The first cohort of Robert Gordon University’s (RGU) new short course on Optimisation in Production Processes has completed the programme.
RGU recently launched the course in collaboration with Scottish Enterprise and its manufacturing arm, the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) in response to the turbulent, challenging and highly competitive landscape that the economy now faces.
The 12-week training course introduced participants to process improvement and lean principles and tools which will make businesses more streamlined and the first cohort have hailed the initiative as a success.
Delivered by RGU staff, the course aimed to provide an understanding of the concept of process improvement in a manufacturing context and to develop the ability to critically evaluate production processes and select an appropriate analysis strategy, as well as to improve the production process through the application of a range of analytic tools.
Giving feedback on the presentations on the final day of the course, Professor Ken Russell of Aberdeen Business School, remarked that he was impressed by the amount of effort and progress that had been made by the delegate and that this had been facilitated by the structured approach developed to tackle improvements.
He continued: “There was also evidence there were opportunities within the participating organisations to transfer the learning from the delegates to have a wider impact. This impact would be supported by embracing necessary behavioural changes to sustain the improvement process."
Head of oil & gas company growth at Scottish Enterprise, Lynn Carter, said: “Improving efficiencies within Scotland’s oil and gas sector is a priority to ensure the long term sustainability of the sector.
“That’s why, in conjunction with the Energy jobs Taskforce, we have been working in partnership with Robert Gordon University to deliver this intensive training course. It aims to equip people working in the oil and gas sector with the skills and know-how to deliver more innovative manufacturing processes resulting in increased efficiencies, improved productivity and increased competitiveness.
“I would like to congratulate the first cohort of students in completing the course and wish them every success as they put into practice what they’ve learned over the last 12 weeks.”