Originally introduced in 2017, this course provides a basic understanding of productivity tools that support continuous improvement. With rising demand for efficiency and lean operations, even small changes in work practices can result in significant gains.

The purpose of this e-course is to update the previous one by introducing new technology-based tools such as AI, digital checklists, and collaboration platforms. These updates aim to improve how learners manage time, monitor quality, and engage in problem-solving using entry-level data analysis, digital features, and basic industrial engineering concepts to support early-stage productivity diagnosis and system thinking. The course is designed for productivity practitioners, consultants, and trainers engaged in productivity and quality improvement programs.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Use basic, fundamental knowledge to implement productivity and quality improvement programs in organizations;
• Enhance competencies of practitioners and consultants in new productivity concepts and emerging tools, especially technological advances; and
• Apply the basic skills to become trainers, consultants, and promoters of productivity and quality improvement programs for organizations.

This e-learning course will cover the following modules:

Module 1: Productivity: Fundamentals and emerging trends
Module 2: Role of productivity practitioners and consultants and their core competencies
Module 3: 5S and visual management, quality control circles (QCCs), and suggestion schemes
Module 4: Productivity measurement 1
Module 5: Smart productivity, industrial engineering, and AI applications

Important Notes:

1. Participants who register to take this course and pass the final examination with a score of 70% or higher will be eligible to receive the APO certificate. Please note that the final examination can be taken only once. Therefore, the most appropriate time to take the examination should be chosen carefully. The self-assessment quizzes are for personal evaluation only and are not related to the final examination results.
2. Participants who perform well in this course and receive the APO certificate will be given preference, on a merit basis, for selection to attend follow-up face-to-face multicountry APO projects on similar topics, when nominated by their NPOs and if slots are available.
3. Notes 1 and 2 are applicable only to participants from APO members. Participants from nonmembers are welcome to take the course for self-improvement. However, they will not have an opportunity to attend follow-up face-to-face multicountry APO projects.
4. Each module is in a prerecorded video format in which the expert delivers presentations by explaining each slide. Participants can access the video by clicking on the link provided under the title of each module.