Affiliation:
1. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Kenya & University of Johannesburg, South Africa
2. University of Johannesburg, South Africa
Abstract
In this chapter, a feasible approach to implement machine design curricula in developing countries is presented. The argument by the authors is that machine design should train engineering students in such countries to utilize local resources to solve practical societal problems. The approach illustrated here was used during 2015-2016 to teach machine design at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, DeKUT, in Kenya. The approach involved grouping students of different interests and capabilities and tasking them to identify and study various problems in society. The groups were then required to propose machine design solutions to the identified problems. Finally, the groups were tasked to undertake the theoretical design and build CAD models for their projects. The students were monitored through individual weekly presentations to the instructor. The approach was seen to be successful to facilitate training in machine design.