The Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management - Lean SCM Black Belt is a part-time blended programme running over 18 months from the date of first registration for the programme.

Applicants should have:

1. Minimum honours (NFQ Level 8) primary degree at 2h2 level in a relevant area and at least 4 years relevant industrial experience (including cross-functional team lead and Lean experience)
   or
   A portfolio of professional experience, deemed appropriate by the Academic Programme Director, containing the following: (i) at least 6 years of relevant management experience, including responsibility for teams and cross functional/supply chain teams, (ii) recognized professional qualification in a relevant area and/or applied Lean SCM experience (equivalent to a Green Belt level) , (iii) application of learning or competence such as involvement in cross-functional projects, reports, reflective papers or journals
   and
2. Testimonials of learning or competence through sign-off by an appropriate signatory within the candidate's organization. Applicants must be in a position to affect organizational change.

Note: A foundation module (FE5201) to the value of 5 credits may be provided to candidates who do not have a pre-requisite background in Lean.

This programme consists of two parts. In Year 1 students take modules to the value of 45 credits and in Year 2 take modules to the value of 15 credits.

Students take 60 credits as follows:

Year 1 (Semesters 1 and 2)
IS6401 Information Systems and Technologies in Supply Chain Process Design and Improvement (5 credits)
MG6200 Advanced Lean Tools and Practices in Supply Chain Management (10 credits)
MG6201 Driving Operational and Supply Chain Excellence through Lean Leadership (10 credits)
MG6202 Strategic Planning and Implementation in Supply Chains (10 credits)
MG6203 Leadership and Change Management in Supply Chains (10 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Year 2 (Semester 1)
FE6201 Globalisation Issues - Food and Bioprocess Supply Chains (5 credits)
MG6204 Capstone Module Seminars, Workshops and Lean Black Belt Project (10 credits)

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2020/2021 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2020/2021.

Note: A blended learning approach is a blend of class room activity and online resources. In this format online resources will be provided to workshops, with further online resources provided after workshops.

Progression to MSc Supply Chain Management - Lean SCM Black Belt
Students attaining at least a Second Class Grade I Honours (at least 60%) in the Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management - Lean SCM Black Belt may opt not be conferred with a Postgraduate Diploma and may instead progress to the MSc (Supply Chain Management - Lean SCM Black Belt). See here.

Programme Learning Outcomes for Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management - Lean SCM Black Belt (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Communicate and work effectively to a high professional standard;
• Demonstrate advanced analytical and problem solving skills associated with effective practice;
• Engage in advanced application of frameworks and techniques in organizational settings;
• Demonstrate advanced analytical skills and leadership competency that are useful in addressing key challenges facing leaders (at various levels) within organisations and along supply chains.