ICTQual Level 8 Professional Diploma in Total Quality Management

The ICTQUAL Level 8 Professional Diploma in Total Quality Management comprises four advanced study units and one research project. These units are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and expertise, aligning with the high standards of a Level 8 qualification.

Study Unit 1: Advanced Principles of Total Quality Management

1. Philosophy and Evolution of TQM:
   • Explore the historical development and philosophical underpinnings of Total Quality Management (TQM), understanding its evolution from quality control to a comprehensive organizational philosophy.
2. Strategic Quality Management:
   • Analyze the role of strategic planning in quality management, examining techniques for aligning quality objectives with organizational goals and creating a culture of continuous improvement.
3. Quality Leadership and Change Management:
   • Investigate the qualities of effective quality leaders and strategies for leading organizational change initiatives, emphasizing the importance of leadership commitment and employee engagement in driving quality improvement efforts.
4. Quality Management Systems (QMS):
   • Delve into the design, implementation, and maintenance of Quality Management Systems (QMS), including standards such as ISO 9001, and explore approaches for integrating QMS into organizational processes.

Study Unit 2: Advanced Quality Tools and Techniques

1. Statistical Process Control (SPC):
   • Master advanced statistical techniques for process monitoring and control, including control charts, process capability analysis, and statistical hypothesis testing, to ensure the consistency and predictability of processes.
2. Design of Experiments (DOE):
   • Explore the principles of Design of Experiments (DOE) and its applications in optimizing processes, identifying key factors affecting quality, and enhancing product or service performance through systematic experimentation.
3. Lean Management Principles:
   • Learn advanced Lean management principles and methodologies, such as Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, and Kanban, to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and streamline processes across the organization.
4. Six Sigma Methodology:
   • Gain expertise in Six Sigma methodology, including DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and DFSS (Design for Six Sigma), and apply advanced statistical tools to achieve process excellence and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Study Unit 3: Advanced Quality Assurance and Auditing

1. Advanced Quality Planning and Assurance:
   • Develop advanced quality planning techniques, including Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), and Control Plan development, to proactively identify and mitigate quality risks.
2. Supplier Quality Management:
   • Explore strategies for effectively managing supplier quality, including supplier selection, evaluation, and performance monitoring, to ensure the consistency and reliability of incoming materials and components.
3. Advanced Quality Auditing:
   • Master the principles and practices of advanced quality auditing, including internal audits, supplier audits, and third-party certification audits, and learn techniques for conducting thorough and objective assessments of organizational processes and systems.
4. Quality Metrics and Performance Measurement:
   • Examine advanced techniques for defining and tracking key quality metrics and performance indicators, such as defect rates, customer satisfaction scores, and process capability indices, to monitor and improve organizational performance.

Study Unit 4: Advanced Quality Improvement Strategies

1. Total Quality Management Tools and Techniques:
   • Explore advanced TQM tools and techniques, such as Quality Function Deployment (QFD), Poka-Yoke (error-proofing), and Taguchi methods, and learn how to apply them to drive quality improvement and innovation.
2. Organizational Learning and Knowledge Management:
   • Investigate strategies for fostering organizational learning and knowledge sharing to leverage lessons learned from quality improvement initiatives and drive continuous innovation and improvement.
3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM):
   • Examine the role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) in quality management, exploring techniques for gathering customer feedback, managing customer relationships, and enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Sustainability and Ethics in Quality Management:
   • Discuss the integration of sustainability principles and ethical considerations into quality management practices, exploring the impact of quality decisions on environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and stakeholder trust.

Research Project: Advanced Topics in Total Quality Management

1. Topic Selection and Proposal Development:
   • Select a specific topic within the field of Total Quality Management and develop a research proposal outlining the research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes of the project.
2. Literature Review and Conceptual Framework:
   • Conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify relevant theories, concepts, and empirical studies related to the chosen topic, and develop a conceptual framework to guide the research.
3. Data Collection and Analysis:
   • Collect and analyze primary or secondary data using advanced research methods and techniques, such as surveys, interviews, case studies, or statistical analysis, to explore the research questions and hypotheses.
4. Findings and Recommendations:
   • Present the findings of the research project, critically analyze the results, and draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations for practice, contributing to knowledge advancement and evidence-based decision-making in Total Quality Management.

GLH (Guided Learning Hours) and TQT (Total Qualification Time) are terms commonly used in vocational qualifications to help define the amount of time a learner is expected to spend on their studies.

1. GLH (Guided Learning Hours)

GLH refers to the number of hours a learner spends being directly taught, supervised, or supported during their course. This includes the time spent in activities such as:

• Classroom instruction
• Practical workshops
• One-on-one tutoring or mentoring sessions
• Online learning sessions with tutor support

In other words, GLH represents the time that learners are actively engaged with their instructors or learning activities.

2. TQT (Total Qualification Time)

TQT represents the total amount of time a learner is expected to invest in completing a qualification, including:

• GLH (Guided Learning Hours): Time spent on direct learning, as explained above.
• Self-Directed Learning: This includes time spent on independent study, research, assignment completion, preparation for exams, and any other work the learner does outside of direct teaching hours.

TQT is a broader measure that includes all the time required to achieve the qualification. It helps learners and employers understand the overall commitment required for the qualification.

Key Differences Between GLH and TQT:

• GLH focuses on direct learning with guidance or supervision.
• TQT includes GLH as well as independent study time and other learning-related activities.

Example:

If a qualification has a TQT of 600 hours and a GLH of 250 hours, it means the learner should spend 250 hours in direct learning (classroom, online, or tutor-led sessions) and 350 hours on independent study or research.