Certificate Program: Tools and Methods of Product Development

This Certificate Program  is an intensive two-week program conducted entirely in China. The program combines academic expertise with practical insights into modern product development methods and provides participants with a unique international learning experience at leading partner institutions.

The program is offered exclusively as a complete certificate program; individual modules or courses cannot be booked separately. During the first week, participants attend joint lectures at the German Association for Management Innovation (GAMI) in Suzhou together with participants of the Production and Operations Management (POM) program. In the second week, the programs continue separately at Tongji University in Shanghai, where participants attend program-specific modules at different institutes.

Upon successful completion of the two-week program, participants receive a certificate issued by HECTOR School in cooperation with its academic partners

General Information 

Date Oct 25 - Nov 5, 2027
Duration 10 days
Location China
Language English
ECTS 6
Cost 5,500€

 

Further questions?


Martina Waldner
Senior Program Consultant
info∂hectorschool.kit.edu
+49 721 608 47880 

Discover what this program is all about 

This certificate program provides a practical understanding of modern product development by combining project-based learning with quality management and supplier management. Participants learn how structured development processes, quality methods, and strategic supplier collaboration contribute to successful product development.

The program covers product planning, concept development, and agile project methods alongside modern quality management principles and Supplier Relationship Management (SRM). Through hands-on project work, case studies, and practical applications, participants gain the skills to develop products efficiently while ensuring quality and effective collaboration across the value chain.

Travel and Accommodation

Participants are responsible for arranging and booking their own flights and accommodation. HECTOR School provides hotel recommendations to support participants in finding suitable accommodation during their stay in China.

International participants requiring a visa will receive a recommendation for a visa service. While HECTOR School provides guidance where possible, participants are responsible for completing the visa application process and ensuring that all required travel documents are obtained in time.

Who should attend

This certificate program is designed for professionals seeking a concise introduction to tools and methods of product development, focusing on supplier management, quality management, and practice-oriented project work.

  • Product development and automotive engineers
    Strengthen process reliability, supplier collaboration, and quality.
  • Quality managers and QA/QC specialists
    Build and audit quality systems, drive continuous improvement.
  • Supplier managers and procurement professionals
    Manage sourcing, supplier evaluation, risk, and performance.
  • Project managers and R&D team leads
    Coordinate cross-functional projects, documentation, and reflection.
  • Process and operations engineers
    Optimize development/production processes and ensure compliance.
  • Technology consultants and transformation leaders
    Mature PD processes, supplier ecosystems, and quality frameworks.
  • Researchers and early-career academics
    Apply state-of-the-art PD methods in practical contexts.

Ready to join the certificate program? 

Register for the complete two-week certificate program and gain international experience in product development.

 

About HECTOR School 

HECTOR School, the Technology Business School of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), is a leading provider of executive education in technology-driven fields.