Advanced Diploma in Operations Management

Course Content

Introduction
If the UK is to lead the industrial nations of the world, it will be necessary not only to be aware of the existing state of knowledge but to stimulate, develop, and implement changes. The Advanced Diploma in Operations Management (ADOM) has been designed and provides an education for those who will lead the profession of manufacturing management into the next generation. ADOM is the highest level Institute award.

Attendance, delivery and assessment
A candidate will normally enrol at a Centre which has been specifically accredited to run the Institute's Advanced Diploma course, whether educational establishment or industrial site, and, through the Centre, must register as a student member of the Institute.

There is no formal syllabus requirement for the Advanced Diploma nor is it assessed by formal written examination papers. The ADOM is approached through project work, either individually or in teams. It is designed to provide an education which combines a broad foundation in research and project techniques with a specific applied research investigation. Candidates are required to demonstrate their ability to carry out a supervised but independent investigation, to collate their findings from it and to analyse and assess their significance. They are then expected to present a well-structured and lucid report or thesis.

Since the course is intended to provide a foundation in research methods, it should contain an element in relevant research methods. Many educational establishments provide a taught course in this area. Where none is available, the candidate's supervisor will be responsible for covering this requirement. Additional studies in specific subject areas will also normally be required.

The Institute does not wish to be restrictive in the type of project undertaken, providing it is within the Institute subject areas. However, the Institute does expect most ADOM projects to be industrially orientated. The type of project envisaged could include the following:

a) the application of known technology or techniques to an industrial problem
b) the analysis and improvement of existing systems or plant
c) a critical review or dissertation on a particular industrial practice

The subject of an ADOM project is restricted to some facet of production and operations management. It should be of a satisfactory level and duration so that the candidate can demonstrate their abilities and worthiness for the award.

As most projects will be industrially based, it will be necessary to ensure that the company in which the project is to take place is fully supportive.

Duration

Normally, a candidate would be expected to require some 200 hours study to complete the ADPIM. This will require a candidate to be registered and study for 12 to 15 months part time minimum and three years maximum. Candidates may be permitted an extension of the registration period by application to the Institute.

Award of the Advanced Diploma
The Advanced Diploma will be awarded by the Institute for the successful completion of an acceptable thesis and an oral examination. The Advanced Diploma in Operations Management (ADOM) is the highest level Institute award and a terminal qualification in its own right.

Level of course
Academically, the level of the ADOM would be higher than that of a Higher National Diploma (BTEC), being about final year degree level. The aim of the course is similar to a University Masters degree, but is encompassed within a shorter period of study and at a lower level. The
theme will be applied research or development.

It is believed that many candidates may see the qualification as a pilot study, which may then be suitable for development to Masters Degree level. If candidates are particularly keen to develop the ADOM to Masters level, it is important that they register with a Centre that is a HEFCE accredited establishment.

Entry Requirements
The candidate should possess a basic education, which indicates that they are capable of taking advantage of the ADOM. The possession of a Diploma in Production and Inventory Management (DPIM),or a Diploma in Operations Management (DOM) with an average grade at Credit level, is the normal entry qualification. However, Candidates who have other qualifications will be considered, for example those exempted from the DOM by the possession of other qualifications.

Applications will be judged on their merit and on whether they provide an opportunity for Candidates to demonstrate their ability to pursue guided study, to accumulate, interpret and analyse data, to determine realistic solutions and to provide a lucid thesis or report of their activities.