New online supply chain course launched

Infineon Technologies AG (FSE: IFX/OTCQX: IFNNY, The University of Limerick) and IDA Ireland, today announced a joint  cooperation initiative to develop university programmes in supply chain management at the University of Limerick in Ireland. The first programme, launched today, is a one-year diploma in Supply Chain Management. The collaborative initiative is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Infineon and UL started their cooperation in June 2009 for the development of a suite of programmes in Supply Chain Management. The courses comprise knowledge levels in Supply Chain Management from basic level to degree level on to master level over the course of the programmes. The foundation of these programmes is the SCOR® Model and its application in High Technology Discrete Manufacturing. SCOR® from the Supply Chain Council (www.supply-chain.org) is the globally widely used standard for supply chain management. The Semiconductor Industry in general and Infineon in particular is a typical High Technology Discrete Event Manufacturer.

Commenting on the announcement, Barry O’Leary, Chief Executive of IDA Ireland said: 'IDA is delighted to be in a position to support this important initiative. It demonstrates the unique collaborative environment that exists in Ireland, between industry and academia which can assist leading companies such as Infineon Technologies to advance its international research activities in Supply Chain Management to meet industry needs.'

A combination of high market volatility, outsourcing collaboration and fast product ramps coupled with 'fab lite' manufacturing, increases the importance of supply chain management for industry. This is also important for European countries where local manufacturing is decreasing. Excellence in Supply Chain Management core processes (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver and Return) is key for triple AAA (Agile, Adaptable and Aligned) supply chains.

The University of Limerick has a long tradition of working with industry to educate a strategically minded and operationally skilled graduate. In designing courses for Industry the aim is to increase individual capability, to improve organisational capacity for competitiveness and to develop innovative practices. The University of Limerick has developed a flexible entry, exit and progression route that allows those in the labour force to progress from second level education to a professional doctorate while remaining at work.

Infineon brings a broad Supply Chain 'know-how' into this collaboration, all the while being keenly interested in upgrading the knowledge base of its internal workforce. Research and Development in Supply Chain Management, including programs for state of the art academic degrees, is central to this partnership.

Michael Hennessy, Education Programmes Manager from UL says: 'through a flexible progression routes and the integration of professional and in-company training, the courses are capable for delivering skills and competency in a timely manner suited to the needs of those in a working environment.'

Tony Smyth, Managing Director of Infineon Technologies Ireland Limited says: 'Infineon found in UL an open minded partner with a deep knowledge and a long-term exposure to the educational and research needs of the high tech industry in general and of supply chain in particular.  The customer logistic management in Dublin can only benefit from this collaboration.'

'Superior Supply Chain Management skills help to differentiate between successful and unsuccessful businesses especially now with the ever increasing tendency towards off-shoring and production partner management. This has a particular resonance for industry located in Ireland.'

Douglas Kent Head of the European Leadership Team of the SCC (Supply Chain Council) says: 'this partnership marks another milestone in the adoption of SCOR® within the academic community. Our practitioner partners who are seeking their talent from university graduates will welcome this early education based on the industry standard model.'

This programme commences in April 2010 with 10 students currently registered, five of whom are Infineon staff members. The programme will be delivered online with two one-week sessions of on campus workshops and group work.

Click here for more information about online programmes from ULearning.