Supply Chain Management (Dip)
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Programme Description
Supply Chain Management encompasses all the activities associated with a given product, from the raw materials stage to the final consumer. Effective SCM requires a detailed understanding of processing issues, and also of supply chain structures, supply and demand variability, information systems, purchasing, production scheduling, inventory management, process design and customer services. The purpose of the Certificate/Diploma in Supply Chain Management is to provide personnel across a range of organisational functions with a holistic understanding of the dynamics of supply chains and to enhance their ability to continually improve supply chain performance. This course runs over two academic years; students can exit after Year 1 with a Certificate qualification or progress to Year 2 for a Diploma qualification. Year 1 includes three Lean SCM Green Belt modules.
The Certificate/Diploma in SCM will provide you with a rigorous grounding in supply chain management across the entire organisation. The course ensures that you will appreciate the fundamental concepts and principles of SCM and be able apply them in your place of employment. Key benefits of the course include:improving supply chain efficiency and effectivenessenhancing process design, customer services and information servicesproviding all organisational functions with acute awareness of costs and the ability to enhance value-adding activities.In Year 1 you must complete six modules (30 credits).Three of these modules (15 credits) are Lean SCM Green Belt Modules.In Year 2 you will complete five modules (30 credits).One of these will be a research project module (10 credits).Each module is delivered over a two-day seminar/workshop in UCC, which will take place from 9am to 5pm and will be complemented by a half-day (Saturday) review session.The course incorporates classroom, workplace and on-line learning. Graduates have identified interaction among participants and learning from others from different backgrounds/experiences as one of the primary benefits of the course.
Details
Why Choose This Course
If you wish to study on a part-time basis and integrate your studies with your career, and to incorporate your working experience into an accredited learning process, this course will suit your needs. It also benefits the participating organisations, providing benefits and opportunities through work-based learning.
Skills and Careers Information
The Lean SCM Green Belt modules in Year 1 embrace the philosophy of continuous improvement and will equip you with the leadership/analytical skills necessary to drive organisational change. The practical SCM Research Project in Year 2 further develops these hard and soft skills. Transferable skills gained from the course include communication, research, conceptual, and organisational/management skills.
Our career-minded students have come from a variety of industries, including:
- pharmaceuticals
- medical devices
- food and drinks
- electronics
- utilities
- distribution
- services
Students work in various functions including:
- procurement
- logistics
- production
- planning
- quality
- accounts
- finance
Learning Outcomes
The programme aims to deliver an innovative and integrated teaching programme using established continuing education procedures. The programme adopts a multidisciplinary approach in order to provide the following benefits to the participant and his/her organisation:
- Improve supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
- Enhance process design, customer services and information services.
- Provide all organisational functions with acute awareness of costs and the ability to enhance value-adding activities.
Practicalities & Assessment
Assessment
This course is assessed as follows:Year 1:Examination is by continuous assessment (60%) and written examinations (40%).Assignments are based on current/previous practical experiences.The Lean SCM Green Belt Project encourages applied learning.Year 2:Examination is by continuous assessment (75%) and written examinations (25%).Assignments are based on current/previous practical experiences.The SCM Research Project encourages applied learning.
Who teaches this course
Our core teaching staff have extensive experience of teaching. They deal with a wide variety of students, including undergraduates, postgraduates, mature students and post-experience/adult learners. We combine academic and practical expertise and the course modules are delivered in conjunction with best-in-class practitioners, which enhances overall interaction with industry.
The course is offered by the Department of Food Business and Development in association with the various centres and departments, including:
- Adult Continuing Education
- the Department of Accounting, Finance and Information Systems
- the Department of Management and Marketing
Full module information is detailed in the section below.
Venue
UCC Campus
Entry Requirements
Candidates wishing to be considered for entry to this programme:
- Will be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application
- A minimum of three years industry experience (as deemed appropriate by the Academic Programme Director)
- All applications are assessed on an individual basis to determine eligibility, where students have prior accredited learning and on this basis seek exemptions from specific modules such applications will, in the first instance, be considered by the Academic Director and are subject to final approval by the Adult Continuing Education Committee
- All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score.
Diploma programmes are offered subject to a minimum number of eligible applicants registering for the programme. Following completion of year 1 of this programme, should a sufficient number of eligible students not wish to progress form year 1 to year 2 of this programme as to make the year 2 viable, students will graduate with a certificate at that point. Programme viability is determined by reference to fee income and applicable costs in running the programme.
View the grades comparison table
Non-EU Candidates
Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to Irish university primary degree level. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. To verify if you meet the minimum academic requirements for this programme please visit our qualification comparison pages.
For more detailed entry requirement information please refer to the International website .
Application Process
Questions on how to apply?
Please use our web enquiry form to contact us.
During your online application you will be required to upload the following documents:
- Birth Cert or Passport
- Passport Photograph
- English Language Test Report [if applicable]
- Supplemental Document
Please download the following link DSCM Supplementary Questions and upload the completed document as part of your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Supply Chain Management (SCM)?
Supply Chain Management (SCM) encompasses all the activities associated with a given product, from the raw materials stage to the final consumer. Effective SCM requires a detailed understanding of processing issues, and also of supply chain structures, supply and demand variability, information systems, purchasing, production scheduling, inventory management, process design and customer services. The purpose of this programme is to provide personnel across a range of organisational functions with a holistic understanding of the dynamics of supply chains and to enhance their ability to continually improve supply chain performance.
What is Lean SCM?
Lean is a philosophy and a systematic approach to eliminating process waste and non-value add activities in core processes. The term Lean popularised the Toyota Production System (TPS). TPS revolutionised process design and management through the use of tools and techniques to systematically reduce waste and add value. Thus Lean does not refer to a ‘lean mean’ approach to business but rather Lean Thinking represents a philosophy, a set of principles and the appropriate use of tools and techniques to reduce waste and add value.It challenges organisational and inter-organisational culture and thus requires a change in thinking along the supply chain (vision and capability). The development of efficient and responsive/agile supply chains, or what is popularly known as Leagile supply chains, has resulted in new innovative business models and challenges organisational-bound processes and systems. Lean supply chain management represents an innovative approach to inter-organisation process design and improvement. Lean programmes seek to educate staff within organisations in the principles and techniques of Lean, so that they are empowered to implement sustainable continuous process improvement.
Who is the programme aimed at?
The Diploma in Supply Chain Management aims to support industry and career development in Supply Chain Management. The programme appeals to a variety of people working in wide range of industries, such as: pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and drinks, electronics, utilities, distribution and services. Programme participants work in various functions including: procurement, logistics, production, planning, quality, accounts & finance. This programme is designed to facilitate individuals who wish to study on a part-time basis and to integrate their studies with their careers as well as incorporate their working experience into an accredited learning process. The programme will maximise the participant's experience in the workplace by providing a structured approach to the key elements of supply chain management.
What are the benefits of this programme?
Supply Chain Management (SCM) has emerged as a major element in global business, with considerable investment in systems and processes. The opportunities to develop soft skills to support and use these systems and processes exist across a range of industries and organisations. The need for effective and efficient coordination of key business processes is common to all businesses and cuts across functions and operations. While process design and improvement concepts and tools have been traditionally associated with manufacturing operations, considerable opportunities exist in the development of efficient and responsive Lean supply chains. In recent years, many companies in Ireland have expanded their perspective beyond the traditional factory to organisational-wide activities including supply chain management.This programme places a strong emphasis on supply chain and organisational configuration, leadership, change management, information systems and project management. Graduates have identified interaction among participants and learning from others from different backgrounds/experiences as one of the primary benefits of the programme.
Is the programme Part-Time or Full-Time?
This programme is a part-time programme delivered over 2 academic years. The programme is designed to facilitate individuals who wish to study on a part-time basis and to integrate their studies with their careers as well as incorporate their working experience into an accredited learning process.
What is the National Framework of Qualification (NFQ)?
The National Framework of Qualifications, the NFQ was proposed through the Qualifications (Education and Training) Act 1999 and launched in 2003. It is a system of ten levels that incorporates awards made for all kinds of learning, wherever it is gained. The NFQ, through its ten levels, provides a means of comparing and contrasting national and international education and training qualifications. It helps learners to plan their education and training and employers to identify the qualifications they require. For further information and to see the Framework in action please click here.
What level is this programme on the NFQ?
This programme meets Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications. (Please see the Lean SCM - Career Path Diagram
What is the progression leading from the Diploma in SCM?
Students who meet the entry requirements may progress to either the Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management (Lean SCM Black Belt), UCC or the MComm in Supply Chain Management, UCC. Both are at Level 9 on the NFQ.
Who delivers this programme?
University College Cork, in conjunction with The Leading Edge Group (Lean SCM Green Belt modules), deliver the Diploma in Supply Chain Management. The Lean SCM Green Belt, (acquired in Year 1) is accredited by the Irish Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE); hence in addition to the academic credits, the student will receive a Professional Qualification*.
* This information may be subject to change in 2018/19.
How is the programme delivered?
Each module is delivered over a two-day seminar/workshop series in UCC (on a Wednesday and Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) complemented by a half-day (Saturday) review session. Six modules (or the equivalent of 30 credits) are delivered in each year.
What is the timetable / schedule for 2018/19?
DSCM Year 1 Provisional Timetable 2018/19
What modules are delivered in the programme?
For further information on the modules delivered over the two years, please click: Year 1 and Year 2.
What are the fees for the Diploma in SCM?
The total fee per participant is €3,500 per annum, payable in two instalments (i.e. Semester 1 - €1,750 payable at time of application/registration + Semester 2 - €1,750 payable in January.
(Cost includes registration, administration, course materials, online facilities, examinations and light refreshments.)
How can the fees be paid?
Fees can be paid by credit card (online applications only), cheque or bank giro.
Students receiving company sponsorship should complete and return this form: Company Sponsorship Form
Who do I contact if I have a query regarding fees?
The Centre for Adult Continuing Education (ACE) are responsible for the collection of fees. Please contact either Tom Mallin on 021-4904710 or [email protected] or Deirdre McGlynn on 021-4904713 or [email protected].
Is funding available for this programme?
Currently, no funding is available for this programme. However, this programme is included in the list of undregraduate courses eligible for tax relief under Section 473A, Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. Students should make their own enquiries from their relevant Income Tax Office.
How to apply?
Applications for the Diploma in SCM are made through the Centre for Adult Continuing Education (CACE), UCC. For information on how to apply, please click here.
Are there entry requirements for this programme?
Candidates wishing to be considered for entry to this programme will be at least 21 years of age by 1 January of the year of application, with a minimum of three years industry experience (as deemed appropriate by the Academic Programme Director). All applications are assessed on an individual basis to determine eligibility, where students have prior accredited learning and on this basis seek exemptions from specific modules such applications will, in the first instance, be considered by the Academic Director and are subject to final approval by the Adult Continuing Education Committee. All applicants whose first language is not English must have attained IELTS Level 6 or the equivalent TOEFL score.
As this is an applied programme, places are offered on the basis that the student is in a position to complete assignments based on practical experience in the workforce, past and present.
When is the closing date for applications for this programme?
University College Cork will be accepting applications for the Diploma in SCM from April 2018. The deadline for applications is early September 2018 for a start date later that month.
NOTE: Applications will be assessed on a 'first come, first served' basis and eligible applicants will be offered places depending on availability.
What documentation do I need to apply?
Original or certified copy of Birth Certificate (NOT Baptismal Certificate) if not already a graduate of UCC/Centre for Adult Continuing Education.
ONE passport size photograph, signed on the back for student ID card purposes.
ACE requires half the programme fee at time of application i.e. €3,500 (payable online or by cheque/postal order, made payable to University College Cork. (Cash will NOT be accepted).
When should I expect a response to my application?
Applications submitted will be sent an acknowledgement, but official acceptances will be sent out after the closing date of the programme in September.
When will I find out about registration?
Information on registration, fee payment and start dates will be sent out in early September.
Who should I contact if I have a query about applying?
Queries can be directed to Ms Aoife Sammon (Programme Administrator) at [email protected] or 021 4901833.
Application queries can be directed to Centre for Adult Continuing Education (ACE) on 021 4902301 / 4904719 / 4904739 or [email protected] .
Participant Companies - Cert/Dip SCM
Below are companies who have participated since its launch.