment when the last details are completed. Thus, for a given functionable system and defined in-service life rules and conditions, it is possible to compute whether the functionability requirements will be delivered, with resources planned and constraints expected, through the in-service life. This means that for each of feasible options of a system structure (components selection, modules, redundancies, etc.), manufacturing options, operational scenarios, maintenance policies and support strategies, a corresponding functionability trajectory can be calculated by making use of the MIRCE Functionability Equation and associated algorithms. Thus, it becomes possible to accurately calculate the expected measurable performance of a given functionability system, together with the demands for resources, in-service cost, and other vital indicators of system effectiveness, at the time when modifications are possible at least time and cost. 

Part 6:  Applied MIRCE Science: Functionability Management

The main objective of this part of the Programme is focused on the application of MIRCE Science to the system management process, as it is essential for operation, maintenance and logistics managers of functionable systems to be able to predict functionability trajectories of the system under their management, for the next quarter, year, decade or even century. Thus, for each of feasible management options, related to the functionable system operational scenarios (2 or 3 shifts), maintenance policies (corrective, preventive, condition based, group replacement,) and support strategies, (level of support, spares provisioning, training scheme, means of transport, etc,) a corresponding functionability trajectory can be calculated  by making use of the MIRCE Functionability Equation and associated algorithms. By achieving that, it becomes possible to numerically predict the performance of a given functionable system, cost of resources, revenue, profit and other vital indicators of machine efficiency for each of feasible alternatives, and consequently select the winning solution based on the given criteria.

Part 7:  Applied MIRCE Science: Functionability Economics

The main objective of this part of the Programme is focused on the application of MIRCE Science to the business economics, as it is essential for operation, maintenance and logistics managers of functionable systems to be able to predict economic aspects of their in-service life (for the next quarter, year, decade or even century). Thus, for each of feasible operation, maintenance and support options, related to the functionable system operational scenarios (2 or 3 shifts), maintenance policies (corrective, preventive, condition based, group replacement,) and support strategies, (level of support, spares provisioning, training scheme, means of transport, etc,) a corresponding functionability trajectory can be calculated by making use of the MIRCE Functionability Equation through and associated algorithms By achieving that, it becomes possible to numerically predict the economic performance of a system, cost of resources, revenue, profit and other vital indicators of functionable system efficiency for each of feasible alternatives, and consequently select the winning solution based on the given criteria.

Final Part: The Master Dissertation
 
For a successful completion of the programme students are required to complete a Master Dissertation.  This provides them with an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained to the specific topic of, their or corporate, interests.
The final results are submitted in the form of a written Master Dissertation of the approximate length of 5000 to 8000 words.
The research and writing up is carried out away from the Akademy but with continuous communication with a supervisor(s).
The science based knowledge and analytical skills acquired through this Programme remain with students throughout their lives and will not diminish with changes in industrial or government standards, company procedures or current industry best practices. 

Final Award

The science based knowledge and analytical skills acquired through this Programme remain with students throughout their lives and will not diminish with changes in industrial or government standards, company procedures or current industry best practices. 

The MIRCE Akademy, on the authority of the Council of Fellows, recognises the knowledge of the students by awarding them a Master Diploma in MIRCE Science and the title MIRCE Akademy Master, MAMFel, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Akademy.
 

Entry Criteria

To register for this Programme, normally student should have:

• University  degree or adequate academic background
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience
• A desire to learn the science based knowledge
• A determination to understand and apply MIRCE Science
• Command of scientific English language 
 

The Cost

The current fee for the whole Programme is £ 14,950 (GBP). The fee includes:

• Registration
• All tuition
• Individual Student Support
• Key texts, monographs and other study materials
• Educational Software
• Use of the MIRCE Akademy Resource Centre
• Students rate at the MIRCE Akademy Events (Symposia, Summer Schools and Short Courses)
• Assignments supervision, marking and reporting
• Technical visits (when and where applicable)
• Coffee/Tea during Taught Learning Sessions
• Lunch during Taught Learning Sessions
• Graduation Ceremony   

How to apply

Complete an application form and return it to: MIRCE Akademy

Master Diploma Programmes
Woodbury Park
Exeter
EX5 1JJ
United Kingdom

For any other information please contact us, by: mail, phone, or email. The Akademy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all applicants. Individuals are selected and treated solely on the basis of their merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities during their period of study.