Manufacturing Management

Manufacturing management will identify and analyse the processes necessary to bridge from product design to production execution. The effective management of resources and supply chains is critical to ensuring companies develop a culture of continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence. The Irish Wood and Furniture Manufacturing sector comprises many small to medium-sized enterprises which are experiencing a period of unprecedented growth. This module will investigate and explore the processes required to ensure the highest quality products are produced considering the capabilities of internal resources and the global supply chain.

This module is a follow-on to the stage 3 Enterprise Operations module. Upon completion of this module the learner will be able to define the processes required in each phase manufacturing phase, from ideation to installation. All material is delivered in a practical and applied manner using case studies, workshops, laboratories, and simulations.

1. Discuss the philosophy of lean production in detail, and interpret how it may be applied in furniture/wood products manufacturing.

2. Explore resource management concepts, apply associated techniques, and assess their suitability for lean furniture/wood products manufacturing.

3. Examine the principles of quality management, apply associated techniques, and assess their suitability for furniture/wood products manufacturing.

4. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of supply chain management and how it may be applied in the furniture/wood products' industry.

5. Identify suitable continuous improvement projects, select and apply suitable techniques and tools, and advise how it may be implemented in the furniture/wood products sector.