Specialist Diploma in Lean & Quality Systems

What type of Course is it?
This one-year, part-time Diploma programme aims to promote an in-depth knowledge of the thinking and techniques behind Lean and Quality Systems in industry. These systems are particularly important in the current economic situation as they focus on ways to minimise expenditure and waste and simultaneously maximise returns.
 
Delivered via blended learning the course will equip participants with state-of-the-art reference materials to support module topics. Participants will gain knowledge of the Lean, Six Sigma and various other techniques and systems for streamlining products, processes and services. Problem solving skills will be developed and honed. A focused project module will require participants to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and engage in discussions with fellow students and module tutors which explore the key concepts in Lean and Quality Systems.
 
How will I benefit?
The course is intended for those who wish to focus their skills with a view to moving into specialist and hybrid lean roles e.g. internal lean consultants, waste minimisation specialists, process optimisation advisors. It will allow those with basic engineering qualifications to up-skill and specialise in lean engineering if taken as a ‘top up’ course. It will also allow those in declining sectors to convert their skills and transfer their experience to the sector e.g. unemployed manufacturing managers, operatives and technicians.
 
On completion of the course participants will have highly marketable, up-to-date and confidence-building knowledge and skills relevant to product, process and service optimisation and improvement. They will have practiced and been assessed on a range of technical and transferable skills which will be beneficial at the personal, enterprise and community levels.
 
If graduates so wish they can progress to the B.Sc. in Science & Technology Studies (NQF level 8) with credit for their studies. In this case they will be exempt from one elective stream in the Degree cycle.
 
Learning Objectives
On completion of the course students should have:

• Expert problem solving skills
• An appreciation of lean thinking and lean tools
• Good technical knowledge of quality science and specialist knowledge of six sigma processes
• Technical knowledge of enterprise modelling and simulation with a view to optimising business processes
• An appreciation of lean and quality systems within manufacturing and services sectors
• Built their capabilities in the area of change management to facilitate continuous business process improvement