Master in Packaging Management

Program Overview

The Master in Packaging Management at IQS is a 10-month blended program that provides comprehensive training in packaging design, development, and management. Emphasizing practical learning, students complete a project applying knowledge to real-world situations. Graduates earn a proprietary degree from Ramon Llull University and can join the IQS Alumni network. The program is eligible for financial aid, company discounts, and Fundae (Tripartita) bonification.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master in Packaging Management program at IQS is a proprietary degree from Ramon Llull University (URL) offered in Barcelona. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the entire packaging value chain, from structural design to integration into packaging lines and distribution throughout the logistics chain.

Objectives:

The program aims to develop students' competencies and skills to:

• Gain a complete understanding of the role and impact of packaging in the value chain and operations.
• Analyze the economic/financial impact of packaging projects and investments.
• Contribute to brand growth and customer experience enhancement through packaging.
• Integrate specific methodologies and tools for packaging project management.
• Develop management, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Design and implement solutions in accordance with current legislation and sector-specific specifications.
• Define the layout, equipment, and packaging technology most appropriate for packaging and related processes.
• Ensure quality and safety during packaging, labeling, and packing processes.
• Innovate in terms of new materials and industrial processes.
• Contribute to the good design and management of the supply chain from a packaging perspective.
• Evaluate environmental sustainability and minimize the impact of packaging.

Outline:

The Master in Packaging Management program is structured into three independent postgraduate programs:

• Packaging Project Management:
• The Packaging Industry and Value Chain:
This module covers the current state, forecasts, and evolution of the packaging sector, operations management in the packaging industry, the role of packaging in the industry's value chain, and strategic alignment with CSR policies.
• Project Direction, Planning, and Management: This module focuses on projects versus operations, defining packaging change projects, project initiation, project charters and KPIs, planning, scope, Gantt charts, and human resources, execution, control, and project team management, closure, documentation, and project delivery, and IT tools for project management.
• Marketing Mix and Brand Building: This module explores the fundamentals of marketing and branding, strategic marketing and marketing plans, online marketing and the digitalization of the mix, packaging from a neuromarketing perspective, and brand building through packaging.
• Financial, Accounting, and Cost Management: This module covers the fundamentals of financial management and information flows, analysis of financial statements, balance sheets, P&L, treasury, accounting concepts in the packaging industry, analysis of packaging costs and deviations, outsourcing and co-packers, profitability analysis, investment decisions, and the impact of packaging investments.
• Communication and Team Management Skills: This module focuses on team dynamics, strategic and people leadership, effective interpersonal communication and assertiveness, oral presentations, negotiation and influence, and conflict prevention, management, and resolution.
• Design and Development of Packaging:
• Methodologies and Tools for Development:
This module covers packaging trends, developments, and technologies, strategy, conceptualization, and packaging design, structural packaging: product-market-end user, Design Thinking methodology, CAD/CAM/CAE software and technologies, rapid prototyping technologies and 3D printing, and technical design and industrialization validations.
• Materials and Their Conversion into Packaging: This module explores paper, cardboard, and cellulosic fibers, plastic, polymers, and bioplastics, glass, and metal, including their properties, objectives, and functionality, innovation in materials applied to packaging, design and processing of material transformation, and packaging manufacturing technology.
• Quality in Packaging Materials: This module covers technical specifications, quality criteria, and testing methods, the development and design of technical specifications, homologation, testing, and types of tests for each material.
• Printing and Decorating Packaging: This module explores printing techniques based on packaging materials, pre-press, printing tests, and artwork approval, supporting software and graphic chain management, flexography and related printing techniques in relief, offset and related indirect printing techniques, gravure, advantages, and applications, digital printing, advantages, and applications, and decoration techniques (screen printing, heat transfer, stamping, etc.).
• Packaging, Logistics, and Circularity of Packaging:
• Packaging Technology:
This module covers packaging and conditioning plant management, dosing, filling, and closing systems, FFS packaging, vertical, horizontal, and thermoforming, active packaging (vacuum, modified atmosphere), aseptic packaging, peripheral elements of the packaging line, automation and robotics, layout and plant efficiency.
• Packaging and Logistics: This module explores packaging in the supply chain, procurement and stock management, production management and process traceability, distribution cycle management, e-commerce adaptation to omnichannel, and optimization of packaging and distribution costs.

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program is delivered in a blended format, combining in-person sessions on campus or at company visits with synchronous online sessions via video conferencing.
The online sessions are interactive and recorded for those who miss them. Asynchronous online discussion forums may be organized for specific modules/subjects.
• Faculty: The program's faculty consists of specialists in packaging and related fields, including materials, decoration, packaging lines, sustainability, etc.
• Unique Approaches: The program emphasizes practical learning through a project that students develop during the program.

Other:

• Program Duration: 10 months
• Format: 75% in-person, 25% online
• Credits: 60 ECTS
• Hours: 303
• Price: €14,000
• City: Barcelona
• Alumni Network: Graduates can join the IQS Alumni network.
• Program Flexibility: The program can be completed over multiple academic years.
• Program Recognition: IQS awards a Certificate of Completion to those who complete the entire program.
• Financial Aid: Financial aid is available to students.
• Company Discounts: Discounts are available for companies that meet certain criteria.
• Fundae (Tripartita) Bonification: The program is eligible for Fundae (Tripartita) bonification.

The tuition fee is 14000€.