th Anniversary 1953-2013 IMI Certificate in Front Line Management
About the Programme In today s business the frontline delivers the bottom line. You can have the greatest strategy and products, however, without full engagement at the frontline you will never achieve your potential. Frontline managers need the competence and confidence to deliver results for the business through people. This certificate course is designed to deliver a toolkit for frontline managers to excel in their role through practical skills and world leading practices. Derek Fox, Programme Director
The IMI Certificate in Front Line Management is a Level 6 Special Purpose Award on the National Framework of Qualifications accredited and awarded by University College Cork National University of Ireland, Cork. The aim of the programme is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage at the front line of operations within your business. The design of the programme is informed by the experience gained over 60 years delivery of front line management programmes both on an open enrolment basis and through tailored designs for individual organisations. Programme Duration This part time programme consists of 24 modules each 4 hours in duration which can be delivered to suit your organisation s requirements. The programme can be delivered: Evenings Days Weekends The only requirement is that the minimum duration of the programme is over a 12 week period (to allow for application of the programme learnings as participants move from module to module). This programme carries 25 credits at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications. Successful participants may proceed onto further studies at Level 6 and Level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications. Who This Programme Is For People who are about to or who have recently taken on responsibility for managing others. This programme is designed to give newly appointed front line managers, team leaders, supervisors and others a solid foundation in management skills. Programme Impact On successful completion of this programme, participants will be able to: Define the role and context of the front line manager and be able to apply specific management skills to achieve success at the front line across a range of techniques including problem solving, decision making, time management, planning, goal setting and influencing Diagnose situations and select from a range of management and personal styles to suit the specific situation at hand Manage people, teams, development and change through application of management techniques and tools Communicate effectively with staff in relation to goals, vision, objectives, tasks, development and performance Develop staff and team members through a range of proven techniques such as coaching, performance management and situational leadership Understand the Industrial Relations infrastructures in Ireland, how to engage with these infrastructures, apply consistent HR policies and procedures and manage performance in line with organisational expectations
Programme Content The programme is designed to provide frontline managers with a range of proven skills and techniques including personal skills, interpersonal skills, business skills and management skills. The programme covers three key areas: Managing Self (Personal skills) Managing Relationships (Interpersonal skills) Managing People (Staff management skills including Industrial Relations / Employee Relations) In addition participants will complete a project module to bring all three topics to life through a practical individual project, group projects and group presentation demonstrating application of topics studied. Managing Self This module will provide individuals with the skills to define the role and context of the frontline manager and provide a range of personal skills including, transition management, listening skills, problem solving and decision making, time management, self-development and selfawareness. Managing Relationships Upon completion of this module participants will have the knowledge and skills to effectively manage interpersonal relationships through application of skills such as; team development, conflict management, influencing, building trust, motivation, communication and dealing with difficult situations. The participants will also gain insight into human dynamics. Programme Features Action Learning FLM Toolkit The programme is centred around participants roles and organisational challenges. Each session will include a practical work based activity that is tailored to your specific development needs, so participants learn in the classroom, participants also learn on the job. Practical Assessment The assessment approach for this certificate is heavily weighted toward practical and continuous assessment. A large part of the assessment will be based on participant s own personal work experiences and how participants apply the learning from the classroom. The course also provides each participant with a readyto-use FLM toolkit. Think of it as the managers survival guide. Packed with tools and techniques on how to be successful across a range of everyday management situations. Experienced Faculty Our faculty all have extensive business experience in management so you can be reassured they understand participants needs and can provide real world solutions to your challenges.
Managing People One of the key aspects of frontline management is the development, coaching and performance management of frontline staff. This module will equip participants with the critical skills to achieve success managing people. Participants will develop knowledge and skills in the areas of; building and maintaining culture, performance management, coaching and development, defining values and behaviours and situational leadership. In addition participants will also gain insight into the Industrial Relations frameworks and processes within Ireland and examine the key HR policies and procedures that support a productive working environment and ensure compliance with employee legislation in Ireland. Frontline Management Project The three topics covered will be brought together through a project module consisting of a mixture of supervised (40%) and unsupervised (60%) project work designed to test the application of skills covered in each topic. The participants will be challenged with a significant project related to the core topics covered and specific to their work/industry. Participants will be required to work both individually and in a group setting to produce an individual project submission, a group project submission and a group presentation. IMI Certificate in Front Line Management *Programme content and features listed here are indicative and may change. Accreditation Focus On Application We learn best by doing, the programme will focus on practical skills and the application of these skills through simulations and role play. Participants will learn by using the tools and techniques so they can build both their competence and their confidence. This programme is accredited on the National Framework of Qualification, so it is internationally recognised and gives participants a qualification that can stand on its own, or build towards further qualifications. Online Support Participants will also have access to a customised online Learning Management System where they can collaborate with fellow managers, access emerging theories, research best practice and get up to date information on key management issues and challenges.
Entry Requirements A candidate s suitability for the programme will be determined by their relative experience and workplace learning. This experience (a minimum of 2 years) may come from a general business or organisational background. Applicants are not required to be in employment at the time of application once they meet the criteria of 2 years of experience. Assessment Each 5 credit module equates to 20% of the total marks for the programme and the Frontline Management project (10 credit) module equates to 40%. Each module and piece of assessment is marked out of 100%, however, the appropriate weighting will be applied as detailed below. Applicants will be required to submit comprehensive information regarding his/her appropriate qualifications, work-based training, relevant work-based learning and the details of current and previous roles. Applicants will also be asked to outline briefly their motivation to undertake the programme. This will be a documented submission (c500 words) and assessed by the Programme Director according to the following criteria: Suitability of programme Relevant experience Evidence of motivation and commitment to the programme of study Ability to communicate with clarity The Programme Director will review the applications. A candidate s suitability for the programme will be based on candidate interviews by phone or in person. The Programme Director will look for evidence of competence in the following criteria: Relevant work experience Self discipline toward study Ability to work within a group setting Delivering on commitment Ability to seek and provide clarity Where there is insufficient evidence of suitability the Programme Director will consult the IMI Academic Board to discuss the merits of the application. Where a candidate is deemed to not meet the suitability criteria a written statement explaining the reasoning will be provided to the candidate in conjunction with a meeting with the Programme Director. The Programme Director will recommend courses of action the candidate can undertake to meet the suitability criteria for future applications. The Registrar s Office will oversee all applications. The final decision regarding any application will be made by the IMI Registrar. All applicants whose first language is not English will be required to show evidence of the successful completion of an IELTS test (TOEFL or equivalent). The English language requirement for this programme is an IELTS score of 6.5 (or equivalent). Accreditation The is a Level 6 Special Purpose Award on the National Framework of Qualifications. It is accredited and awarded by University College Cork - National University of Ireland, Cork This programme carries 25 credits earned across the three modules and projects as follows: Managing Self 5 credits Managing Relationships 5 credits Managing People 5 credits Frontline Management project 10 credits Module Assessment Marked out of % count towards module % count towards overall Certificate 1 1500 word 100% 100% 20% reflection paper 2 1000 word 100% 60% 12% reflection paper 2 Practical 100% 40% 8% Simulation 3 2 hour 100% 60% 12% examination 3 Practical 100% 40% 8% simulation 4 Individual 100% 50% 20% 2000 word project 4 Group Project 100% 30% 12% (1000 words) 4 20 min Group 100% 20% 8% Presentation TOTAL 100% Written papers Written papers will be 1,500 words (module 1) or 1,000 words (module 2) and require the students to reflect on the content, theory, and experiences of the module and to identify key learning. They will also be required to define their current or proposed application of theory and learning to an identified or potential work based challenge. Examination The examination will take the form of a written paper, containing 2 sections. Section 1 (all questions must be attempted) is 20 multiple choice questions based on the module content (1% per question). Section 2 is an essay form with 3 questions of which 2 must be attempted (20% per question). An example of a section 2 question is listed below: Practical Simulations Practical simulations will take place in class and will challenge the students to apply their learning in a simulated environment. Example simulations include: 1. Dealing with difficult situations Participants will role play difficult situations that a front line manager may be presented with, such as dealing with absence/time keeping, giving performance feedback to a team member who is not achieving targets or tackling a bullying situation. 2. Influencing skills Students will be challenged to influence a group of peers across a range of situations. 3. Listening skills Students will be challenged to complete a communication exercise in which listening is key. All simulations will be videotaped.
Project Assessment For the project module participants will submit three separate pieces of work. 1. A written project (approx. 2,000 words) drawing from the models and theories, and detailing an application project based on a specific workplace challenge/topic (current or potential). 2. A group written project (approx. 1,000 words) detailing the methodology and application of their assigned project in a workplace situation. Drawing from the course materials, personal experience and individual projects each team will produce a suggested model/process of application within their assigned area. 3. A 20 min group presentation communicating their assigned group project. Sample topics for projects include: 1. Designing the ideal performance Management System 2. Coaching for performance at the frontline 3. Partnering with HR to deliver success at the front line 4. Developing and delivering results in a team based environment Students will be assessed at 50% for individual project work, 30% for group project work and 20% for group presentation. IMI Tailored Solutions IMI is the Number 1 provider of customised programmes in Ireland. For 60 years we have developed front-line managers for Irish and international organisations. We are passionate about helping organisations succeed. At IMI, your business comes first and is at the core of our tailored programmes. Our approach focuses on listening with intent to fully understand your context and culture. We work in partnership with you to understand how our programmes can deliver results that have a positive impact for your organisation. The cornerstones of our tailored interventions are rooted in the capabilities that are required to address your business challenges. Our programmes are designed to run in parallel with participants working environments. We provide compelling scenarios that allow participants to think differently about what they can do to make a real impact in their role. This challenges them to experiment with new behaviours, skills and perspectives. The tangible return on investment-intalent has been evidenced in our work with clients and can deliver a competitive edge for your business. IMI is the first and only FT accredited provider of customised executive education in Ireland. We are a worldclass business school with a ranking among the leading business schools in the world.
IMI is the only Irish business school to be ranked globally for the provision of customised executive education by the Financial Times. Join IMI IMI is Ireland s only professional body dedicated to promoting the highest standards of management and leadership excellence. Our network is for corporate and individual members who want to improve their own and their organisation s performance through excellence in management and offers a wide range of business and learning services to members. IMI Alumni Network Stay Connected Our Alumni Network provides continued support to graduates after they have completed their programme with us. It aims to help them transfer their learning back to the workplace and to offer career guidance and personal development opportunities. It is also a great way to stay in touch with classmates, make new contacts and keep up to date with activities at the IMI. IMI Knowledge Centre The IMI Knowledge Centre provides access to thousands of books, journal articles and market reports - everything necessary to support participants in their learning journey. These business and learning resources are available 24/7 online and our team of professionally qualified librarians are available to answer any queries helping the participant on their learning journey. expertise you can put into practice Contact Alison Hand at 01 207 8410 or Alison.hand@imi.ie Follow us on: