Professionals learn risk management at EPFL
© 2006 Adam Howarth
For the first time, EPFL is sharing its expertise and offering a continuing education program in risk management geared for professionals. Companies are exposed to many kinds of risk; they must be able to respond immediately, because the immobilization of an entire production chain is very costly.
In the academic environment, the problems of the professional world are often overlooked. A new continuing education program at EPFL will fill this gap. Chemical products, lasers and extreme environments are all examples of risks that must be managed. The School’s unique approach combines tools and expertise in a practical and applicable format. Launched by Olivier Ramambason and Thierry Meyer, this initiative meets the expectations of industrial professionals who are established in Switzerland.
The proposed curriculum is different from that offered by business schools, and is based on a practical approach. Ramambason and Meyer, lecturers at EPFL, have both worked for extensive periods in industry and know the constraints that operate in the industrial environment. They are focused on giving professionals the tools they need to apply theoretical concepts and legal considerations to everyday operations.
Different approaches for different lecturers
“We didn’t want just another academic program; we wanted to remain focused on the operational,” explains Ramabason. The scientists have thus set up various program options. The principal program leads to a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) that are recognized by the ECTS credit system. The program is only open to those with sufficient previous professional experience. Candidates are considered upon submission of a dossier. In parallel, specific courses on various topics – on lasers, for example – will also be given and certified by EPFL or as part of the European Union’s ATEX directive. The courses are given in French in order to meet the needs of businesses in the Lausanne region.
The lecturers involved are those who can bring their experience to bear on the subject, and who can share their expertise in an applied context. They come not only from EPFL laboratories, but also from external organizations, such as the SUVA, Swiss industry and the medical community. “We have an obligation to be on the ground, to provide this service to the community,” adds Meyer. The interest of both corporate professionals and various public institutions testifies to the potential of this new approach.
Links:
http://www.formation-continue-unil-epfl.ch
http://continuing-education.epfl.ch
http://risk-protraining.epfl.ch
