in collaboration with 1 ST LEVEL UNIVERSITY MASTER IN MANAGEMENT AND TEXTILE ENGINEERING 2nd EDITION ACADEMIC YEAR 2014/2015 1
1. INTRODUCTION During the last twenty years the overlap of deep structural changes and often adverse economic dynamics has significantly transformed the characteristics of the production chain of textile and clothing enterprises, both nationally and, more generally, in any ancient industrialized producing country. These changes have had impacts on the "genetic code" of the textile sector more than on any other sector and have reshaped the macroeconomic and sectoral framework both on a quantitative and qualitative level. However, at the same time, review processes of company policies, new adapting production and commercial strategies, and innovation in the field of sectoral human capital training have been initialized. This is the reason why the Italian textile sector has begun in recent years to reconsider its products by investing on technology in order to focus on high-end products. However, as a consequence of all these changes, some manufacturers did not remain within national borders. Unlike producers extremely motivated and determined in defending an entirely made in Italy production chain, others choose to transfer abroad some production phases, usually characterized by low technological and/or creative added value. In the light of the foregoing, operating today in Italy in a competitive and winning manner in a sector such as textiles requires the companies innovation ability at all levels, the implementation of flexible strategies, the enrichment of the product s features, the refinement of the positioning and penetration choices in foreign markets, an efficient and effective management of cost rationalization and streamlining of production policies without sacrificing quality. Human and managing multicultural and cross-skilled capital is needed. This capital must be able, amongst others, to range from technical topics related to materials and production technologies to marketing issues; from the knowledge of legal and regulating principles in different markets to the mastery of communication tools with clients and suppliers from all over the world; being able to set strategic partnership and networks have also become fundamental. 2
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROFESSIONAL ROLE The current transformations and reorganizations have repercussions on the company s staff members, which, in order to compete within the most valuable markets, become aware of the need to raise the professional quality of their human resources. The Master MTE will form a professional and highly qualified Manager who is able to understand business strategies and to translate them into appropriate decisions in terms of design, planning, management, control, monitoring and validation of production processes according to the type of product, markets, production capacity and release timing. Moreover, this role involves the ability to interact with interlocutors, both internal and external to the company. For this reason, the Manager will have a clear vision of the whole product industrialization process in order to define the technical implements and its industrial feasibility. Finally, this Manager must possess communicational skills in order to coordinate several people who have different characters, different cultures, and different ethnicities. 3. OBJECTIVES AND AIMS The Master aims at "creating human capital" able to give to Italian companies operating in the textile and clothing sector the opportunity to cope with their most pressing needs: creating excellent products and making their business processes increasingly efficient. Objective of the Master is therefore to provide participants with an education enabling them to be selected for technical roles within these companies; this can be achieved by combining a sector-specific technology with managerial and behavioral skills. Master's objectives are: increasing the participant s skills and experiences in the textile and clothing sector; providing qualitative and quantitative analysis tools permitting to govern any textiles and clothing process as well as to study every aspect relating to it; enriching participant s knowledge by approaching disciplines complementary to those which characterize their background. The teaching is organized according to these objectives. A wide range of teaching methods, which include an active role of participants, a multidisciplinary orientation, the integration between 3
different subjects and the intervention of teachers from both academic institutions and private companies, will be adopted. Learning levels will be monitored and reviewed on a regular basis. At the end of the Master course, participants will be able to: acquire a systemic vision of the several technological and logistical problems connected to the production process of the textile and clothing industry; understand the economic and managerial difficulties typical of multifaceted companies of the textile and clothing industry; managing the conceptual schemes and approaches required in order to address and solve complex problems; possess skills related to B2B industrial economic dynamics; master cost accounting tools; acquire awareness in respect of production processes organizational impact and in respect of the strategic importance that the interactions between different company functions constitute; connect teachings and related disciplinary aspects to economic, organizational and management problems typical of multifaceted companies, thus acquiring the ability to interpret, assess and collocate individual activities into the wider context of the company policies; adopt a work method based on regularity, consistency and coherence, while developing an innovation attitude and orientation; meet the requirements of a strategic human resources management, this is indeed the core of any organizational activity; managing conceptual schemes and behavioral and relationships approaches useful in order to be properly and fruitfully involved in any processes of organizational change; use communication and active listening techniques in order to direct people's behaviors towards the goals of the organizational units they belong to. 4. TARGET The Master is targeted at both recent graduates and young managers and technicians. Participation of those having a limited work experience in the textile and clothing sector might also be appreciated. Furthermore, it is targeted at potential participants from other countries as well. The choice to open the course to international students is due to three main reasons: a) the great advantage for Italian companies resulting from the possibility to select workers, which, on one side, come from countries where the said companies have outsourced their activity or part of it through acquisitions or joint ventures, and, on 4
the other side, have been trained in Italy and who have likely also made an internship experience in one of their Italian plants; b) the opportunity to create foreign manager of the textile and clothing industry, which, owing to Italy their education process, might find in the Italian companies a natural referring point; the consequence of this might be their will to facilitate the involvement of such Italian companies in commercial and industrial activities they will deal with throughout their career; c) the wide benefit in terms of professional growth and employment potential for Italian students attending a Master based on a global breath due to both the language that will be used and the context concerned. Furthermore, being it an international Master, the formation provided would be recognized by any major academic circuit involved in the textile and clothing field. Admission to the Master shall be contingent upon possession of at least a Bachelor Degree in Engineering (mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials engineering, energy engineering or management engineering), in Economics, in Chemistry and/or Physics if degree obtained in Italy. For foreign candidates the requirement is a Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Economics, Chemistry and/or Physics. The obtainment of the degree must be prior to the beginning of the Master's lectures. Candidates who do not meet the above admission criteria may nonetheless submit their applications. In this case, the decision concerning their admission to the selection procedure shall be subject to the sole discretion of the Director of the Master. 5. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Recent graduates having obtained a Master's degree in "Management and Textile Engineering" may begin their career as Production Manager within textile and clothing companies (Italian or foreign). More precisely, this Production Manager, through the competences acquired during the Master, will be able to handle a complex process cycle both from an operational and from an economic-management point of view; thus, he will have the chance to reach, throughout his career, positions of greater responsibility such as: Textile & Clothing Quality and Service Global Supply Chain Production Management Business Unit Management 5
A far as managers and technicians already operating within textile and clothing companies are concerned, the Master program represents for them the opportunity to expand their vision and actively determine their professional growth. 6. NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS The Master will be activated upon a minimum number of participants ensuring a balanced classroom suitable to encourage active participation and personal and professional skills acquisition. The maximum number is fixed at 40. The Master Director reserves the right to admit additional participants, exceeding thus the maximum number defined, provided that full economic availability is guaranteed and teaching quality is assured. The University reserves the right not to activate the program in case of failure to reach the minimum number of participants. In this respect, a prompt communication to the parties concerned is to be given within 30 days before the beginning date. In the event of non-activation of the Master, the University will return any tuition fees collected. Additional expenses of any kind, material or non, incurred by the candidate, will not be covered. 7. MASTER PROGRAM The Master consists of didactic modules for a total of approximately 560 hours of class lectures, which approximately 40 hours may be added for company visits and special testimonials, as well as, for English and/or Italian classes if needed. Upon completion of the lectures, a 500 hours internship in one of the project sponsors will be organized for all of the participants. The Master MTE program will be carried out within one year. 6
8. TRAINING MODULES The Master modules shall be provided in a residential mode, i.e. based on learning meetings (seminars, academic lectures, experiences of disciplinary experts and stakeholders, assisted exercises, case studies, individual and group study, role playing and focus groups). The lessons will be conducted in English, therefore participants must demonstrate an adequate proficiency in order to follow a program entirely taught in the English Language including all didactic material. The level of knowledge of the English language must be certified with: IELTS score 5.0 or above TOEFL ibt 79-91 CAMBRIDGE FIRST Certified certificate is not required for native English speakers. Should a student be in possession of a certificate not mentioned above, the certificate will be evaluated on a case-by-case. For those who are not in possession of the required English language certificate, an evaluation will be conducted by a personalized interview with either professors and/or staff of the International Office who will attest the actual knowledge of the language which must be equivalent to the level of certification required. For participants of Italian native speakers or for those who request it, a series of technical English language classes will be given. A series of Italian language classes will be given to foreign participants in order to acquire the basic knowledge of the language. These classes are mandatory. 7
9. PLAN OF STUDY The macro educational contents of the three modules and single courses are described in the following table: 1 2 3 4 5 Modules Courses Hours General introductory course of the textile sector Technicality for the textile sector management Operations Introduction to the Textile, Clothing and Fashion sector Textile materials and technologies Business accounting Business organization Approx 50 Disciplinary Sector Credits Innovative textile technologies 44 ING-IND/22 5 Quality and control of the textile product 28 ING-IND/16 3 Quality system 24 ING-IND/17 3 Environmental sustainability in textiles and clothing sector 24 ING-IND/24 3 Technicality for the textile sector management 120 14 Production design 32 ING-IND/35 4 Production management 44 ING-IND/17 5 Logistics and supply chain 56 ING-IND/17 6 Operations 132 15 Strategic planning and management control 36 SECS-P/07 4 Human resources management 32 SECS-P/10 4 Management principles and human resource management Communication and organizational behavior 36 SECS-P/11 4 Experts' experiences, visits in the companies and supplementary courses Management principles and human resource management 104 12 Other Experts' experiences and visits in the companies 52 activities Italian/English language courses 80 Experts' experiences, visits in the companies and supplementary courses Other activities 6 Internship and final thesis 500 19 132 Total 60 Please note that the Italian/English language courses will not provide university credits. An introductory course (module) will be given to participants in order to have a general overview of the textile and clothing sector before starting the Master MTE classes. 8
INTERNSHIP After the classroom/lectures period, participants will continue with an internship for a period of 500 hours that will take place in textile companies. Objective of the internship is to apply, within different business contexts, the knowledge and skills acquired during the courses. FINAL WORK Participants will complete the program with a specific project to be conducted during the internship period under the supervision of a tutor. The project shall preferably present an inter-disciplinary approach to the selected topic. The internship is mandatory and an integral part of the Master MTE program. 10. ATTENDANCE The attendance is mandatory and shall not be less than 80% of the total hours specified in the plan of study (excluding the language courses). Being understood the obligation mentioned, in any case, the student must ensure the presence of at least 70% of classroom hours (Module "General introductory course of the textile sector", Module "Technicality for the Textile Sector Management", Module "Operations", Module "Management principles and human resource management", Testimonials & Company visits) and the presence of at least 70% of internship. 11. THE FACULTY University professors and recognized professionals operating in the textile industry form the faculty of the Master. The choice of a faculty reflecting a fair and proper balance between the academic and professional world constitutes the response to the precise need of offering teachings having a high-operational-value, in such a way as to find a valid and immediate feedback in the working practice and to promote the understanding of the business and industry dynamics. 12. CALENDAR The beginning of the modules is expected in October 2014. The Master will be approximately structured according to the following schedule: October 2014 March 2015: classroom (lectures meeting with experts exams visits in the companies internship interviews) March 2015 July 2015: internship 9
June 2015: submission of the thesis July 2015: thesis presentation and discussion September 2015: possible second date for thesis presentation and discussion 13. CALENDAR OF EXAMS Exams will take place during the classroom period of the Master at the end of each course. At a later stage, the direction of the Master will communicate the examination dates referring to each single course. Any change will be communicated without delay. 14. MODALITIES FOR THE HOLDING OF THE EXAMINATIONS AND TESTS AS WELL AS FOR THE FINAL EXAM An evaluation of the knowledge acquired in each course will be done through exams with marks calculated in thirtieths. The exams may be written, oral or mixed (written and oral). The same exam may not be repeated more than twice. The automatic registration of the mark shall take place within 10 days from the publication date of the exam results on the website of the Master, unless students wish to refuse the mark obtained; in this case the refusal shall be communicated without delay to the tutor of the Master. An assessment aimed at considering the activity carried out for the final work will also take place. Upon successful completion of all the exams and with a positive assessment for the final activities of the program confirmed by the Commission, the participants will obtain the 1st level University Master in Management and Textile Engineering diploma, with a marking calculated on a scale up to one hundred and ten. Those who do not pass the exams in accordance with the procedures as specified above, will only have the possibility to obtain a Master certificate of participation, provided that they meet the attendance requirements. 15. SCIENTIFIC STEERING COMMITTEE The Scientific Steering Committee is composed by 8 members: Carlo Noè (President of the Scientific Steering Committee and Scientific Director of the Master - University Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC), Monica Giani (Coordinator of the Master - University Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC ), Tommaso Rossi (University Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC), Pier Ettore Pellerey (Vice-President - Città Studi Biella), Donato Squara (General Director - Città Studi Biella), Paola Negro (University Department Manager - Città Studi Biella), Ermanno Rondi (Entrepreneur), Massimo Marchi (Entrepreneur). 10
16. APPLICATION PROCEDURES Admission to the Master requires applicants to be in possession of a Bachelor s Degree. Applications are accepted only online at www.master.liuc.it and www.mastermte.cittastudi.org where all the procedures are indicated. The deadline to apply online is September 21, 2014 by attaching the following documents: Documents to attach for students who obtained a University Degree in Italy: self-certification undersigned declaring the Bachelor/Master Degree obtained with the list of exams taken and grades; self-certification of the knowledge of the English language; any other qualification certificates relevant to the selection process including reference letters (maximum 2); curriculum vitae also including work experience if any; motivation letter; photocopy (front and back) of identity card and social security number (write on the back COPY CONFORMING TO THE ORIGINAL and sign); residence permit (for NON EU students living in Italy). Documents to attach for students who obtained a University Degree abroad: certified copy of the original degree and/or diploma issued by the academic authority with the official translation in the Italian language and legalized with the original stamp from the Italian Diplomatic Representatives abroad (Italian Embassy or Italian General Consulate); copy of exams certification including grades issued by the academic authority; self-certification of the knowledge of the English language; any other qualification certificates relevant to the selection process including reference letters (maximum 2); DICHIARAZIONE DI VALORE IN LOCO a declaration of value issued by the Italian Diplomatic Representatives abroad (Italian Embassy or Italian General Consulate) on the official letterhead with original stamp certifying the years of schooling; 11
Consular legalization of all documents written in a foreign language; motivation letter; curriculum vitae also including work experience if any; copy (front and back) of passport or identity card and social security number (write on the back COPY CONFORMING TO THE ORIGINAL and sign); residence permit (for NON EU students living in Italy). Candidates of NON EU nationality must submit the application on time in order to apply for a Study VISA. The list of admitted students, procedures for the first payment installment and pre-registration will be available on the Master MTE website. 17. SELECTION CRITERIA A commission appointed by the Director of the Master and composed by the Master Coordinator and business representatives will select the candidates. The first selection will be conducted by evaluating the curriculum (GPA average, length of time to graduate, knowledge of the English language, plan of study, thesis topic, other university certificates or diplomas) and based on the motivation provided by the candidate in the application form. In case the candidate has not yet graduated, the selection criteria GPA average, will be replaced by evaluating the average of exams taken. A second phase of the selection procedure will include a final motivation interview. 18. REGISTRATION PROCEDURES The names of candidates who pass the selection will be published on the website of the University Carlo Cattaneo - LIUC, together with useful information to officially register. In order to proceed with the registration, it is necessary to provide the University Master Secretariat all the documents (already presented online) in paper and also four pictures of passport format which must be signed on the back. An identity card US card will be issued to registered students which will be valid for the entire study program. At the end of the program or in the case of transferring or abandoning the program, the US card must be returned to the Master Secretariat. 12
In the event of theft, loss or destruction of the card, the student must explain the circumstances in which the said event occurred and request the issue of a duplicate to the Secretary Master presenting the following documentation: application written on paper containing the general details of the applicant and registration number; copy of the theft or loss report issued by Police Authorities; two pictures of passport format signed on the back; payment receipt for a duplicate registration card. The student is personally responsible for any possible damages of the US card. The cost of a duplicate is Euro 20,00 (twenty). 19. LOCATION The location of the Master is at Città Studi in Biella, Italy. 20. TUITION FEES The tuition fee to attend the Master MTE is Euro 8.000 (eight thousand). Payment may be issued in two installments: - the first of Euro 4.000 + Euro 16.00 (tax stamp) upon confirming registration (before arriving in Italy) - the second of Euro 4.000 no later than December 31, 2014. A participant registered for the Master MTE, has the obligation to pay the tuition fee in the full amount. There will be no form of refund or exemption for any outstanding tuition fee balance in the event of a withdrawal from the Master MTE by a participant and/or any other kind of circumstances. It is also possible to register for a single module and receive a certificate of participation upon completing the module: Technicality for the textile sector management: Euro 3.700 Operations: Euro 3.100 Management principles and human resources management: Euro 2.500 Tax stamp of Euro 16.00 will be applied for each module. 13