(LEAN) MSS40316 – Certificate IV Competitive Systems and Practices

The course comprises 12 units of study that are selected from several available units thus allowing organisations to tailor course content to meet their specific needs. A sample list of units is included in the table below. Using the knowledge and skills developed throughout the training workshops, students form into groups to identify and prepare for a series of subsequent workplace projects that will be undertaken for each topic.

The direct and immediate application into workplace projects reinforces the learning and is immediately converted into productivity gains and service improvements. Key areas covered in Certificate IV include:

• Value Stream Mapping – provides participants with a detailed understanding of process analysis and describes value-adding activity, identifies waste and identifies business improvement opportunities
• 7 Wastes – students are trained in how to identify Value Adding and Non-Value Adding process activities
• DMAIC/Root Cause Analysis/Problem Solving – (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control). Provides students with a structured and repeatable way to solve problems and sustain the outcomes
• Visual Performance Management – shows participants a communication tool that helps to visualise workflow, monitor performance and identify and solve problems
• 5S – demonstrates how to improve the workplace by simplifying, better organising and sustaining a productive work environment
• Just In Time and Pull Systems – help understand the benefits of providing products and services only as required by customer demand
• Leadership & Teamwork – demonstrates how leadership and working as a team has a direct impact on productivity, team morale and workplace culture
• Theory of Constraints – provides a fundamental understanding of a methodology for identifying the most important factor that stands in the way of achieving the group’s goals
• Performance Measurement – develops an understanding of how to collect, analyse and report information and the value of measuring performance
• Kaizen Blitz – covers the skills and knowledge required to introduce and institutionalise continuous improvement and breakthrough improvement (kaizen blitz or kaizen events) processes in an organisation
• Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices – students learn how to effectively measure current resource use and carry out improvements including those reducing negative environmental impacts of work practices
• Improving Cost Factors – covers the knowledge and skills needed for an individual to identify cost components and to be able to determine in general terms the cost impacts of alternative actions
• Leading Change – students discuss the challenges associated with organisational change and explore how to implement John Kotter’s 8 steps for leading and sustaining a successful Lean Six Sigma change program

The course content has been designed with a focus on ensuring improvements are developed using real data from the relevant processes. In this way, the application of Visual Management systems and the use of data becomes a central theme to the training, with the emphasis on ensuring continuous improvement is driven from the regular review of process metrics and real time data.

The Certificate IV in Competitive Systems and Practices is comprised of 12 units made up of:

• Three (3) Core Units of Competency
• Nine (9) Elective Units of Competency
• A minimum of one (1) unit of competency from Group A
• A minimum of five (5) unit of competency from Group B
• The balance of three (3) electives may be selected from Group A, B, or C not previously selected

A maximum of three (3) Group C units may be selected from other qualifications in this training package, other endorsed training packaged, and accredited courses where those units are at Certificates III, IV, or Diploma level. Units chosen should be relevant to the workplace and would normally be drawn from the appropriate sector training package, or possibly, the business services training package.

This training Program delivers the following outcomes for participants and the organisation:

• A working knowledge of the principles, tools and techniques of Lean Six Sigma and a valuable step towards more advanced training
• Business improvement knowledge and skills that can realise tangible benefits in the workplace
• Students improving your business under the supervision of an experienced facilitator
• A positive impact on workplace behaviours and culture
• A Certificate IV in Competitive Systems and Practices which is a nationally recognised qualification

This qualification assumes that a learner has current or past work experience where operational or technical skills have already been gained and a supervisory or similar level of responsibility exists. This qualification is not suitable for direct entry from school. The expected completion time is 12 months part time allowing for appropriate volume of learning (however, the training package allows for 24 months should the business needs interfere with program progression through the shorter timeframe).

On completion of this qualification, you will be awarded with a Certificate IV in competitive Systems and Practices.

The primary application of this qualification is where an individual has responsibility for leading and implementing competitive systems and practices in a work area or in the work of a team. The qualification also applies to individuals who act as technical resource personnel for others in the implementation of competitive systems and practices. The emphasis in the qualification is on leading and implementing competitive systems and practices as well as applying the competencies to one’s own work. This qualification provides competitive systems and practices skills that can be applied in the following organisations and environments:

• Manufacturing Enterprises
• Mining and Service Organisations
• Office Environments
• Organisations in a value chain, such as: suppliers, customers, distributors, warehouses, transport suppliers and other logistics support organisations, professional service suppliers e.g. legal, engineering, accounting, auditing, and education and training that may be assisting other organisations in implementing competitive systems and practices
• Other organisations implementing competitive systems and practices e.g., Government Departments, Healthcare Providers, and Transport Organisations

The learnings are relevant and applicable to all types of organisations and to all levels of management, administration and delivery.

The program is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in Lean Six Sigma to a level that can be deployed in workplace business improvement projects which can produce measurable outcomes. The primary application of this qualification is where an individual has responsibility for implementing Lean Six Sigma in a work area or in the work of a team. The course also provides a cogent refresher for business improvement specialists and other staff who have had previous exposure to the Lean tools and techniques.

The course is suitable for:

• Managers
• Supervisors
• Frontline staff
• Administration and support staff

Efficiency Works utilises experienced and qualified trainers for all workshops and training courses. All trainers hold a Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (TAE40110), a qualification that reflects the roles of trainers in the vocational educational and training (VET) sector, and a requirement of the Australian Quality Training Framework for a structured VET program.

Efficiency Works’ process is heavily centred on business improvement and actually applying the theory to improve the organisation. Rather than using theoretical case studies and scenarios, we work “live” in your organisation providing students with real experience in Competitive Systems and Practices, and demonstrated competence through organisational improvements.

Our approach is inherently consultative providing significant interaction between the process we use to liaise with students, the Business Improvement team and Management, all of whom are stakeholders in the training program.

The program is competency based, so durations vary, but it is estimated that the course will extend over a period of approximately 12 months. During this time, we will require fortnightly site visits to deliver training, assist with projects and check progress. This frequency of interaction has proven to be the the most successful as it allows time for participants to progress adequately with their project work with a balance of time spent on their normal day-to-day activities. This coaching is supported by online research using our Learning Management System (LMS).

A typical training session consists of a discussion on the relevant training theory followed by assistance with a project out in the workplace. Workplace projects are selected in conjunction with management to ensure the students are spending time on real, worthwhile issues that will deliver actual
improvements.

Assessment is made up of theory quizzes, projects and skills demonstrations. Extra time away from the formal contact with Efficiency Works is required if students are to complete the qualification. Most organisations find that the required time including the formal tuition and coaching is 4 hours per week however we adapt our delivery plans in consultation with your management and students to suit organisational needs.

Our training program includes:

• Detailed discussion around project selection – our training delivery is focused around projects. We engage management in conjunction with the students in choosing the most relevant projects and focus on a delivery timetable that fits with the organisation, participants and training needs.
• Provision of a project register – we provide management with project summaries that comprise the project name, a description of the activity conducted, the project owner and a summary of the outcome and benefits. These summaries are useful in tracking the benefits of the training, and communicating to staff the progress that has been made on the Lean Six Sigma journey.
• Student to management presentations – based on client feedback, we schedule and tailor presentations to management during the training course.
• Formal review meetings – Efficiency Works schedules formal review sessions with organisational management to review progress, provide feedback and seek areas where we can improve training delivery.
• Informal review – because our training is conducted in the workplace, frequent opportunities for informal meetings occur where student and other stakeholders can discuss aspects of service delivery

What is the difference between a Certification and a Statement of Attainment

A certificate is issues when a student successfully completes the required units of competency for the qualification. A Statement of Attainment is proof you’ve completed certain Units of Competency.

What forms of payment do you accept?

All major credit and debit cards, direct debit and PayPal.

Can I have my Company / Organisation pay for the course?

Certainly! Efficiency Works can organise this on your behalf. However, you will need to provide a Purchase Order or email confirmation relating to who within your organisation will accept and pay the invoice.

What support will I get whilst studying?

When you enroll with Efficiency Works, you join a community that have the resources and support through in house facilitators to industry experts that can assist you with all your queries.

What assessments will I have to do?

Depending on what program you are undertaking with Efficiency Works, your learning will be assessed through the completion of a combination of activities, short answer questions, individual projects, team projects and class participation.

Do I need to attend exams?

No