The specific aim of this project is to develop a methodology (framework) in the Quality Management tools of Lean andSix Sigma to improve the productivity and competitiveness of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This project istitled the European Educational Framework in Quality Management (EEFQUALITY MANAGEMENT).Addressing priorities raised in the Bologna agreement, EEFQUALITY MANAGEMENT will create an accreditedQUALITY MANAGEMENT framework in the partner countries that will allow progression from certificate to diplomato Masters degree, and potentially to PhD, and provide a starting point for the development of transparency in QualityManagement (QUALITY MANAGEMENT) qualifications throughout Europe. There is currently no QUALITYMANAGEMENT educational framework in Europe.The success of a competitive, knowledge based economy rests on well-structured education systems, continuallearning, R&D, and innovation. For years, larger enterprises have been using quality management (QUALITYMANAGEMENT) tools such as Lean and Six Sigma with great success. The tools are internationally recognised assome the most comprehensive approaches for company development and performance improvement of products andprocesses. A report of the “Panorame of EU Industry” said, “between 1980 and 1990 US companies with TQUALITYMANAGEMENT achieved a compound annual growth of 16.9 percent compared with 10.9 percent achieved by othercompanies”.Shortages of people with the required skills to implement Quality Management programmes based on Lean and SixSigma methodologies are also linked to lower profitability and lower productivity.2 In today’s highly competitiveenvironment the Quality Management tools of Lean and Six Sigma has become increasingly more important for SMEs,however there is a lack of understanding and knowledge of these tools in European SMEs.This proposal provides a new approach to the use of existing quality management training over what is currently beingused almost exclusively in larger organisations. EEFQUALITY MANAGEMENT will focus on the SME sector andmore specifically in three representative sub-sectors: the engineering, electronics and the food sectors. The frameworkaims to address the gap between the QUALITY MANAGEMENT training on offer and the uptake by SMEs.A major criticism which small firms voice regarding available training is both its accessibility and suitability for theirbusinesses. An accredited QUALITY MANAGEMENT framework will provide confidence in training courses asnational accreditation ensures correct pedagogical procedures have been implemented and the overall qualificationmeets industry and academic standards. The proposed National and European framework will link partner offerings andprovide a progression path for those undertaking training and education in the QUALITY MANAGEMENT area. Thetarget audience for the programme(s) will primarily be those that are currently employed in industry and who want toimprove their skills and competencies in the quality management area as a means of formally recognising andaccrediting their activities. EEFQUALITY MANAGEMENT will actively encourage life long learning, and through asystem of exemption credits will encourage users to pursue further learning.The first stage of the project will require all partners to agree on the learning objectives of each course level i.e.certification, diploma, masters. Partners will seek accreditation within their own country. To test that theEEFQUALITY MANAGEMENT can fulfil its main objective as a transferable European framework, one of theproposed modules from the Masters course will be fully developed.