Summary of content

This module focuses on leadership of the Quality Maturity journey, including the role of teamwork and organisational culture on the success of the implementation of quality improvement and lean six sigma approaches and associated tools and techniques both quantitative and qualitative.

The module starts looking at the drivers for improving quality, and the quality maturity journey. It will then cover different tools such as benchmarking, the Balanced Scorecard, Business Process Re-engineering as well as the role of accreditation, assessment and quality assurance (e.g. ISO standards, EFQM, etc).

Leadership is key to embedding a continuous improvement culture, hence the module also covers the Fundamentals in Leadership and Leaderful behaviour and traits aligned to the GCU Common Good values. Leadership Master Classes and key speaker events will be provided to further develop the theory to practice link. Within these, the module will utilise Leaders from industry to talk about their own leadership journey and developmental path; as well as discuss key contemporary issues experienced and leadership approaches employed. Consideration will also be given to how leaders encapsulate SDGs in their decisions. Seminars will be used to contextualise what is required of a leader striving to manage continuous improvement and lean six sigma projects in operations and supply chain environments (with a key underpinning of the GCU Common Good attributes as well as the Sustainable Development Goals).

The principles of Lean and Six Sigma will be covered in the lectures. The seminars will allow the students to work through calculations to develop competencies in applying the tools in a workplace environment. For example, students will be use Statistical Process Control calculations, determine the number of kanbans required and design processes using both process mapping and quantitative tools to improve flow.

On successful completion of the exam, this module will lead to Yellow Be

Module structure

Assessment methods