• Elements of the supply chain:
• Supply chain structures and processes
• Information flow through the supply chain
• Introduction to supply chain logistics
• Contracts, sourcing agreements and negotiation techniques
• Requirements of ISO 9001 for ‘external providers’.

• Supply chain alliances:
• Benefits of a partnership approach
• Supplier development
• Supplier communication strategies (listening skills and communication styles)
• The role of the supplier in improvement activities
• Risk management in the supply chain.

• Process management and the supply chain:
• Overview of process approach
• Difference between product/service assessment and process assessment.

• The role of the supplier/external provider in product/service development:
• Overview of the stages on product/service quality planning
• Overview of key tools used in quality planning (project plans, checklists, process maps, FMEA, control plans, control charts, capability analysis and capacity planning).

• Measuring supplier/external provider performance:
• Supplier selection and assessment methods
• Supplier surveys
• Establishing specifications and service level agreements
• Methods for product/service approval (process and documentation reviews, certificates of conformity, inspection records, test certificates, audit)
• Performance measures, monitoring and improvement (periodic reviews, audit programmes, feedback communication processes, problem and non-conformance investigation processes and protocols).

All of our courses are delivered by supported distance learning – which simply means you can study at home or work, at a time – and a pace – which suits you.

Once you’ve enrolled, your dedicated tutor will contact you to arrange your induction.  They’ll go through everything you need to know, and you’ll agree your learning plan.

We’ll also email your login details along with a weblink to our online learning system.  Here you’ll have 24/7 access to everything you need to complete your course – your learning, study support and assessment materials and tutor will provide timely advice, support and feedback throughout your course.

This means:

• You’re not constrained to set dates/times for training – you can start when you’re ready.
• You can complete your training at a pace that’s best for you – if you have more time than expected you can accelerate your learning and complete earlier than planned.
• You can access course learning, assessment and study support materials, receive feedback and support and sit your exam at a time and place that works for you.

Once you’ve successfully completed your course you’ll receive a digital CQI and IRCA accredited certificate.  It really is that simple.

• Assessment for practitioner courses is two-fold. On successful completion of the course workbook for you will sit a CQI-set, multiple-choice (30 question), open book, one hour exam. The pass mark is 66%.

• Your exam is typically facilitated through work – if this is not an option, please contact us and we’ll provide you with further information on exam options.

• When you pass the exam you will be awarded a certificate of achievement.

TYPICAL COURSE DURATION: 8 WEEKS + EXAM

This assumes you can commit to at least 4 hours of study each week. You and your tutor will agree your planned end date, during your induction. 

The minimum learning hours for each course is 24.

The course resource provides additional sources for research and so study time can exceed this if you wish to get more out of the course.

The maximum course duration, set by the CQI and IRCA, for each course is 6 months and for completion of the Certificate is 3 years.

The Practitioner courses are aimed at those practising in quality and aspiring towards middle management. At the point of enrolment, we ask you to provide a brief statement on your experience, training, qualifications and study goals (or you can send your CV). Our Programme Lead will assess this to ensure the level is appropriate and will support your development aims.

Typically, we’d advise at least two years’ experience within a quality management role for these courses.

Suggested prior learning: Introduction to Management Systems (FD107).

If you are unsure which level or course is right for you, you can use the CQI tool to help you decide (https://www.quality.org/training/quiz). Or, get in touch with us to request a free consultation.

On successful completion you will be awarded a certificate of achievement.

The Practitioner Certificate in Quality Management is awarded, by the CQI, following the successful completion of all eight Practitioner courses.