• Process management overview:
• Relationship between standardisation, performance management and continual improvement.
• PDCA
• Prioritisation of improvement activities and targets in line with organisational strategy and needs
• The use of data and metrics in process improvement.

• Management techniques for continual improvement:
• Understanding the impact of localised process improvement on the larger organisational system
• Structure and use of a method of problem solving, such as 3C, 8D and A3
• Process review – agendas, roles and outputs
• Process waste (Lean 8 Wastes descriptions and typical examples)
• Visual management – use of visual management in identification risks, opportunities and improvements, and tracking of the resulting action plans.

• Overview of improvement methodologies (approaches) and their application:
• Improvement cycles (DMAIC and PDCA)
• Lean
• DMADV
• Total Quality Management
• Kaizen
• Innovation
• Reorganisation

• Roles in change management:
• Change agent
• Sponsor

• Key improvement techniques:
• Identification and elimination of process wastes
• Identification of causes of variation and variation reduction.

• Approaches to building readiness for change: stakeholder, process owner, process manager, process operator, planning and influencing:
• Kübler-Ross change curve
• Kotter and Schlesinger resistance to change approaches
• Construction and use of a stakeholder matrix (for example, simple four box with power vs interest) and the process to identify, prioritise and develop plans for stakeholder engagement.

• Effective communications and visual management:
• Charters
• RACI
• Communication plan/matrix.

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 Change Management (FD104) & Introduction to Process Design (FD106).

If you are unsure which level or course is rig ht 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.