Production as a leadership discipline

Production is not only about what is made, but how it is led. In Norwegian industry, requirements for precision, pace and delivery capability are critical to competitiveness. At the same time, the need for expertise in planning, developing and managing production is becoming increasingly clear.

  • Text:Amanda Chapman-Stavn / KONGSBERG

    Photo:Magnus Bjørnnes / KONGSBERG

This forms the basis for the part-time programme Executive Operations Management (EOM) at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN), established in collaboration between USN and KONGSBERG.

When applications opened in autumn 2025, interest was high. More than 60 people applied, and in August, 23 students attended their first day of study.

Insight into the entire value chain

For KONGSBERG, the strong interest confirms a clear need in the industry. Nina Arndal, Vice President Operational Excellence at KONGSBERG, highlights the importance of strengthening expertise in production management.

Employee at KONGSBERG, Nina Arndal

Production management is about more than operations. It requires insight into, and an understanding of, the entire value chain, including finance, supply chains and operating conditions. The programme is designed to provide this holistic understanding and the ability to draw on the right resources within the organisation to address complex challenges.

Nina Arndal, Vice President Operational Excellence at KONGSBERG

Within KONGSBERG, production has taken on an increasingly central role, with significant growth in recent years and an expansion of production capacity.

“This has made production management a clear and attractive career path. Previously, career paths have been more closely linked to product development and project management. Today, a distinct pathway has been established within production management, particularly for those who want to work closely with physical components and production processes.”

The collaboration with USN ensures a study programme that is closely aligned with the needs of the industry.

“The programme helps give production the recognition it deserves and attracts more qualified candidates to the field. At KONGSBERG, several hundred thousand working hours are spent on production each year, underlining how central this area is to the business.”

Bringing production experience into the programme

Among the participants in the first intake are also ten employees from KONGSBERG. Anders, Department Manager at KONGSBERG, is now completing his first year of the programme.

After several years in a production leadership role, he wanted to complement his experience with theoretical knowledge. The programme aligned well with the needs of his department and provided a more structured approach to challenges he was already facing.

“I have worked with this for several years, but without formal leadership training. Here, I am able to connect theory to what I do in practice, which adds real value to my day-to-day work.”

A key element of the programme is its connection to the participants’ own work situations. Assignments and projects are based on real challenges from the organisation, making the learning both practical and immediately applicable.

He finds the programme well structured and highlights employment law as a particularly relevant subject, providing valuable insight into regulations and employee rights.

“I am very satisfied with the lecturers. They have strong expertise, extensive experience and communicate well. It is clear that they are engaged in what they teach.”

Experiences are also actively shared among the participants in the programme.

“Many of us face similar challenges, even though we come from different organisations. Sharing experiences and viewing issues from multiple perspectives is highly valuable.”

Despite a demanding everyday life with both work and family commitments, Anders finds the programme manageable with good structure and prioritisation. The session-based format makes it easier to set aside time for in-depth learning and to stay fully engaged.

The programme includes two courses per semester. Each course consists of two in-person sessions, with assignments completed between sessions and a final exam at the end.

“After completing the programme, I hope to have gained more tools in my toolbox and a better understanding of what underpins the processes and decisions within the organisation. This will better equip me to carry out my role and add greater weight to my work.”

Anders points out that there are few, if any, educational programmes in production management, despite a significant and growing need in the years ahead.

“It is very positive that this programme has been established and that employees at KONGSBERG have the opportunity to take part. The need for strong leaders is significant, and it is something we largely need to develop ourselves.”