Higher Certificate in Operations, Quality & Lean Management , (Higher Certificate L6, 120 ECTS) (SUSI Funding) Day Time Delivery

Stage 1

Business and Operations Management

To provide students with an understanding of management practice and human behaviour in organisational settings and to illustrate how knowledge of management practice and human behaviour can contribute to the success of an organisation. The efficient production of goods and services requires the effective application of the concepts, tools and techniques of operations management. This module presents a broad introduction to the
field of operations, the role of operations in an organisation and the associated concepts, tools and techniques of operations management. This module facilitates students to apply theory and knowledge to real life situations

Fundamentals of Quality Assurance

Students will be introduced to the area of Quality Assurance and Control and will have the ability to apply and maintain quality assurance/quality control systems in an industrial environment to support delivery of a quality product or service.
The module will emphasise everyday practical aspects concerning the use of basic quality techniques in industry with particular emphasis on quality management system standards including ISO 9001:2015, as well as supporting Auditing, Visual Inspection techniques, process improvement and current trends.

Introduction to Mathematics and Statistics

This module will introduce the student to the basic mathematical procedures in arithmetic, trigonometry used in third level study. This module will also introduce the student to an introduction to statistics and data analysis.

Quality Management

To give students an understanding of how quality is managed in a manufacturing or services organisation and to give them an introduction to current tools and philosophies in the area of quality management.

Applied Practice 1 – Personal and Professional Context

This module is designed to assist students with preparation for professional and personal work-based development and well-being. There will be a particular emphasis on career, personal development and well-being in the modern workplace

Stage 2

Financial and Management Accounting

The aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of the financial accounting concepts, which will enable them to interpret financial statements for limited liability companies, and management accounting techniques used for the provision of information to mangers to assist with planning, control and decision-making. Students will use spreadsheet models with an accounting bias; using MS Excel or equivalent.

Lean Management

The Lean Six Sigma module covers the key aspects of Lean and Six Sigma, demonstrating the relationship between them and how they complement each other. Both Lean and Six Sigma have a defined series of steps or phases. Although the steps or phases are different for each methodology, there is a common underlying philosophy; namely, processes can be analysed and systematically improved on a continuous basis. This course will provide participants with a solid foundation for defining Lean and Six Sigma projects and then launching the projects successfully. The course covers topics such as creating a project charter, creating a SIPOC chart, creating a Value Stream Map and setting up a data collection plan. It provides participants with problem solving skills with a particular emphasis on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) model. The course is
recommended to employees or prospective employees of companies engaging in Lean Six Sigma processes and who might lead or participate in small projects. The course is also suitable for project managers, team leaders, consultants, and managers.

Supply Chain Management

To provide the students with the theoretical background and knowledge which will enable them to analyse Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management and to understand the elements which require integration in order to ensure the successful management of Logistics & Supply Chain organisation. To understand the major challenges and issues facing organisations developing and implementing supply chain strategies To enable the student to understand the contributions of a supply chain approach to organisational efficiency and effectiveness and to analyse the benefits that can accrue from implementing effective supply chain practices.

Problem Solving Tools and Techniques

This course will provide participants with a solid foundation for defining Lean and Six Sigma projects and then launching the projects successfully. The course will show the student that all processes can be analysed and systematically improved on a continual basis. The course covers topics such as creating a SIPOC chart, creating a Value Stream Map and setting up data collection plans.
It provides participants with problem-solving skills with a particular emphasis on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control) model. Emphasis on real world learning examples will be employed throughout the module, linking theoretical concepts to practical application.

Validation Principles and Practices

This module covers the science and practice of validation and verification, as they apply within regulatory compliant environments, such as the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. This module aims to ensure students understand the role of the validations function within an organisation and its role within Good Manufacturing Practice and other applications.

Stage 3

Fundamentals in Regulatory Affairs

The module will explore a range of regulatory standards such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, ISO 16949:2016, ISO 14001:2015 along with EudraLex ,the CE Markings and the Machineries directive. This module will identify the role of the regulatory bodies FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), the EMA (the European Medicines Agency) and European Food Safety Authority. The module will introduce the student to an understanding of the importance of auditing in successfully managing a quality management system.

Applied Practice 2 – Organisational Alignment

This module affords students the opportunity to implement the core work practice skills to compliment the other taught modules. Students will be required to make a business case proposal and it will form the basis of a work based learning project that will demonstrate the ability to engage as a skilled practitioner in their discipline. The aim of the module is to encourage learners to develop integrative learning, independent thought and critical reflection skills as they bring together a range of concepts, theories, frameworks and practices.

Minimum Entry Requirements

This programme will be delivered in a blended Format.

Lectures will take place online, two mornings per week, with two selected Saturdays per Semester taking place at TUS Athlone Campus. 

Attendance on these days is mandatory.

Each 10-credit module normally equates to approximately 200 total learning hours. Total learning hours include the time spent in class, such as lectures, tutorials, and practical elements, as well as time spent working independently outside of college.

The balance between these varies by discipline and level of study, and learners should be aware that workload will increase at particular times, especially when assignments are due.

The programme is assessed through a combination of continuous assessments, project work and examinations.

This Programme is at Register your Interest stage.

The programme will run subject to viable numbers.

Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Higher Certificate in Science in Operations, Quality and Lean Management, Level 6, 120 ECTS.