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Vol 27 - No 01 - February 2001 Students of the year The Introductory Certificate Student of the Year award was introduced in 2000, not necessarily for the student who gains the highest marks in their assessments or examinations, but rather for the one who is considered to have achieved the most through completing the programme... The Institute's Qualifications and Awards Committee consider the nominations sent in by the Centres and then decided upon a winner. This year the award goes to someone who, at an age where many think that they are beyond personal development and training, has met the challenge of change, succeeded and been an inspiration to others. Congratulations, Colin! COLIN JONES Colin is 55 years old and has worked in the Planning and Logistics Department at BAe Systems in Chester for over twenty years. About a year ago, after a long time out of education, he decided to undertake some self-development and, with the encouragement of his company, embarked on the IOM's Introductory Certificate programme. He says, "I found my first day on the course a culture shock. I was the eldest of the ten students and initially felt apprehensive about the age gap. However, I soon found that I had no need to worry, as the group bonded within the first hour". Whilst Colin was familiar with some of the subject matter, he found other parts of the course quite challenging. However, he set time aside at home to go over his notes and to research topics so that he could gain a better understanding. He found that the course made him evaluate his day to day duties and look for more productive methods in order to reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service. He particularly enjoyed doing the course assignments, as he was able to put all his experience and new found knowledge and understanding into practice. Since completing the course, Colin has applied for a new position within the company. As part of the recruitment process, he had to prepare and deliver a presentation and found that the IOM programme had given him a better understanding of how to research and present a professional and logical account of his subject matter. Colin thanks the course team from Nelson & Colne College for their help and guidance. He adds, "The award means a lot to my personal development and achievement and I feel it will encourage older members of the workforce to realise that they still have a lot to offer in industry today." DIPLOMA In the academic year ending in 2000, the Institute were pleased to make a tripartate Diploma Student of the Year award. Owen Hembry, Graeme McLaren and Simon Scott all achieved 6 Distinctions in their Diploma examinations, the highest possible grades. The Institute's congratulations go to all of them for this excellent achievement, and to Coventry and Glenrothes Colleges who supported them through the Diploma programme. OWEN HEMBRY Owen joined Ravensburger as the Production Planner and gained a good understanding of the requirements and problems faced by the operation during his first year. His Operations Director then suggested that he undertook the IOM course as a way to develop his knowledge and skills to meet these demands. As part of a small team, Owen works closely with the sales department, buying department, product development and engineering. The scope of the Diploma suited his role very well, with modules relating to all these areas as well as operations planning, which is covered in depth from all angles and operational situations. Owen was pleased to find that the Diploma went further, providing a good grounding in all aspects of modern business. For example, the module on finance helped him to understand the effects of actions on an area of the business often not considered by those outside the Finance Department. Owen also found the module on successful project management invaluable, because there is always a project to work on! Owen says, "What you get is more than a course on how to plan an operation. This wider understanding has helped me to relate my role to other functions and then to each other". Text book learning in a 'perfect world' can often be unpractical when applied, but Owen feels fortunate to have had lecturers at Coventry who had been in the 'real world' and had applied what they were teaching. Similarly, he found it useful to discuss with other students how operations are dealt with in their companies and to get a wider perspective from a variety of different business types. Owen is now the Sales Forecast Planner and concludes, "The Diploma is an ideal way for anyone entering the Operations Management field to get a solid base of knowledge, develop the techniques and the confidence for effective management, and to meet people in similar positions from across the industrial range". GRAEME McLAREN Graeme spent eight years in the Parachute Regiment, employed in numerous roles and seeing a lot of the world, before returning to civilian life as a process operator with a major electrical manufacturing sub-contractor. Following an open day at Sun Microsystems, he started his present career as a Material Handler. After two years, became an "On The Job Trainer" and then a Facilitator for a major ERP system implementation, before moving into the role of Inventory Operations Supervisor. In order to progress in his career, Graeme realised that he needed to undertake some relevant education and training. He found the IOM Diploma to be the ideal qualification. It was his first real study since leaving school some 12 years earlier, but the high standard and style of presentation from the team at Glenrothes College quickly dispelled any apprehension that he had. Graeme says, "The course was demanding yet highly enjoyable. I took key aspects of the course and applied them in my role. This helped me achieve more through improved understanding and application. The IOM Diploma got me back into education and inspired me to continue by moving onto a MBA programme at a local University." Linda Miles, Graeme's manager, adds, "Studying towards the DPIM has enhanced Graeme's technical and management abilities, enabling him to see a broader perspective of business issues. These strengths have led to Graeme being asked to take on a more project based role for a six month period to focus on scoping, planning and implementing specific goals within the supply chain. This role will provide further challenge and personal development for Graeme, whilst meeting key business needs for the future." Graeme feels that recognition for his award should also go to the IOM teaching team at Glenrothes, his Manager and Sun for supporting him on the Diploma and now the MBA programmes, and his peers on the course, whose input and support over the two years facilitated this achievement. SIMON SCOTT Simon began his career in manufacturing with a decent theoretical knowledge of modern business practice. As a Production Planner with Kettle Produce Ltd in Fife, he then looked for a more practical course that would allow him to understand a functional manufacturing environment as a whole, while also trying to develop a more specialised knowledge of his own responsibilities. He commenced the Institute's Diploma in Production and Inventory Control in 1998 and found that it gave him a wider understanding of his own and other areas of a business, highlighting the level of interaction required and the importance of common and clearly defined goals. Simon says, "The course fuelled my curiosity and initiative to understand the bigger picture and emphasised the importance of continuous improvement. The Diploma encourages flexibility, ambition and enthusiasm for both personal and company development. Such education and understanding can benefit all areas of a business with little cost." He found that the close interaction with other individuals in similar roles to himself made him aware that no business is the perfect model. Everyone can improve and help others to follow. The small size of the classes at Glenrothes College, the relaxed presentation and the stimulating discussion encouraged students to consider the application of various theories and methods. He adds, "I would like to thank my company for the opportunity to complete this rewarding course and the tutors for their enthusiasm and patience." Related Topics:
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