Module 1 affords an appropriate introduction both to the roles of first and second line managers in a competitive manufacturing organisation and to the cornerstone disciplines and principles which yield superlative performance.

Participants gain an leveled-up understanding of the often confusing lexicography of competitive manufacturing - terms and acronyms such as TQM, lean manufacturing, JIT, TPM, Genba Kanri, Kaizen, Poka Yoke, Six Sigma etc. - and their relevance and relative utility to their own operations.

Team tasks are focused on real measurable objectives to be achieved within a given time with limited resources. Their purpose is not to engage in gratuitous 'character building' but to demonstrate and reinforce awareness of the improvement cycle, the importance of effective communications and feedback and the need to focus on both process and results.