On this PG Certificate Programme, you will gain a solid understanding of operations and supply chain management to up-skill and advance your career across multiple industries. Designed with the busy professional in mind, this blended programme will enable you to explore and better understand the operations, logistics and supply chain functions that are a vital cog in organisations across all industries and sectors; key local employers include Bombardier Aerospace, Henderson Group, Musgrave, Moy Park, Translink, Dunbia Key Employers. UK and global employers include Amazon, Arriva, First Group, Wincanton, Arcadia Group.
Over a period of 1 academic year, you will have the opportunity during on-campus modules to network with like minded professionals who are looking to stay ahead of the talent or up-skill for a career change. Upon completion of the PGCert, you will be able to access entry-level jobs within the broad operations and supply chain management sectors. You may be eligible to progress to an MSc qualification subject to capacity at Queen’s Management School.
This course is fully funded for NI residents
by DfE NI, as part of the SKILL UP scheme.
Eligibility applies, and to view the criteria click here:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/skill-up-flexible-skills-fund/
Course Structure
The programme will be delivered online and in-person at QUB. The programme begins on 05 October 2024.and runs over approx. 8 weekends throughout the academic year.
Delivery Dates
05 October 2024 9.30am – 5.00pm (On-Campus)
11 October 2024 9.30am – 5.00pm (Online)
12 October 2024 9.30am – 5.00pm (Online)
08 November 2024 9.30am – 5.00pm (On-Campus)
09 November 2024 9.30am – 5.00pm (On-Campus)
16 November 2024 9.30am – 5.00pm (On-Campus)
18 January 2025 9.30am – 5.00pm (Online)
24 January 2025 9.30am – 5.00pm (Online)
25 January 2025 9.30am – 5.00pm (Online)
27 February 2025 9.30 am – 5.00 pm (Online)
1st March 2025 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (On-Campus)
08 March 2025 9.30 am – 5.00 pm (On-Campus)
Decision Making for Operations
This module will introduce a range of tools and techniques to allow for more effective decision making.
Emerging Issues in Operations
This module allows students to explore a range of contemporary and emerging issues as they impact on Operations and Supply Chain Management. Issues such as managing risk and uncertainty, sustainability (and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals), as well as issues relating to Brexit and its potential impact on supply chains (especially in a local N. Ireland and Irish context) will be explored.
Operations Management
This module focuses on key concepts in operations management, such as operations performance, operations strategy, quality management, and managing risks and recovery.
Strategic Supply Chain Management
Topics covered in this module include the foundations of supply chain management, supplier portfolio management and selection negotiation, relationship management, logistics and resilience.
Contact Teaching Hours
Medium Group Teaching
21 (hours maximum) blocks of 3 days per Module (4 Modules)
Teaching Times
Fridays and Saturdays (+1 Thursday)
Learning and Teaching
Learning and Teaching Text
Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:
You’ll be part of a small, informal and chatty class. You’ll get to know your classmates and your lecturers well during both online and on-site sessions. You are expected to become an integral part of the Queen’s Management School.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
Awarding of the qualifications is based on continuous assessment of coursework, examinations and assessment of modules based solely on submitted work related to private, individual study.
Those passing all four modules will graduate with a certificate from the Pg Cert Operations and Supply Chain Management Programme.
Facilities
The Programme will take place at Queen's Business School. Queen's Business School at Queen’s University Belfast offers world-class undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. Queen’s University Belfast is a member of the Russell Group, and the School is a globally renowned centre for high-impact academic and policy research with close links to industry. 81% of the School’s research was deemed to be world-leading or internationally excellent in the UK’s 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
The School is accredited by EQUIS, AMBA, Small Business Charter, and has served as a PRME Champion institution since 2020. As a member of the Global Business School Network, the School is connected through strategic partnerships across the world. In 2023, Queen’s Business School was ranked 1st in the UK for Graduate Prospects for Accounting and Finance (Times Good University Guide).
My background is in Operations and Supply Chain Management. I’m a lecturer in Management at Queen’s Management School. I’m also the Director of Certificate and Diploma Programmes at Queen’s Management School, overseeing accredited courses at the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute. My main research focus lies on operational research, operations management and supply chain management. Previously I was a Lecturer in Operations Management at the University of East Anglia. I gained my Ph.D. in Business from McMaster University (Canada) and MPhil degree from Lingnan University (Hong Kong).
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Organisations need to have a clear strategic framework to inform the complex network of suppliers and ensure that they minimize costs and maximise operational efficiency to drive growth, profitability and productivity. This module provides opportunities for the students to explore the strategic complexity of supply chain relationships including sourcing strategies and contracting relationship management. Topics covered include (but are not limited to) the foundations of supply chain management, theory of make-buy, supplier portfolio management and selection negotiation, relationship management, logistics and resilience.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Evaluate the contribution of strategic supply chain management within organisations
• Assess and evaluate the key issues that face supply chain managers as they make decisions.
• Discuss and critique the key concepts and theories involved in supply chain management.
• Analyse and critique the supplier sourcing process
• Assess the importance of co-operative practices and networked supply chains and ways in which such practices may be achieved.
Skills
• Critically evaluate information and its application and relevance to strategic supply chain management
• Apply logic and reasoning to scenario based situations and problem solving
• Communicate ideas, critique theoretical frameworks and discuss their strengths and shortcomings in a range of supply chain business environments.
• Use ICT software effectively.
• Work independently (in preparation for the module and for the summative assessments)
• Manage own time and workloads effectively
• Pursue independent enquiry
Decision Making for Operations and Supply Chain Management
Overview
This module allows students develop and improve their ability to use appropriate techniques of analysis and enquiry within Operations and Supply Chain Management, to evaluate a range of alternatives and make balanced recommendations. This module, therefore, focuses on how data and analytics can be used to inform managers’ decision making, specifically in the context of operations and supply chain management. A range of data analytical tools and techniques will be explored, including data preparation and pre-processing and classification, along with the application of linear programming, inventory management and decision trees.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Analyse the fundamentals of data analytics and its application to business and operations and supply chain management
• Understand, use and interpret a variety of data analysis techniques for the evaluation of operations and supply chain management problems
• Discuss and critique how visual analytics can be used to understand data, extract insights and identify patterns
• Demonstrate an ability to use software tools (Excel) to investigate and analyse large data sets and real-world problems and to use the information generated to provide recommendations for critical, strategic and/or operational business decisions.
Skills
• Critically evaluate information and its veracity in relation to understanding and improving managerial business decisions.
• Apply logic and reasoning to scenario based situations and problem solving
• Use ICT software effectively. Excel will be used during the teaching time and the interrogation and interpretation of data will form part of the assessment
• Work both independently (for summative assessment) and in groups (for formative assessment)
• Manage own time and workloads effectively
• Pursue independent enquiry
As a core area of management, operations management encompasses the design, operation and improvement of processes and systems deployed in producing both products and services. This module focuses on key concepts in operations management, such as operations performance, operations strategy, quality management, effectiveness and value. Focus is also given to managing risks and recovery and developing resilient operations management. Facility layout, process choice, capacity management, as well as contemporary manufacturing philosophies such as World Class Manufacturing (WCM), Lean Production and Mass Customisation will also be covered.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to:
• Interpret and evaluate the relationship between operations strategy and other levels of strategy within organisations.
• Analyse and critique the main quality control, assurance and enhancement practices, such as zero-defects philosophy, Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Six Sigma.
• Critique the role that Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems play in contemporary operations planning
• Assess and critique the different approaches to operations management and apply them to contemporary operational contexts, drawing upon a range of principles, tools and practices (for example lean/agile)
• Evaluate the main service operations management practices, and analyse how operations management practices can be used to improve service delivery and performance.
• Appraise inventory management techniques such as Economic Order Quantity (EOQ).
• Explore the link between Operations and Supply Chain management and consider some of the key challenges facing organisations (e.g. risk management).
Skills
• Critically evaluate information and its veracity in relation to operations management
• Apply logic and reasoning to scenario based situations and problem solving exercises
• Communicate ideas, critique theoretical frameworks and discuss their strengths and shortcomings in a range of strategic and operational settings. Communication will be in written and presentational forms
• Use ICT software effectively to present findings
• Work both independently (summative assessment) and in groups (formative assessment)
• Manage own time and workloads effectively
• Pursue independent enquiry
Contemporary and Emerging Issues in Operations and Supply Chain
Management
Overview
In today's rapidly changing and uncertain business environment, all managers need to be aware of emerging trends and issues and how these will impact both strategically and operationally on the business, irrespective of its size or sector. This module allows students to explore a range of contemporary and emerging issues in management such as managing risk and uncertainty, VUCA environments, sustainable management and ethics as applied to operations and supply chain management. Specific focus on emerging global issues relating to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), modern day slavery, and the circular economy will be discussed. Attention will be also be given to local and national issues and their impact (both positive and negative) on supply chains.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• Critically evaluate a range of contemporary and emerging issues in operations and supply chain management locally, nationally and internationally
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a range of relevant management theory and its application to contemporary and emerging issues in management.
• Demonstrate leadership capacity through an ability to analyse the implications, challenges and opportunities, of the issues as they relate to operations and supply chain management, to the organisation, and to wider business and societal contexts
Skills
• Critically evaluate information and its veracity in relation to the role and impact of emerging ‘issues’ on operations and supply chain management
• Apply logic and reasoning to scenario based situations and problem solving
• Communicate ideas, critique theoretical frameworks and discuss their strengths and shortcomings in a range of strategic business environments. Communication will be in both written and presentational forms
• Use ICT software effectively
• Work both independently (summative assessment) and in groups (formative assessment)
• Manage own time and workloads effectively
• Pursue independent enquiry
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, in any discipline.
Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirement may be considered for admission with appropriate work experience. Those who can demonstrate a technical, engineering, organisational or managerial skillset will be assessed under the University’s Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) policy. If you wish to be considered under the RPEL policy, please submit an RPL application form along with a copy of your CV in lieu of a degree transcript.
A limited number of fully funded places (provided by the Department for the Economy) are available for this programme. Where there are more eligible applications received than places available, the academic selectors for this programme will make offers in rank order based on academic merit and potential as evidenced in the totality of the information provided in each application. We will operate a waiting list as required to allow us to fill all available funded places. If you have not been selected for a funded place, we will accept self-funded or employer-funded applicants, if spaces are available.
Further information is available at the link below.
Closing date for applications is Friday 30th August 2024 at 12 noon. However, we encourage applicants to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal earlier than the deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page. https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/skill-up-flexible-skills-fund/
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not their first language must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
This PG Cert Programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in operations and supply chain management.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
No tuition fees are payable by eligible students for the programme as it is funded by the Department for the Economy’s Skill Up programme. Please refer to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/skillup for further information.
Applicants must meet the entry criteria for the course and be:
• over 18 years of age;
• eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
• settled in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.