Corporate leadership training
Leadership in Operations Management Training Course in Austria
Help operations leaders raise efficiency and profitability: map and streamline processes, eliminate non-value-added activity, correct problems at their root, control quality, supply chains and inventory, and inspire teams to keep improving, through workshops and simulations.
- In-person, virtual
or blended - Customised for
your organisation - Delivered worldwide,
including Austria - For operations managers
and supervisors
Course overview
What Is Leadership in Operations Management?
Leadership in operations management combines the technical work of designing, measuring and improving operational processes with the leadership needed to inspire the people who run them. Merging theory with practical skills, the course covers lean manufacturing, DMAIC and kaizen, supply chain, vendor and inventory management, and quality, and shows how leaders make each improvement last.
Interactive workshops, case studies and real-world simulations let participants map processes, apply root cause analysis and plan corrective and preventive actions, built around industry-specific challenges leaders in Austria meet.
Built for operations executives, managers and specialists in Austria’s bustling business landscape, the course combines interactive workshops, case studies and simulations with attention to the Austrian market, including its regulatory requirements, cultural dynamics and emerging trends, so participants learn to lead operations with agility.
Why it matters
Why Operations Leadership Matters in Austria
Organisations in Austria’s bustling business landscape face shifting markets, regulatory requirements and pressure on costs. Leaders who streamline processes, cut non-value-added activity and keep supply chains resilient help them grow.
Efficiency counts
Non-value-added activity erodes profitability and slows delivery to customers.
Quality builds trust
Corrective and preventive action keeps standards high and customers confident.
Reliable supply
Resilient supply chains and sound vendor management keep production on schedule.
Improvement that lasts
Embedding kaizen helps organisations in Austria sustain growth and innovation.
The Knowles leadership approach
From Insight to Impact
Participants follow a six-step cycle rooted in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma: make the process visible, measure its performance, analyse causes, improve, standardise and engage the team, a loop they can repeat on any operation.
Operations leadership in action
- 1. MapHow does the work flow?
- 2. MeasureWhere are we losing?
- 3. AnalyseWhat is the root cause?
- 4. ImproveWhat will we change?
- 5. StandardiseHow do we hold gains?
- 6. EngageIs the team on board?
Key benefits
Why Organisations Choose This Course
This programme helps your leaders and your organisation to:
Faster, Leaner Processes
Leaner processes that lower cost and deliver faster.
Consistent Quality
Output that meets specification, with fewer defects to fix.
Smoother Supply
Vendors managed for reliable, on-time supply.
Leaner Stock
Inventory controlled to free capital and storage space.
Engaged Teams
Motivated, empowered teams that suggest cost-saving ideas.
Lasting Improvement
Improvements that are standardised and monitored over time.
Have questions about this course?
Our team is happy to help. Send us a message and we will get back to you within one business day.
Course curriculum
A practical and structured learning journey.
Twelve units in three stages guide participants from making the operation visible and measurable, through improving its cost, quality and flow, to leading the teams who keep raising performance.
- Unit 1
Process Mapping
- Apply process mapping to show how work moves end to end.
- Expose bottlenecks, delays and handovers in the flow.
- Set the mapped process against the intended design.
- Unit 2
Key Measures
- Implement KPIs for unit cost, defect rates, lead times and punctuality.
- Use data collection and analysis to find where output drops.
- Track KPIs on displays the whole team can read.
- Unit 3
Lean Thinking
- Learn the concepts behind lean manufacturing.
- Identify non-value-added activity in operations.
- Channel resources into work that customers will pay for.
- Unit 4
Six Sigma Basics
- Apply DMAIC as a structured route to problem-solving.
- Understand variation as a hidden source of defects.
- Use data-driven approaches rather than instinct.
- Unit 5
Finding Root Causes
- Probe symptoms with the five whys to reach causes.
- Group suspected causes with an Ishikawa fishbone chart.
- Verify causes with data before corrective action.
- Unit 6
Quality Control
- Set quality standards linked to each process step.
- Integrate inspection into the work instead of at the end.
- Use corrective and preventive actions against defects.
- Unit 7
Supply Chain Flow
- Review supply chain concepts from vendor to end customer.
- Use vendor management to improve supply reliability.
- Plan for supply chain risk and build resilience.
- Unit 8
Inventory Control
- Use inventory control to align stock with demand and cost.
- Reduce surplus, obsolete and short stock.
- Check inventory regularly against performance metrics.
- Unit 9
Frontline Teams
- Communicate vision and daily priorities at each shift start.
- Use team-building to strengthen links across shifts.
- Apply conflict resolution before tensions spread.
- Unit 10
Motivating Teams
- Acknowledge effort and results through recognition.
- Empower staff to tackle the problems they spot.
- Treat every member of a diverse team with equal respect.
- Unit 11
Making Change Stick
- Show people why a process has to change.
- Write standard work for new methods and coach staff in it.
- Monitor KPIs so improvements are sustained.
- Unit 12
Kaizen Culture
- Embed kaizen so small improvements happen daily.
- Give teams the capacity to improve their own processes.
- Share proven improvements between sites and teams.
Course agenda
Two-day course agenda.
A sample agenda showing how the two days run, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final agenda is agreed with you.
Welcome, objectives and introductions
Process mapping
Morning break
Key measures
Lunch
Lean thinking
Six Sigma basics
Afternoon break
Finding root causes
Day one reflection
Close
Recap and goals for the day
Quality control
Morning break
Supply chain and inventory
Lunch
Frontline teams
Motivating teams and making change stick
Afternoon break
Building a kaizen culture
Operations improvement action plan
Close
Participant resources
What participants receive.
A practical set of resources to support learning during the course and application afterwards.
Course Workbook
Content, summaries and activities for every unit.
Templates and Worksheets
Ready-to-use tools to apply learning at work.
Action Plan Template
Turn learning into clear next steps.
Job Aids and Quick Guides
Key models, checklists and frameworks for daily use.
Digital Resources
Additional materials to revisit after the course.
Certificate of Completion
Recognition of the training completed.
Practical application
From theory to real workplace impact.
Participants apply each concept in interactive workshops, case studies and real-world simulations based on industry-specific challenges, building the analytical and leadership skills operations leaders in Austria rely on.
Waste Hunt
Run a cost analysis on the waste in a sample process.
Root Cause Drill
Apply corrective and preventive action to a recurring defect.
Inventory Scenario
Plan inventory for a product with irregular demand.
Improvement Pitch
Present a cost-saving improvement and win team support.
Who should attend
Designed for people who run operations.
For operations executives and managers, supply chain specialists, project managers and business analysts across industries, along with professionals who oversee production or quality and anyone whose results depend on operations.
- Operations ManagersRaise efficiency and profitability across operations.
- Production ManagersApply lean manufacturing on the shop floor.
- Supply Chain LeadsManage vendors, inventory and supply risk.
- Quality ManagersLead corrective and preventive action.
- SupervisorsMotivate frontline teams every shift.
- Support FunctionsGrasp the operations behind their own results.
Course format and delivery
Flexible options to suit your organisation.
Choose the format and duration that fit your schedule and learning needs, whether at your workplace in Austria, online or a mix of both.
In-Person Training
Delivered at your organisation in Austria or at a suitable venue.
Virtual Training
Interactive, engaging live online delivery.
Blended Learning
A combination of in-person and virtual sessions.
Customised Training
Tailor case studies, organisation focus, delivery mode, modules and duration. Explore Customized Training
- Typical Duration2 Full Days9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also available as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites and experience level.
No prior experience of lean or Six Sigma is required. The course suits new and experienced leaders alike and works well for mixed groups.
No formal prerequisites
Open to anyone who leads or depends on operational processes.
All experience levels
From supervisors to operations directors.
Designed for mixed groups
Operations and support staff see a process from each side.
Bring a real process
Bring a process from your workplace that needs improving.
Course framework
A structured approach to developing leaders.
Our framework carries participants round a learning cycle: they analyse a live process, trial improvements, evaluate results against KPIs and take what works into their own operation.
Practical and Actionable
Tools participants can use as soon as they are back at work.
Relevant to Austria
Built on local case studies and the realities of the Austrian market.
Improvement Mindset
Reflection on how leaders inspire a culture of improvement.
The operations improvement cycle
- 1. LearnCore leadership principles
- 2. ExploreCase studies and discussion
- 3. PractiseRole-plays and simulations
- 4. ReflectSelf-assessment and journaling
- 5. ApplyReal-world projects
- 6. GrowMentoring and peer support
Key learning outcomes
From knowledge to lasting leadership impact.
By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
- 01
Map processes
Map processes and pinpoint where flow breaks down.
- 02
Cut waste
Apply lean manufacturing to remove non-value-added activity.
- 03
Solve root causes
Use root cause analysis and DMAIC to correct the true cause.
- 04
Control quality
Implement inspection and preventive action that limit defects.
- 05
Balance supply
Balance vendors, inventory and capacity with demand.
- 06
Sustain improvement
Sustain gains through kaizen and regular review.
Efficiency is not a project with an end date; it is how good operations teams work every day.
Example exercises and tools
Learn by doing.
Workshops, practical tools and real-world simulations help participants expose waste, deal with problems at their source and lead their teams through improvement.
Interactive workshops and real-world simulations recreate situations operations leaders in Austria may encounter, from a supply chain disruption that tests resilience plans to rising costs that call for non-value-added work to go, or a new compliance requirement that changes a process. Participants practise analysing the issue, choosing corrective and preventive actions and leading the team through them, ready to use at work straight away.
Value Stream Map
Follow a product from order to delivery and mark every non-value step.
Fishbone Diagram
Sort the causes of a defect into categories on one diagram.
Five Whys
Keep questioning a problem until its deepest cause surfaces.
Huddle Board
Design a daily board that shows the team’s KPIs at a glance.
Assessment
Assessment and learning progress.
A mix of steps before, during and after the programme keeps learning relevant and turns it into action.
Before the training
Share your goals and team context.
Agree the objectives and focus areas.
Confirm the format, timing and group.
During the training
Role-plays, simulations and practical exercises.
Feedback from experienced leaders as skills develop.
Group discussion and reflection.
After the training
A personal action plan for the workplace.
Self-assessment and guided journaling to track progress.
Ongoing learning through peers, mentors and the alumni network.
Workplace application
Relevant to your context.
The concepts are applied to real situations in organisations across Austria, from manufacturing and warehousing to vendor management, quality and service delivery.
- Production LinesApply lean to raise output.
- WarehousingControl inventory and space.
- Supplier ManagementManage vendors and supply risk.
- Quality ChecksCorrect and prevent defects.
- Service DeliveryCut delays in service processes.
- Daily HuddlesReview KPIs at every shift.
Let’s discuss your requirements
Request a Customised Leadership Programme.
Talk to our team about how this course can be tailored for your organisation in Austria or other locations worldwide.
- Share your priorities
- Receive a tailored proposal
- Explore delivery options
Adapting for Austria
Adapting the programme for Austrian organisations.
We tailor the course so it reflects your people, your sector and the context you work in.
Local case studies
Examples and case studies drawn from leaders in Austria.
Cultural awareness
Content that respects cultural nuances and builds inclusive environments.
Community focus
Projects that address real local and community issues.
Industry and organisation focus
Examples, terminology and scenarios from your sector.
Delivery worldwide
Flexible delivery across Austria and worldwide.
We deliver this programme in Austria and in other locations worldwide, with flexible formats and options to suit your organisation.
- In-person
- Virtual
- Blended
At Your Workplace
In-house sessions at your office in Austria.
A Venue You Choose
Delivered at a training venue that suits your team.
Live Online
Interactive virtual sessions wherever your people are.
Across Countries
Programmes coordinated across several locations worldwide.
Client experiences
What our participants say.
Word-for-word feedback from participants at organisations in Singapore. Read all reviews
Yes, I would recommend it. Gaining a clear framework on communication styles is highly useful for de-escalating tough client situations
Yes, the strategic frameworks shared are highly practical and worth learning for career growth.
The most useful aspects were learning about active listening, empathy, and adopting a growth mindset. The case studies and brainstorming sessions provided practical ideas for managing remote and hybrid teams, building rapport, and leading effectively.
Yes, because it really highlights how our daily business decisions directly impact the local community and the environment.
Yes definitely. Gaining a deep understanding of structured mentoring models is incredibly beneficial for anyone stepping into a leadership role.
Yes, particularly for beginners who need a clear, structured way to start organizing workplace information.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this course.
What is the main focus of this course?
It equips leaders to run leaner operations: mapping processes, applying lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, solving root causes, managing quality, vendors and inventory, and inspiring teams through change, applied to organisations in Austria.
What topics does the course cover?
Twelve units in three stages: seeing the operation (process mapping, key measures, lean thinking, Six Sigma basics), improving performance (finding root causes, quality control, supply chain flow, inventory control) and leading operations teams (frontline teams, motivating teams, making change stick and kaizen culture).
Who should attend this course?
Operations executives and managers, supply chain specialists, project managers, business analysts, production and quality managers and supervisors across industries.
Is the course suitable for new or first-time leaders?
Yes. Emerging talent gains a sound grounding in operations methods, and seasoned professionals refine how they lead improvement.
Is the course practical or theory-based?
It merges theory with practical skills. Workshops, case studies and simulations have participants mapping processes, analysing costs and solving operational problems.
How long is the course?
The standard course runs over 2 full days, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It can also be delivered as a 1-day, half-day, 90-minute or 60-minute session.
Can the course be customised for our organisation?
Yes. We can adapt the content, examples and format to your goals, industry and team. See Customized Corporate Training for how we tailor programmes.
Can we use examples from our own industry?
Yes. We design and deliver our courses with subject matter experts in each field. Tell us about your industry, context and terminology when you enquire, and it will be taken into account.
Can we combine this course with other topics?
Yes. We can combine related topics into one programme or build a learning pathway across several sessions and levels.
Is this course available outside Austria?
Yes. We deliver this programme in other countries worldwide, in person or live online, and can coordinate it across several locations.
What delivery options are available?
In person at your workplace or a venue you choose, live online, or a blend of both.
What kind of exercises and activities are included?
Process mapping, cost analysis of waste, five whys and fishbone analysis, an inventory simulation, a KPI board, a cost-saving pitch and action planning, with feedback throughout.
Do participants receive mentoring during the course?
Yes. Participants receive mentorship and constructive feedback from experienced leaders throughout the course.
Will participants build a professional network?
Yes. Participants connect with fellow participants, build mentoring relationships with facilitators and guest speakers, and can join an alumni network for ongoing learning.
How does the course support personal growth?
Through regular self-assessment and reflection, guided journaling to track progress and set goals, and techniques for mindfulness and stress management.
Is the course relevant to the Austrian context?
Yes. It focuses on the Austrian market, with case studies and simulations covering industry-specific challenges, regulatory requirements and the supply chain pressures operations leaders face.
Which cities in Austria can the course be delivered in?
We can deliver it in cities across Austria, including Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt and Villach, and other cities on request. We also offer a full range of leadership courses in Austria.
Can we download a course brochure?
Yes. Download our course brochure for an overview of our training programmes.
How do we request a proposal?
Share your goals and requirements through the enquiry form on this page. Our team replies within one business day with suggestions and a tailored proposal.
Who can we contact about this course?
Email [email protected], call +65 6714 6663 or use the enquiry form on this page. We reply within one business day.
Next steps
From enquiry to delivery.
A simple, transparent process from your first message to the training day.
- 1
Enquiry
Share your training needs and priorities.
- 2
Consultation
We discuss and refine the scope with you.
- 3
Proposal
Receive a tailored proposal with delivery options.
- 4
Confirm
Review, adjust and agree the details.
- 5
Delivery
We deliver the programme for your team.
Get in touch
Get in touch about this course.
Tell us about your team and goals, and we will recommend the right format for your organisation in Austria. Fill in the form or contact our team directly.
- Email us[email protected]
- Call us+65 6714 6663
- Quick replyWe get back to you within one business day.
- Ask before you commitTalk to our team about the right course and format for your needs.
This course is customisable
We can tailor the content, examples and activities to your team’s industry, goals and workplace context. Explore Customized Training
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