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Experienced improvement practitioners can become LCS Certified at Level 3 through the Approved Prior Learning and Experience (APLE) route.

Level 3 is the highest LCS qualification. It indicates that the holder has a progressive, mature and broad understanding of improvement thinking and is a capable Lean leader. Level 3 practitioners will also be able to effectively design and implement improvement programmes at a strategic or transformative level.

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3a: Strategic Enterprise

Level 3a covers the advanced improvement knowledge and the strategic and leadership competences required for Lean leadership at a senior level. Those with LCS 3a should be able to design improvement strategies for an organisation (or a significant business unit) and demonstrate appropriate Lean leadership qualities and practices.

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3b: Strategic Supply Chain

Level 3b covers advanced lean knowledge and the strategic and leadership competences required for Lean leadership at the highest level. Those with LCS 3b should be able to design and lead improvement strategies for an organisation and demonstrate mature Lean leadership qualities and practices.

Who Should Apply?

The Level 3 Programme is suitable for senior managers that have a significant track record of managing improvement transformations and a deep knowledge and understanding of Lean thinking principles and techniques, gained through several managerial roles in employment.

Applicants may already have a range of academic or technical qualifications or have no formal high level Lean qualifications or recognition of their credentials.

LCS Level 3 Lean certification is also the natural progression for experienced LCS Level 2 managers, who have developed strong leadership capabilities and strategic implementation experience.

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The Level 3 Programme Components

The evidence of capability is provided by four components:

  • Application Form
  • Case Studies
  • Assignment
  • Panel Presentation
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Application Form

This contains employment history – nature of roles held, key responsibilities and achievements, scope of lean related experience, qualifications (academic/professional), education and training undertaken.

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Case Studies

These demonstrate improvement implementation at a strategic or transformational level, where the effective application of Lean principles have produced an organisational benefit at an appropriate scale and level. The candidate’s role should have high levels of responsibility in terms of leadership, planning, design and management.

At least two cases should be drawn from the candidate’s past experience, while there is an option for the third case to be a new project or initiative linked to the candidate’s current role. This is an opportunity for the candidate to address a development or issue of strategic importance for his or her organisation that produces a clear benefit or return and also demonstrates his or her strategic capabilities.

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Assignment

A 4,000 word assignment on the development of Lean thinking and highlighting specific issues or future challenges; this formally assesses the depth and maturity of the candidate’s improvement knowledge and understanding, in which the candidate researches and reviews lean literature and demonstrates independent thinking, critical analysis and evaluation

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Panel Presentation

The candidate delivers a presentation to an LCS panel on a topic that draws together the conclusions of the cases and assignment, focusing on the implications for Lean leadership and Lean thinking in general. Colleagues from the candidate’s organisation may be present at the session.

What support will you receive?

Level 3 advisors support the candidate in producing the case studies and assignment over a period of nine to twelve months. Key support elements:

  • Workshops introducing the different programme elements (physical or online).
  • Peer review of the candidate’s output (in group situations).
  • One-to-one support when developing the cases and the assignment.
  • Access to a cloud based personal resource area, plus discussion groups/forums.
  • Post programme networking opportunities.
  • Comprehensive documentation and reference material provided (eg hand outs, guides, templates, articles, papers etc.).
Level 3 Support

L3 APLE Certification Fees

The Level 3 Programme fee is £4,900 / €5,880 (+ VAT)

There are discounts available for those in accredited organisations, for multiple applications and for those with exemptions.

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