Program Overview
The IOE Operational Excellence Training is a hands-on, applied learning program designed for manufacturing professionals who want to build real Continuous Improvement capability inside their organizations.
Developed and coordinated by the Institute for Operational Excellence (IOE), Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), this program provides a structured pathway to understand and apply Lean Thinking grounded in the Toyota Production System (TPS).
This is not a theory-based seminar.
Participants apply what they learn directly inside their workplace throughout the program.
Thanks to support from the Nova Scotia Government, this intake is offered at a significantly more accessible price compared to comparable TPS-based programs to Nova Scotia Residents.
Who Should Attend
This program is ideal for:
• Manufacturing supervisors and team leaders
• Engineers and technicians
• Continuous Improvement practitioners
• Production planners and quality staff
• Operators seeking to improve their area
• Organizations beginning or strengthening their Lean journey
No prior Lean certification is required.
Expected Outcomes for Organizations
Organizations sending participants can expect:
• Increased process visibility
• Improved problem-solving capability
• Waste reduction initiatives launched during the program
• Stronger daily management habits
• Foundation for a culture of Continuous Improvement
Small, structured improvements compound over time into measurable operational gains.
What Participants Will Learn
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
• Understand the philosophy and structure of the Toyota Production System
• Identify and eliminate waste (MUDA) in operational processes
• Apply practical tools such as:
• Standard Work
• Takt Time
• Kanban
• Poka-Yoke
• Visual Management
• Conduct effective Gemba Walks
• Develop daily improvement habits
• Recognize and mitigate common implementation pitfalls
• Lead small-scale improvement initiatives with confidence
Applied Learning Approach
This program combines:
• Instructor-led learning
• Real operational examples
• Structured exercises and simulations
• Templates and practical tools
• Weekly workplace application
• Peer learning and instructor feedback
Participants leave each session with practical actions they can implement immediately.
Program Modules
1. Foundations of TPS and Lean Thinking
2. Flow, Just-in-Time, and Internal Logistics
3. Seeing Waste: Gemba, Visual Management & Standard Work
4. Built-in Quality and Error-Proofing
5. People Development, Leadership & CI Culture
6. From Tools to Systems: Leading CI Implementation
7. CI Project Showcase & Peer Exchange
Program Structure
• Start Date: March 24, 2026
• Schedule: Tuesdays
• Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Live Online)
• Format: Interactive live-streamed sessions
• Duration: 6 core modules + 1 final project showcase
Each participant completes a practical Continuous Improvement project during the program and presents results in the final session.
Meet the Instructors
David Fitzpatrick
Lean practitioner with over a decade of experience in Continuous Improvement education and application. David has collaborated on presentations and programs alongside Sensei Akinori Hyodo, former Toyota factory manager, bringing direct TPS insights to participants.
Peter Cox
With extensive experience working with Toyota and other organizations, Peter brings deep practical knowledge of TPS implementation, leadership development, and sustainable Operational Excellence systems.
Together, they provide both theoretical clarity and real-world implementation guidance.
Registration
Certificate of Completion
Participants who attend a minimum of 75% of the sessions and successfully present their CI project will receive a Certificate of Completion issued by CME’s Institute for Operational Excellence.
Investment
This intake is supported by the Nova Scotia Government (Labour Skills and Immigration Department), allowing the program to be offered at a significantly more affordable price compared to similar TPS-based training. CME and IOE members have an additional discount.
- CME-IOE Members: $450
- Non-members: $750
For Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters or Institute for Operations Excellence members discount, please contact alex.mihara@cme-mec.ca to receive your promo code.
Register Now
Registration page: click here
Secure your place in the March 24 intake and begin building practical Operational Excellence capability within your organization.
Registrations for this program are restricted to Nova Scotia residents.
Spaces are limited to ensure interactive learning quality.