The Institute of Operations Management (IOM) has made further progress in its programme of accrediting UK universities and other educational establishments in courses which lead to successful students attaining membership of the IOM.
Glasgow Caledonian University’s MSc Operations and Business Management course has been the first to attain such accreditation and four other universities are now undergoing the accreditation process. The IOM is the UK professional society for operations management in manufacturing, service industries and the public sector.
Qualification for membership of the Institute is based on a combination of academic achievement and professional experience which allows the opportunity to upgrade membership levels as a career develops. IOM ‘Members’ require a minimum of five years practical experience in operations management. However, this can be reduced to two years where an applicant holds the IOM Diploma or equivalent qualification. As such IOM has received requests from educational organisations to accredit programmes which provide a route to full membership of IOM and has now formalised the process whereby such programmes can be recognised as containing appropriate content to qualify for IOM status.
The role of the initial education programme in operations management is to:
- Provide awareness of the range of knowledge , skills and values involved at the professional level and to give a basic understanding in the fields of knowledge specified
- Develop an appreciation of value and ethical issues involved in operations management
- Develop specialist understanding in selected areas
A critical element of the initial professional development will be to instil in graduates a firm knowledge of the principles involved in the various areas, and the ability to review and evaluate situations and propositions by reference to these principles. Initial education programmes should provide for the in-depth development of knowledge and skills in specific areas of operations or related functions.
IOM Manager Leonie Edwards says: ‘There can be no doubt that IOM membership is recognised by increasing numbers of employers as a clear indication of the quality and expertise of personnel engaged in operations management and related disciplines. As such, the creation of a formalised link between many academic courses and IOM membership is a very logical advance, and increasingly sought by universities and other bodies offering courses in this area.
‘The rigorous process which we have created in order to ensure that courses match the academic content appropriate to achieve IOM membership qualification means that students, employers and other interested parties can be assured that no ‘short cuts’ have been involved. The combination of educational achievement and professional experience remains key to IOM membership status.’
Comprehensive details of the requirements for courses seeking to obtain IOM membership accreditation status are available from IOM Manager Leonie Edwards on 01536 740143 leonie.edwards@iomnet.org.uk or Emma Campbell IOM Activities Co-ordinator on 01536 740108 emma.campbell@iomnet.org.uk.
