WHAT WILL I LEARN?

• 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.

IS THE COURSE RIGHT FOR ME? 

The Practitioner Quality courses are aimed at those practising in quality and aspiring towards middle management.

The CQI and IRCA recommend you complete the relevant Foundation course OR hold equivalent knowledge / experience (minimum of 2 years).

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), which we’ll assess to ensure the level is appropriate and will match your development goals.

Suggested prior learning: An introduction to Change Management (FD104) and an introduction to Process Design (FD106).

If you are unsure which level or course is right for you, you can use the CQI tool to help you decide or get in touch with us to request a free consultation.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Course fees cover tutorial support, course induction, learning, assessment and support materials, an account for our learning management system and CQI and IRCA registration and certification.

HOW WILL I LEARN AND BE ASSESSED? 

Develop your competence in quality management with our fully online CQI and IRCA certified courses, which includes: 

• Personalised, one-to-one support
  During your course induction you and your dedicated tutor will agree your personalised learning plan. From there, your tutor will be there to provide support and advice throughout your learning journey. 

• Flexible online learning
  Access learning, assessment and support through our online system allowing you to study at a place and time that works for you. 

• Structured and individualised learning and assessment – learn, apply, improve
  Comprehensive learning materials, personalised learning plans and assessment activities are designed to give you the time to build your understanding and demonstrate and apply your knowledge – to your role, workplace and industry – so you build real workplace capability. 

All learning within the programme is assessed and for practitioner courses, assessment is two-fold. 

The first part is the completion of a course workbook, where you will demonstrate your understanding of key concepts and quality management principles. 

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

You will receive ongoing assessment feedback from your tutor throughout the course, supporting reflection, further development and the growth of effective quality management skills and confidence in applying them.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

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.

WHAT WILL I GAIN?

Once you’ve successfully completed your course, 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 quality courses.

Completion of the Practitioner Certificate meets CQI Practitioner level (PCQI) membership.

CQI MEMBERSHIP

Joining the CQI makes you part of a unique network of thousands of professionals working in quality management. Becoming a member of the CQI gives you opportunities for learning, development and networking, as well as unrivalled recognition – showing your colleagues and employers that you’re serious about your profession and committed to developing your expertise.

Read more about membership here.

If you apply for CQI membership at Affiliate or Practitioner grade within 16 weeks of completing your course, the CQI will waive the application fee. Simply email applications@quality.org and request the code.