SME QIANG - Singapore Manufacturing Federation

强强SME QIANG(Quality Initiatives to Assist, Nurture and Grow)The ultimate lean solution forSME productivitySME QIANG (Quality Initiatives to Assist, Nurture and Grow) isan effective training programme, specially developed by SingaporeManufacturers’ Federation (SMa) and Singapore WorkforceDevelopment Agency (WDA), to enhance productivity of SMEs.SME QIANG has been structured to cushion impact to SMEs’ dailyoperations:•Training as an integral part of project implementation: enablestrainees to work on processes quickly•Strong focus on project implementation and coaching: zoomsin on critical areas for improvement•Strong on Champion Training for Senior Management: gainsmanagement buy-in and imparts change management skillsHIGHLIGHTS• 6½ days training• Champion training forSenior Management• Heavy on project coachingSME QIANG ( is a breakthrough training initiative designed to help SMEs learn and implement productivity concepts in their business context. TheChinese character ‘ was coined from a Chinese saying ‘ which means to make continuous efforts to improve oneself or to strive continuouslyto make new progress. It also signifies strength, improvement and resilience, a reflection of the SME entrepreneurs’ spirit for continuous productivityimprovement.自SMa Centre for Corporate Learning | 2 Bukit Merah Central | SPRING Singapore Building #08-00 | Singapore 159835Tel: 6826 3100 | Fax: 6826 3021 | Web: www.smaccl.sg | Company Registration No.: 201014568Z’’ 息 不 强)

SME QIANG AS THE LEAN SOLUTIONKey Concerns of SMEs in Training & DevelopmentTimeout for TrainingMany SMEs face a daily struggle to keep their businessprofitable. Rising cost pressures have also led to a tightworkforce that is heavily burdened with multiple roles andtasks. Although the SME management often feels the needto develop key staff, limited time for training is a real issue.The feedback received is that training period is best keptwithin a week and be spread out significantly so as tocushion the impact to daily operations.ROI for Knowledge TransferMeasuring the ROI of training is a common issue for manycompanies, in particular SMEs that have tight budget andtime constraints. Hence, to encourage more SMEs to traintheir staff, the ROI of the training programme must beclearly quantified.Sustaining an InitiativeThe lack of expertise and resources to set up aframework that sustains gains is another challenge forSMEs. An investment in consultation to set up theinfrastructure required for productivity improvementsis often viewed as additional costs, and thereforetakes an even lower priority. The result is often a longterminitiative grinding to an early halt, reinforcing thewrong message that training has largely beenineffective.SME QIANG As The SolutionModule 1: WSQ Manage Productivity Improvement toAchieve Business ObjectivesModule 2: WSQ Implement Lean Six Sigma (MF-PIM-401E-1) +Productivity Improvement ProjectTraining Class Day 1 (Week 1)Introduction to Lean & Lean CultureProject Workshop 1 (Week 2)Project ScopingTraining Class Day 2 (Week 3)Value Stream Mapping & Stability ProcessImprovementProject Workshop 2 (Week 4)Value Stream Mapping &Genba AnalysisTraining Class Day 3 (Week 5)Just-in-Time & MeasuringProject Workshop 3 (Week 6)Root Cause Analysis (RCA) &Improvement PlanTraining Class Day 4 (Week 7)Sustaining and AssessmentProject Workshop 4 (Week 8)Review Improvement Results &Control PlansModule 3: WSQ Plan & Implement Productivity Framework

MODULE OUTLINEModule 1: WSQ Manage Productivity Improvement to Achieve Business ObjectivesManagement buy-in is half a productivity battle won. This unit offers senior management a 1-day Business Championworkshop to equip them with the knowledge to deploy project teams effectively, manage change and promote executivesponsorship. The workshop will also highlight key areas that are essential for achieving breakthrough improvement in theirbusiness process performances.Duration: 1 Day Classroom TrainingCourse Outline•Understand Lean Six Sigma (using a Lean simulation game)•Alignment with Business Strategy & Objectives•Role of Executives and Champions in a Productivity Initiative•Understanding, Leading and Dealing with Change•bizSAFE Level 1- Overview of WSH Act, subsidiary legislation and Director’s guidelines- Introduction to Risk Management concept, bizSAFE concept (etc), Corporate Social Responsibilities of companies- How to create a conducive safety culture in the company- Financial planning; balancing profitability and safety in the organisation- Business case studies, tangibles and intangible consequence of an accidentModule 2: WSQ Implement Lean Six Sigma (MF-PM-401E-1) + Productivity Improvement ProjectApply these knowledge and skills for maximum benefits. Recognising thatSMEs take more positively to skills and implementation outcomes, this unitweaves classroom training into project implementation, to be completed overan 8-week period.The training mechanics involve segmenting the 8-week projectimplementation period into 4 x 2-week project phases. Each phase beginswith a 1-day intensive classroom training, followed immediately by projectwork. The 1-day workshop in each phase coaches trainees on how skills canbe applied to the real project to maximise knowledge transfer.Duration: 4 Days Classroom Training + 2 Months ProductivityImprovement ProjectCourse Outline•Introduction to Lean•Lean Culture•Value Stream Mapping•Stability and Process Improvement•Just-in-Time•Measuring•SustainingProductivity ImprovementProject (8 weeks)1. Productivity Project(Workshop 1)- Project Scoping2. Productivity Project(Workshop 2)- Value Stream Mapping- Genba Analysis3. Productivity Project(Workshop 3)- Root Cause Analysis- Improvement Ideas & Plans4. Productivity Project(Workshop 4)- Improvement ResultsConfirmation- Work Standardisation andControl PlansModule 3: WSQ Plan and Implement Productivity FrameworkProductivity is not a destination, but a journey. This unit helps the company tosustain its productivity drive by guiding the team of designated BusinessChampions and trained Productivity Managers to set up a productivityframework.Duration: 1 Day Classroom Training + ½ Day WorkshopCourse Outline•Implement Project Identification Process•Define Productivity Metrics & Implement a Progress Tracking System•Implement Incentive SchemeHalf-Day Workshop1. Review Implementation Plan2. Review ImplementedProductivity ImprovementProject3. Identify 3 Projects forSubsequent Implementation

MODULE OUTLINEPROGRAMME DELIVERYSME QIANG consists of 3 units conductedover 6 ½ days, with a 2-month ProductivityImprovement Project.ADMISSION CRITERIAThis programme is targeted at SMEs. Pleasecheck with us for eligibility.ASSESSMENTWritten and Project WorkAWARDCandidate who passed the assessment will beawarded with Statement of Attainment (SOA) forthe respective competency unit by SingaporeWorkforce Development Agency (WDA).PROGRAMME FEES1ModuleWSQ Manage Productivity Improvementto Achieve Business ObjectivesFee / pax(S$)No. ofpaxDurationAmount (S$)Fundingfrom WDAFee afterfunding (S$)$ 900.00 1 1 day $ 900.00 70% $ 270.002 WSQ Implement Lean Six Sigma $ 2,100.00 2 4 days $ 4,200.00 70% $ 1,260.00Productivity Improvement Project 2 months $ 8,000.00 70% $ 2,400.003WSQ Plan & Implement ProductivityFramework$ 1,350.00 2 1½ days $ 2,700.00 70% $ 810.00TOTAL $ 15,800.00 $ 4,740.00TOTAL (inclusive of 7% GST) $ 5,071.80For example, if a company signs up 1 Senior Management and 2 Productivity Managers for this programme, module 1 to 3will be calculated based on the number of participants sent. The Productivity Improvement Project will be based on fixedprice, as it is calculated as per company basis. Participants must be either Singapore Citizens or Singapore PermanentResidents to be eligible for the government funding.This programme is proudly brought to you by:Enjoy tax benefits under the Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) Scheme!Businesses (e.g. companies, sole-proprietors, partnerships) can now enjoy 400% tax deduction on up to$400,000 of their training costs per year when they send their employees for training.To illustrate, the potential tax savings for a company that spends $4,740 (before GST) on training will be:Total Deduction: 400% x $4,740 = $18,960Tax Savings: $18,960 x 17%* = $3,223.20*Based on prevailing corporate tax rate of 17%, assuming the company is GST-registeredFind out how you can turn your investments in training into savings! Visit http://www.iras.gov.sg, call 1800-356-8622, or email picredit@iras.gov.sgFor further enquiries please contact:SMa Centre for Corporate Learning | 2 Bukit Merah Central | SPRING Singapore Building #08-00 | Singapore 159835Tel: 6826 3100 | Fax: 6826 3021 | Email: ccl@smafederation.org.sg | Web: www.smaccl.sg