For companies aiming to stay competitive in today’s global markets, constant evolution and improvement of operations and processes is essential. Innovation in bringing new products to the market, as well as refinement of existing products and processes, is needed more than ever. These aspects constitute the underlying core of this master’s programme.

Industrial interest in this area is rapidly increasing, and the techniques, philosophies and systems behind improving business operations and processes are becoming ever more widespread. Examples include Six Sigma, Lean Production and Lean Product Development, with many industrial companies and public organisations now beginning to implement these or similar programmes.

Successful implementation of these programmes requires a change in mindset, alongside wider organisational transformation. Also crucial are specialist engineers, equipped with the knowledge and techniques needed to lead quality-driven change processes and business improvements. Students on this Master’s programme will form the next generation of these engineers, graduating with the skills necessary to lead these transformations.

Studying this programme will give you a thorough understanding of methods for identifying customer needs and business opportunities. A strong focus is placed on the usage of different qualitative and quantitative tools, production and delivery processes in manufacturing and services, and on techniques for their improvement. You will acquire the range of skills needed to manage improvement and change processes, whether in product development or production — skills including leadership, project management and change management.

The programme demands your active participation, and you will assume a large responsibility for your own educational process. Within the theoretical parts of the education, your ability to present ideas in both written and oral form will be tested and refined, and you will write, present and discuss cases and term papers at seminars.

A number of group projects will be carried out in cross-cultural teams, creating an ideal training arena for the international and diverse improvement projects you will come to lead in your career.