Program Overview

Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business)

The Diploma in Corporate Direction (Food Business) is a Management Development Programme for co-operative board members and senior management. This innovative programme was developed by the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society and University College Cork and is designed to address the special needs of co-operative board members and senior management in a rapidly changing agri-business environment.

Aims and Objectives

The key aim of the course is to improve the capabilities of directors and senior management in positively influencing the strategic direction and corporate governance of food companies in Ireland. Participants will build on existing skills and develop new management capabilities in a highly interactive learning environment stimulated by academics and industry practitioners.

Who Should Attend?

The course is directed at board members, senior managers, and owner managers in the co-operative and agri-food sectors. Suitable candidates from other related disciplines who wish to develop their skills in these sectors will also be considered.

Why Choose this Diploma?

• This Diploma is a University qualification and is the only one of its kind in Ireland. It is dedicated to the Co-operative and Agri-Food Sector.
• It has been proven to develop management capability and confidence for Board Directors over many years.
• There is a significant emphasis on sustainability issues throughout the Diploma.
• It is delivered through the Food Industry Training Unit in UCC which has a proven track record of successfully training thousands of food industry personnel over the last 30 years.
• The learning is highly customised to Agri-Food Board Directors and is applied to the co-operative sector.
• Diploma participants are closely supported during the entire duration of the Programme, through a dedicated Diploma Academic Director and Programme Manager.
• Guidance and feedback on course assessment.

Programme Delivery

The Diploma will be run from June to January, as a blended learning programme i.e. a blend of eight in person and online learning workshops, usually 2 or 3 days in duration.

Module Content

Students take 60 credits as follows:

• AC1801: Financial Appraisal for the Food Industry
• FE1837: Corporate Governance
• FE1838: Policy and Regulatory environment for the Food Sector
• FE1839: Communication and Presentation skills for Food Organisations including Co-operatives
• FE1840: In-company Project
• FS1826: New Technologies, Future Food Developments
• MG1829: Strategic Management in Food Organisations
• MG1830: Leadership, Organisation Development and Change in Food Organisations
• MG1831: International Marketing for the Food Industry

Participant Testimonials

Participants have praised the programme for its comprehensive coverage of topics relevant to the food industry, its interactive learning environment, and the support provided by the programme managers and academic directors.

Cost & Funding

This programme is partially funded through the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS).

Applications

The next planned intake for this diploma is June 2027. To register interest and receive further information, please contact the Programme Manager, Food Industry Training Unit (FITU).