IRSE Module D Planning

Recently I sat the IRSE module D and failed. This is the last module in IRSE examination and composed of mostly questions related to signalling applications, i.e. installations, maintenance, operations and the works related to these. As such, these are the areas that I have the least experience with, either in Malaysia or even more so in the UK. While working on the client side in Malaysia, I attended most of the installation and testings but I wasn’t involved in the hands-on nor the planning side. And in both projects that I was involved in, I was not involved in the operation of the railway as I moved on to the next project development. As for the UK, I have not even set my boots on ballasts, so to speak.

Due to this, it was not surprising that I didn’t pass module D. I think my failings or my answers were most likely lacking these:

1. I was not aware the process that is followed during the works, and not able to elaborate well.
2. I might be aware of the process and the works, but I didn’t write them down, thinking these were given.
3. It didn’t occur to me the different environment constraints required during these works, hence not writing them down as answers.
4. I am not aware of the challenges faced in performing these works, for example the management of the stakeholders and the intricacies.

Based on the above, I think there are two steps that I can take to improve possibility of passing the exam:

1. I can gain experience, by joining or volunteering in heritage railways and learn all the process related in daily (or at least occasionally) operation
2. Review all the question papers, prepare answers and revise possible questions

Step 1 will take a long time but will have the most benefit in making me a better engineer. Unfortunately I don’t think it will be effective in the 5+ months time I have to prepare for the exams. Step 2 will cause me to have a tunnel vision and presents the risk that I would fail if: the questions theme changes this year or my preparation is not solid enough. Either way, I need to start preparation now, by following Step 2, but keeping an eye open for opportunity for Step 1 too.

I’ll complete the planning for Step 2 within next week, insyaAllah.

Thank you for reading.