The Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Supply Chain Management (Lean SCM Black Belt) is a tailored and systematic programme designed to improve global supply chain processes through cost reduction and value-add. The Lean philosophy promotes a systematic approach to eliminating process waste and non-value-add activities and hence increases sustainable profitability.
The UCC programme attracts career-minded practitioners from a wide range of industries, such as: pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and drinks, electronics, utilities, distribution and services. Participating companies in this cohort include: Bulmers, Centecor Biologics J&J, DePuy J&J, Fournier Laboratories, Kepak, McAfee, McKesson, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Microbrush, Moog, and Musgrave.
The event at UCC included Student ‘Lean Black Belt’ Project Presentation and Poster Sessions and a short seminar from Professor Peter Hines (LERC, Cardiff University and S A Partners).
The research projects presented by the students are the culmination of their Lean studies. These ‘Black Belt level’ projects are awarded to those students who demonstrate not only a competency in lean techniques but also the ability to lead change initiatives within the workplace and achieve continuous and sustainable improvements.
The winner of this year’s ‘S A Partners Prize for Best Black Belt Project’ was Michael Twohig, Project Manager – Store Development, Musgrave. Dr Seamus O’Reilly (SCM Academic Programme Director, UCC) commented “there was great diversity across projects in terms of both industry and the adoption of continuous improvement approaches.” He congratulated all involved and went on to highlight the merits of this UCC-led comprehensive programme which makes part-time education accessible and useful to many people working in industry.
Details of the programme can be found at: http://www.ucc.ie/scm/pgdip
Picture L-R: Dr Séamus O’Reilly (SCM Academic Programme Director, UCC), Michael Twohig (Project Manager – Store Development, Musgrave) , Professor Peter Hines (Cardiff University and S A Partners).
