Institution:

Waterford Institute of Technology.

How long has the course been running?

Since 1998

What is change management?

"Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation in the face of change," explains course co-ordinator Derek O'Byrne.

Why was the course established?

"The rate of change is increasing rapidly - because of the Internet and globalisation for example," O'Byrne says. "It's becoming more and more important for managers to understand what's going on and deal with it. The course provides managers with the knowledge and skills necessary to anticipate and lead change."

How many people admitted?

Up to 20.

Course duration:

Two years part-time, one year full-time, depending on demand.

Entry requirements:

An honours business degree or equivalent (relevant professional experience or professional qualification). All applicants are interviewed. "We get a steady flow of enquiries and talk to people extensively," O'Byrne says. "We get a lot of feedback on what people are looking for. Sometimes we steer them to other courses."

Who does the course?

Middle and senior managers in both the public and private sectors.

Course content:

People and the management of change; change in organisation and management development; international strategy and marketing; control of change; economic and social change. Optional courses include change in technology, in manufacturing information in service industries and during merger and acquisition integration.

Cost:

(part-time) year 1: £1,600, year 2: £1,200.

Contact:

Derek O'Byrne, School of Business Studies, Waterford Institute of Technology. Tel; (051) 3022667.