Reinforcing University-Companies Ties: Implementation of the “Specialist Programme in Operations Management and Lean 6 Sigma” in response to the training requirements of industry

An experience of collaboration between the university and companies related to training in the field of Operations Management is analysed. Called the “Specialist Programme in Operations Management and Lean 6 Sigma” of the University of Oviedo, its origin lies in the need, noted by some companies, for specialised education in the field of production planning and management and, in particular, Lean 6 Sigma methodologies. To this end, we detail the main objectives of the training programme, the collaboration of the participating companies, the professional activities involved, as well as the content and teaching methodologies used. This initiative shows the potential of closer ties between the university and companies and promotes debate about whether university education should respond to the training needs of organisations or not