NEW!

Postgraduate Diploma in Product Management

for the Software and Technology sectors

We will be taking applications soon for a new cohort commencing September 2012

The last information evening was a huge success. A great turnout and lots of discussion was had before, during and after the session. For those who missed out, the presentation from the evening is available to download here.

For product and technology managers in need of the skills, techniques and strategies to enhance product management effectiveness, this programme provides the learning, tools and frameworks to drive best practice performance. The programme is designed for experienced professionals who have a number of years experience in the software or ICT sectors to bring a structured framework, theoretical rigor, strategic competence and best practice to the activity of product management within the company.

Starting October 2011 – apply now as places are limited

Download the brochure here

The Software Skillnet is providing companies with 50% grant aid towards programme fees

This special sector-led programme was initiated by a strategic working group within the Irish Software Association to drive global competence across the sector in this critical function. It has been developed by the Software Skillnet in association with Dublin Institute of Technology and provides a comprehensive programme for product managers in the software and technology sector.

Programme Introduction
Programme Aims and benefits
Programme Structure and Schedule
Award and Recognition
Programme Costs
Who Should Participant
Applications
Further Information

Programme Introduction

Success of software and system products in the market depends heavily on the unique skill sets, knowledge and competence of excellent product managers who have the ability to manage products from inception through to launch, but also to manage the product lifecycle in line with company strategy.

The programme has been developed by Dublin Institute of Technology in association with the Irish Software Association and offers a new specialist qualification for the Irish Software sector. It brings together leading academics, international speakers, recognised industry practitioners and the latest research to deliver a customised programme for professionals in the sector.

This innovative, results-driven programme is the first bespoke programme of its kind in Ireland and will become a leading model internationally.

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Programme Aims and Benefits

The programme will:

•   Enhance and strengthen the product management capability and performance of existing or prospective product managers.
•   Provide a professional formation for practicing product managers to employ best practice, new tools and frameworks and develop their competencies and performance in all aspects of product management practice.
•   Provide an opportunity for participants to learn from expert practitioners, live company experience and recognised guest speakers.
•   Gain systematic knowledge to optimise the dialogue with developers, customers, and senior management with an increased level of personal self-management and project management techniques
•   Provide a diverse and stimulating learning environment that will allow participants to apply the knowledge and skills immediately within their working role and impact directly on their companies strategic growth
•   Provide participants with a level 9 accredited postgraduate qualification without interrupting their career, with opportunities for progression to a Masters level (MSc).
•   Develop professional competence in product strategy and market techniques, interpersonal and leadership qualities, the capacity for autonomous decision making and business development, and an innovative approach to solving product related problems.
•   Create a community of practice of product management executives who can share kwowledge and experience to enhance their professional support network and knowledge

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Programme Structure and Schedule

The programme will be delivered on a modular part-time basis over one year: October 2011- September 2012.

The taught element of the programme will be delivered over 9 workshops which will take place on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition to the monthly workshops, the programme will incorporate a number of assignments and conclude with a major assignment centered on the development of a strategic product plan. The outputs are designed to benefit both the individual and the sponsor company. Module topics are outlined below:

Module 1:	Strategy and Business Models
Module 2:	Innovation and Technology Management
Module 3:	Marketing and Customer Analysis
Module 4:	Business Case and Pricing
Module 5:	Strategic Customer Management
Module 6:	Product Planning and Process
Module 7:	How to run successful projects
Module 8:	Team Leadership and Change Management
Module 9:	Strategic Negotiation and Communication
Capstone Project:	Strategic Product Plan

The programme will be delivered by DIT and will include leading academics and practitioners from international and Irish-based institutions and companies. A range of learning strategies are employed including action learning, case studies, practice-based assignments, debates, and guest speakers. Project work, including group activities, is an essential component of the programme. Projects will involve active engagement by the programme participant with their workplace. Modules will be delivered at the College of Business, DIT Aungier Street, close to St Stephens Green in the centre of Dublin.

Award and Recognition

Dublin Institute of Technology is one of the three awarding bodies (along with HETAC and FETAC) designated within the national qualifications framework of Ireland. DIT is a member of the European Universities Association and it currently provides awards at Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Continuing Professional Development for its executive education clients.

The College of Business is one of the largest business schools in Ireland, in terms of full-time and part-time student enrolment.

This programme consists of nine modules each carrying 5 ECTS and will be accredited at level 9 on the National Qualifications Framework. On successful completion of the programme participants will graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Product Management. DIT also provides options for the participants who graduate with this award to enhance their qualifications by progressing to a further year of study to achieve a Masters Degree.

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Programme Costs

The cost of the programme is €5800 and the cost includes all registration, educational and graduation costs with participants having full access to the range of student supports within DIT.

Eligible participants (people who are currently employed in enterprises within the software and technology sectors) will received 50% grant aid to attend the programme.

After grant aid the cost to companies per participant on the one year programme will be €2900.

Payment should be made to the Software Skillnet in advance of programme commencement.

This programme has been developed with the support of a special grant under the Future Skills Needs Initiative from Skillnets Training Networks programme to the Software Skillnet.

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Who Should Participate

Participants in this programme will have a number of years experience in the software or ICT sectors. Candidates are likely to be in positions of responsibility, already engaged in a product management capacity or moving into a product management role from a technical or sales-oriented role. Knowledge of the technical aspects of software or technology development processes and methods will be assumed.

To be eligible to enter the postgraduate programme, participants will have an honours degree level qualification or equivalent. Exceptions may be made for applicants whose prior experiential learning is assessed as equivalent to an honours degree.

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Applications

To apply please download the application form here and return to Susan Kelly in the Software Skillnet (susan@isa-skillnet.com) before 23rd September 2011.

Early applications are encouraged as the number of grant-aided places on the programme is limited.

A number of places will also be offered to jobseekers at no cost and participants will retain their social welfare benefits. To find out if you are eligible for one of the places, please contact Susan Kelly.

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Further Information

For further information contact Susan Kelly in the Software Skillnet at 086 - 806 7200 or email susan@isa-skillnet.com.
Download the brochure here.