Diploma

Six Sigma

Network: 
ULearning Skillnet
Location of Course University of Limerick
Trainer University of Limerick
Methods of Assessment Programme completion requires a substantial industry based project, reported in the form of management report. The expectation that the project would realise savings of at least €30,000 for the participant organisation. The project will require the application of the concepts covered in the course. The output of the project should involve a significant benefit to the company. The Student, Supervisor and Company will agree the success metric for the project as part of the topic selection process.

Examples of success metrics could include:

the improvement of a specified performance indicator by an agreed amount.
the quantifiable addition of value to process or service which was the focus of the project.
a cost saving of the order of €30,000 which must be verified by the company, or in the case of a Small to Medium Enterprises, (SMEs, <250 employees), project savings must amount to 0.1% of annual turnover.
An example could be a kanban system that could result in cost savings through inventory reduction to the value of €50,000, or an increase in machine efficiency by 5%, or a reduction process cycle time by 10%.

Further Enquiries Susie Boekhout at ulearning@ul.ie or 061-213360
Entry Requirements Relevant primary degree/recognised professional qualification and 1-3 years relevant industrial experience
Or
Portfolio of evidence of prior qualifications in quality management together with the application of learning or competence (e.g green/black belt project reports, reflective papers or journals). Two references from appropriate signatories in the candidate’s organisation will be accepted as evidence. Candidates may be required to attend an interview prior to enrolling on the programme.
Course Content The diploma will provide education and practical application to a Black Belt level in Six Sigma. The course will enable participating companies gain competitive advantage through the application of Six Sigma principles to drive improvement with measurable results. A company-based project will form a key element of the programme, ensuring the integration of the various concepts in the participants’ workplace. This project will need to result in significant cost savings for the organisation.

This programme forms part of the MSc in Strategic Quality Management Lean Sigma Systems. Those who have completed this programme may continue on to the MSc.

Financial Support This course has been approved by ULearning Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 25% for students whose company is a member of the ULearning Skillnet network.

There are also a limited number of free places available for unemployed students who meet the required criteria by ULearning Skillnet.

Please note there are only a limited number of subsidies available for both employed and unemployed students.

Jobseekers please be advised that the Department of Social Protection (DSP) has no mandate to extend welfare support to clients undertaking NFQ Level 9 Programmes. Such programmes cannot be approved by DSP, and on that basis are designated SKN-E. Notwithstanding the above, we may offer a NFQ L.9 place to a welfare recipient. This is conditional on our network informing the individual, during the recruitment & selection phase, that the:

Welfare payment must be relinquished should he/she wish to pursue the programme

Trainee must inform the Social Welfare Local Office (SWLO), prior to commencement, about his/her intention to undertake an SKN-E programme, so that the Office can take the necessary steps to review/withdraw payment

Unfortunately, Skillnets cannot seek exceptional approval from DSP for any jobseekers that wish to accept a place on one of the ULearning Skillnet Level 9 courses.

Enrolment and Start Dates Comment This programme takes 10 months and is run over two semesters, each 15 weeks, with 10 weeks project write up upon completion of the taught element.

Enrolment September each year

Subjects Taught Programme Structure:
The programme comprises four taught modules and a company based project.

Quality Science I
Problem Solving Tools & Techniques Quality Science II Quality Science III/Advanced Statistics

Duration This programme takes 10 months and is run over two semesters, each 15 weeks, with 10 weeks project write up upon completion of the taught element.
Course Fee Fees for the programme are €4,950 and include all course materials, text books and exams.
Course Web Page: 
http://www.ul.ie/ulearning/ulearning_courses/six_sigma.htm
Available to Job Seekers: 
Yes
Certified: 
Yes

Innovation Management

Network: 
ULearning Skillnet
Location of Course Galway, Limerick, Cork
Trainer AUA Atlantic University Alliance
The Atlantic University Alliance (AUA), is a consortium of three Universities on the Atlantic coast of Ireland - NUI, Galway, the University of Limerick and University College Cork.
Methods of Assessment The programme is offered over 12 months on a part-time basis. Students will have a formal assessment at the end of each semester and an in-company project to complete.

Examination and Assessment:
Sample Exam Papers, Assignments, Self Assessment Questions and Answers E-Tutor support- available for each programme module.

Learning Outcomes On completion of the course participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to enable them to:
Identify, develop and understand the skills necessary to manage innovation at both operational and strategic levels in their organisation;
Familiarise themselves with business process improvement methods and simulation tools;
Present a professional innovative idea to their peers with the potential to improve business at their organisation.
Further Enquiries ULearning Skillnet:
Phone: 086 0214825
Email: info@ulearning.ie
Entry Requirements An undergraduate Degree 1st or 2nd Class Honours in any discipline + 1 year of relevant industrial experience; or

Ordinary or 3rd Class Honours Undergraduate Degree + 3 years of relevant industrial experience; or

Recognised Professional Qualification + 3 years of relevant industrial experience.

Course Content Specialist Diploma – Innovation Management (Postgraduate)
Innovation is about ideas, and the transformation of those ideas into value creating outcomes – into products, processes and services. Innovations include breakthrough ideas that lead to new products or services, and incremental ideas, which improve the way processes, are undertaken, or products are manufactured. It is also about the creation of new knowledge, and the use of that knowledge. Innovation is the key to future business prosperity and can take place in all areas of the business process. Innovation has been linked to increased market shares, higher growth rates and greater profitability for businesses. This course has been designed to provide an innovative programme to industry whilst encouraging and delivering innovation knowledge through the individual to their organisations.

The programme is offered over 12 months on a part-time basis. Students will have a formal assessment at the end of each semester and an in-company project to complete.

The following is a module outline for each 15 week semester:
Managing Innovation and Change
Managing Technology Projects
Enterprise, Product Modelling Simulation
Product Design & Development
Project

The programme is delivered using a blended approach, that is, a combination of distance/online learning materials combined with face-to-face tutorials and seminars. The online element facilitates the learning in tandem with the distance-education, hard-copy materials and periodic classroom contact. Students will be required to attend seminars on average once per month. Tutorials are organised on a rotating basis at either NUIG, UL or UCC.

The blended learning approach contains the following elements:
Traditional distance education format hard-copy course material, textbooks, course notes and reading lists face-to-face study groups expert seminars scheduled during each semester

Online learning system available 24 / 7 containing
Module Content - module material in a downloadable format
Module Documents – study schedules, PowerPoint slides and case studies
Library – online catalogue searches, journal articles, electronic databases

Financial Support This course has been approved by ULearning Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 25% for students whose company is a member of the ULearning Skillnet network.

There are also a limited number of free places available for unemployed students who meet the required criteria by ULearning Skillnet.

Please note there are only a limited number of subsidies available for both employed and unemployed students.

Jobseekers please be advised that the Department of Social Protection (DSP) has no mandate to extend welfare support to clients undertaking NFQ Level 9 Programmes. Such programmes cannot be approved by DSP, and on that basis are designated SKN-E. Notwithstanding the above, we may offer a NFQ L.9 place to a welfare recipient. This is conditional on our network informing the individual, during the recruitment & selection phase, that the:

Welfare payment must be relinquished should he/she wish to pursue the programme

Trainee must inform the Social Welfare Local Office (SWLO), prior to commencement, about his/her intention to undertake an SKN-E programme, so that the Office can take the necessary steps to review/withdraw payment

Unfortunately, Skillnets cannot seek exceptional approval from DSP for any jobseekers that wish to accept a place on one of the ULearning Skillnet Level 9 courses.
Enrolment and Start Dates Comment 1 Year Course with enrolment in September
Subjects Taught Managing Innovation and Change
To understand innovation as a management process and determine how innovation an be identified analysed, monitored and implemented within organisations
To develop critical understanding of the techniques for diagnosing the need for innovation and change
To identify what is required to empower individuals in the area of innovation.

Managing Technology Projects
To gain an understanding of the systems approach to management and balance traditional problem solving with systemic thinking
To understand project management through handling technology-related work as project work
To apply the tools and techniques of project management to maximise the successful delivery of technology

Enterprise Modelling and Simulation
To focus participates on business process re-engineering and business process modelling. It will also introduce simulation as a modelling technique for business process improvement
Provide a platform for participants to understand their organisations current goals, strategies and their business process environment. It will also provide information on how to establish business process improvements and what is required to support these improvements

During the course of this module uptake it is envisaged that participants would formulate an improvement proposal (CASE STUDY) which defines how their organisation can transition to a future business process improvement, and identify the tools, systems and processes required to implement change

Product Design and Development
To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of process and product development from concept to implementation or market introduction in the case of new products. This understanding should be based on knowledge of the various methodologies and tools used by product or process development teams. The methodologies and tools will be presented in the context of various models of the overall process and will be illustrated with industrial case studies.

To provide an overview of today’s process and product development environment, including consideration of Extended Enterprise, Virtual Enterprise, Vendor-Customer co-design and co-makership issues. The nature and operation of shared design and manufacturing partnerships

Projects
The project phase of the Diploma is an opportunity to pursue a relevant activity related to Innovation Management. Each participant will be required to prepare a proposal; plan and manage the project; collect, analyse and use data where necessary; present their results; and write the project report. It is imperative that the participant receives support throughout the project, including guidance on how to write a professional report.

Duration 1 year
Course Fee The diploma fee is €3,950 for the year. The fee includes registration, exam and tutor fees, course material, meals and refreshments during seminars held at the distance education locations.
Course Web Page: 
http://www.aua.ie/post-grad-diploma-innovation-management-course-structure
Available to Job Seekers: 
Yes
Certified: 
Yes

Technology Commercialisation

Network: 
ULearning Skillnet
Location of Course Galway, Limerick, Cork
Trainer AUA (Atlantic University Alliance)
The Atlantic University Alliance (AUA), is a consortium of three Universities on the Atlantic coast of Ireland - NUI, Galway, the University of Limerick and University College Cork.
Methods of Assessment The programme is offered over 12 months on a part-time basis. Students will have a formal assessment at the end of each semester and an in-company project to complete.
Learning Outcomes The Diploma in Technology Commercialisation aims to:
equip participants with state of the art reference material to support module topics such as innovation and technology transfer, marketing technology products, technology entrepreneurship and finance and capital;
assist participants to develop technology commercialisation activities within their organisation, realise the potential of innovation and gain a greater understanding of the commercialisation process.
Further Enquiries ULearning Skillnet:
Phone: 086 0214825
Email: info@ulearning.ie
Entry Requirements An undergraduate Degree 1st or 2nd Class Honours in any discipline + 1 year of relevant industrial experience; or

Ordinary or 3rd Class Honours Undergraduate Degree + 3 years of relevant industrial experience; or

Recognised Professional Qualification + 3 years of relevant industrial experience.

Course Content Specialist Diploma Technology Commercialisation - Specialist Diploma Minor Award Level 9

This course will provide information and guidance to potential entrepreneurs and give Irish industry the business planning skills and knowledge needed to commercialise new technologies, products and services, and to secure project finance. Students will also undertake a project module which supports the learning modules in a more active manner and aids their understanding of the commercialisation options available to an identified venture.

The programme will enhance students' understanding of venture capital financing, along with business planning, business management, marketing and technology development. It is envisaged that this course will also allow participants the opportunity to expand their networks with individuals, companies and agencies involved in Technology Commercialisation.

The programme is offered over 12 months on a part-time basis. Students will have a formal assessment at the end of each semester and an in-company project to complete.

The following is a module outline for each 15 week semester:
Innovation and technology Transfer
Marketing Technology Products
Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Technology Finance and Capital
Project
The programme is delivered using a blended approach, that is, a combination of distance / online learning materials combined with face-to-face tutorials and seminars. The online element facilitates the learning in tandem with the distance-education, hardcopy materials and periodic classroom contact. Students will be required to attend seminars on average once per month. Seminars are organised on a rotating basis at either NUIG, UL, or UCC.

The blended approach contains the following elements:
Traditional distance education format
1.hardcopy course material, textbooks, course notes and reading lists
2.face-to-face study groups
3.expert seminars scheduled during each semester.
Online learning system available 24/7 containing
1.Module Content - module material in a downloadable format
2.Module Documents – study schedules, PowerPoint slides and case studies
3.Library – online catalogue searches, journal articles, electronic databases
4.Examination and Assessment: Sample Exam Papers, Assignments, Self Assessment Questions and Answers
5.E-Tutor support- available for each programme module.

Financial Support This course has been approved by ULearning Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 25% for students whose company is a member of the ULearning Skillnet network.

There are also a limited number of free places available for unemployed students who meet the required criteria by ULearning Skillnet.

Please note there are only a limited number of subsidies available for both employed and unemployed students.

Jobseekers please be advised that the Department of Social Protection (DSP) has no mandate to extend welfare support to clients undertaking NFQ Level 9 Programmes. Such programmes cannot be approved by DSP, and on that basis are designated SKN-E. Notwithstanding the above, we may offer a NFQ L.9 place to a welfare recipient. This is conditional on our network informing the individual, during the recruitment & selection phase, that the:

Welfare payment must be relinquished should he/she wish to pursue the programme

Trainee must inform the Social Welfare Local Office (SWLO), prior to commencement, about his/her intention to undertake an SKN-E programme, so that the Office can take the necessary steps to review/withdraw payment

Unfortunately, Skillnets cannot seek exceptional approval from DSP for any jobseekers that wish to accept a place on one of the ULearning Skillnet Level 9 courses.

Enrolment and Start Dates Comment 1 Year part-time, enrolment September.
Subjects Taught Innovation and Technology Transfer
To provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to forecast the future technological needs of their organisations, to evaluate the possible sources of new technology, and to manage the transfer of new products and processes, into or out of their organisations;
Participants will develop the ability to identify new technology platforms of potential strategic importance and to successfully assimilate such platforms into their firms;
The module will also address the different mechanisms through which firms can gain the maximum return from technologies that they have developed. These include patents, licensing, and trading in technical know-how.

Marketing Technology Products
To provide an understanding of the key marketing concepts in business generally and technology in particular;
To be capable of analysing markets for technology products / services;
To produce a marketing plan for a technology company (their own or another actual company);
To provide the participant with an understanding of the selling process.

Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Present a curriculum in the area of Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship that reflects the needs of the user;
Provide easy to access, state of the art reference material in the area of Technology Innovation & Entrepreneurship to help learners to understand the essential fundamental concepts involved in the discipline;
Equip participants with the values, best practices, skills and supporting tools necessary to effectively design, develop and deploy technical projects in their organisations and to empower users to autonomously apply these concepts and tools;
To provide information on project managing an innovative idea

Technology Finance and Capital
To ensure that participants understand how investment decisions are made in large corporations and in SMEs. This is a key issue for executives seeking to persuade their superiors or Boards of Directors of the efficacy of particular investments in equipment and other assets. It is also a key issue for producers of equipment and other assets since these tools are generally used to guide investment (and hence purchasing) decisions;

To ensure that participants understand how financial assets (debt and equity claims) are priced in order to build credible proposals for bank and venture capital investment; To develop an appreciation of the relation between new manufacturing technologies and cost structures. New manufacturing technologies result in a radical realignment of cost structures and hence impact upon many operational and strategic decisions.

Projects
The project phase of the Diploma is an opportunity to pursue a relevant activity related to Technology Commercialisation. Each participant will be required to prepare a proposal; plan and manage the project; collect, analyse and use data where necessary; present their results; and write the project report.

Duration 12 months on a part-time basis
Course Fee The diploma fee is €3,950 for the year. The fee includes registration, exam and tutor fees, course material, meals and refreshments during seminars held at the distance education locations.
Course Web Page: 
http://www.aua.ie/content.asp?ID=69
Available to Job Seekers: 
Yes
Certified: 
Yes

Product Management

Network: 
ISA Software Skillnet
Location of Course TBA
Learning Outcomes • Comprehensive knowledge, tools and frameworks
• Enhanced effectiveness through practice-oriented learning
• Competence in adopting innovative approaches to solving product management challenges
• Skills for leading cross functional teams in dynamic technology environments
• Proven approaches to dialogue with developers, customers and senior management
• Access to a vibrant community of practice
• Level 9 accredited Postgraduate/Masters qualification
Eligibility The programmes are most suitable for senior executives in the product management function who hold executive responsibility for the function.

Participants will typically have a number of years’ experience in the software and digital media sector. They will currently be engaged in a product management role and already competent in the technical aspects of software development processes and methods.

If you are engaged in some or all of the following in your day-to-day activities, then the programme is likely to be a good fit.

• Analysing customer and market needs
• Engaging in competitor analysis
• Crafting market and product requirements documents
• Designing technology and product roadmaps
• Negotiating product and team resources
• Working with architects and engineering teams
• Running pilot and beta programmes
• Crafting business cases
• Prioritising and setting feature schedules
• Managing products through the lifecycle
• Providing domain expertise to and through the sales channel

Further Enquiries Contact Susan Kelly at the ISA Software Skillnet office.

Tel No: 0818 919 820

Entry Requirements To be eligible to enter the postgraduate programme, participants will have an honours degree level qualification or equivalent. Exceptions may be made for applicants whose experiential learning is assessed as equivalent to an honours degree.
Course Content The Postgraduate Diploma in Product Management is a 60 credit level 9 programme on the National Qualifications Framework.
Enrolment and Start Dates Comment Closing Date for applications is 1st July 2013.

Early applications are encouraged to guarantee places.

Subjects Taught Modules on the PostGraduate Diploma in Product Management (one year) include:

• Startegy and Business models
• Innovation and Technology Management
• Market and Customer Analysis
• Business Case and Strategic Pricing
• Strategic Customer Management
• Product Planning and Process
• Structured Product Management
• Team Leadership and Change Management
• Strategic Negotiation and Communication
• Applied Project (Strategic Product Plan - Product Lifecycle Review - Innovation Audit

Modules on the Masters of Science in Product Management (optional second year) include:

• International Strategic Management
• Business Research Methods
• Design Thinking
• Dissertation
• Structured product management processes
• In-company customisation of best practice tools and approaches
• Access to a network of product management professionals
• Application of assignments (e.g. Road mapping and business cases) with immediate impact on performance

Duration It is delivered on a part-time basis to facilitate executives’ busy working lives. Modules take place over 2 day workshops (Friday / Saturday) held every 4 to 6 weeks throughout the year.
Comment The Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Science Degree in Product Management have been designed specifically to meet the needs of organisations in the software and digital media sector.

Designed and delivered by DIT in partnership with the Irish Software Association and ISA Software Skillnet, the programme delivers immediate impact in the strategy, process and practice of Product Management.

The programme draws on the expertise of leading academics, international experts, recognised industry practitioners and the latest research. Practicing product managers gain in-depth knowledge while making a very practical contribution to participating companies.

DIT Award: Postgraduate Diploma / Masters of Science in product Management in Product Management

Number of Places Early applications are encouraged to guarantee places.
Course Fee Companies who wish to sponsor an executive can avail of grant aid towards programme fees through the ISA Software Skillnet.

Programme fees and Grant Aided fees are outlined below. Companies sending 3 people or more on the programme can avail of a group fee of €5,200 per person (full fee) or €4,000 per person (grand aided fee) on the Postgraduate Diploma.

Postgraduate Diploma (year 1)
Masters of Science (year 2)

Programme Fees
€5,800 (year 1)
€4,000 (year 2)

Grant Aided Fee
€4,350 (year 1)
€3,000 (year 2)

Course Web Page: 
http://www.isa-skillnet.com/Post_Graduate_Diploma_in_Product_Management/246
Available to Job Seekers: 
No
Certified: 
Yes

Business, Executive & Personal Coaching

Network: 
HPSU Skillnet
Location of Course Dublin
Trainer Coach Institute
Methods of Assessment The Diploma will be awarded to trainees who meet the following criteria:
• Demonstrate a high level of Coaching Skills by the end of the Programme
• Demonstrate the ability to reflect on their use of Self in the Coaching process
• Meet the minimum attendance requirements
• Maintain a Reflective Journal during the programme which demonstrates growing self-awareness
• Meet the requirements for Peer Coaching and Pro-Bono Coaching (This will be explained to you at interview).
• Meet the requirements for reading, reviewing a piece of Coaching literature, doing a 360 Degree review, preparing a Statement of Learning towards the Programme end.
• Demonstrate a commitment to working ethically
• Taking 4 hours Coaching for oneself separate from the Peer-Coaching practice
Learning Outcomes Learning is experiential and practical. You will learn by doing and practicing rather than in traditional lecture style. You will also learn by applying the insights and skills you gain to your own personal and working life.
Eligibility To be offered a place on the programme you need to have an interview with us. This is an opportunity for you to assess if the programme is really right for you. It also ensures that your peer learning group consists of individuals like yourself who are able to learn from the programme. Many of our graduates are successfully Coaching either in their workplace, or in private practice.
Further Enquiries Philip Kelly
Network Manager
m: 086 814 6060
e: hpsuskillnet@gmail.com
Entry Requirements Background in Business, Management, Leadership, HR, Training and Development
Course Content Diploma in Business, Executive & Personal Coaching - Dublin
• The Presence of the Coach
• The nature of Client - Centered Coaching
• Emotional Intelligence in Life &Work
• How to help clients set Goals
• Your Values and their relationship to your Goals
• Qualities &Attributes of a Successful Coach
• Rational and Irrational Beliefs about Self &Others
• How to help clients change Limiting Beliefs
• The Coaches use of ‘Self’ in the Coaching process
• Self-Awareness
• A 2 Stage Model for Moving clients to Action
• Stage 1: Facilitating Understanding
• Stage 2: Facilitating Action
• Coaching for Leadership
• Leadership Styles & Attributes
• Cognitive Psychology and Coaching
• The theory of Self-efficacy and it’s applications in Coaching
• Live Supervision of your Peer and Pro-Bono Client Casework
• Communication Skills: Active Listening, Attending, Responding to the Client’s Frame of Reference, Summarising, Paraphrasing, Interrupting, Reframing, Using Metaphors, Brainstorming, Clarifying, Challenging
• Relationship between Feelings and Action
• The use of Powerful Questions
• Self-Sabotage in Work & Life. How to work with Client’s Self-Sabotage
• Developing your Intuition and using it to Coach others
• Change and Resistance to Change
• Boundaries between Coaching, Counselling and Consulting
• The Coaches Self-Management
• Helping Clients assume greater Personal Responsibility
• Building a Coaching Practice
• Ethical Issues in Coaching
• Accreditation of Coaches
Financial Support Please contact Philip Kelly
Enrolment and Start Dates Comment Start and Enrolment date 9th March 2013
Subjects Taught As per Course Content
Duration Duration and 2013 Dates of Course:
Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th March,
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th April,
Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th May,
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th June,
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th September,
Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th October,
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th November,
Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th December
Number of Places 12 places
Course Fee Please contact Philip Kelly
Available to Job Seekers: 
No
Certified: 
Yes
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