Implementing Lean Six Sigma into curriculum design and delivery – a case study in higher education

Abstract

Purpose: This paper proposes the development and adoption of a Lean Six Sigma Framework (LSSF) that attempts to create a more balanced and integrated approach between Lean and Six Sigma and one that is capable of achieving improved efficacy of curriculum and programme development in a Higher Education environment. The implementation of the LSSF is new to the Higher Education sector.Design/methodology/approach: Using the standard DMAIC cycle as the key driver in the implementation process, most in-depth LSS case studies have focussed on manufacturing and engineering based problems and solutions. This case study offers a detailed analysis of the design and implementation of an integrated LSS framework within Higher Education and focusses primarily on the curriculum design and delivery of a new undergraduate Engineering programme in a subject University. As such, this offers a unique perspective of LSS implementation in HEIs which drives systems improvements in to the heart of the teaching and learning process. Findings:The design, development and subsequent application of the LSSF enabled the curriculum development team to comprehensively apply LSS in to a subject institution. The Shainin Key Variables Search Technique (KVST) more specifically enabled the team to prioritise the key variables by way of order of importance and, this allowed the team to apply the most appropriate tools and techniques at the key points within the LSSF in order to obtain maximum performance. Research limitations/implications: Whilst this work provides key information on how LeanSix Sigma initiatives are implemented across different institution types, the work has only focused at a very small sample of HEIs and the case study only being applied to one institution. The work will need to be extended much more widely to incorporate a larger set of HEIs (both research and teaching focussed) in order to provide a more complete map of LSS development in HEIs Practical implications: The aim of the paper is to provide Lean Six Sigma project leaders in HEIs with a coherent and balanced Lean Six Sigma Framework in an attempt to assist them in implementing comprehensive LSS programmes thus maximising the improvements in efficiency and operational performance of departments within HEIs.Originality/value: This paper is the first of its kind to study the application of Shainin's KVST in the implementation of Lean Six Sigma programmes in Higher Education Institutions. The key features highlighted in this work raise important issues regarding the need and importance of developing a balanced LSS framework for HEI project implementation

The adoption of lean principles and practices: transforming human resources delivery system model

“…Increasingly, industries outside of manufacturing are attempting to adapt lean principles. The service industry, specifically, has been given some consideration (Diaz et al, 2012;Liker, 2004;Lander and Liker, 2007;Thomas et al, 2017), yet case studies are less prevalent.…”

“…The existing literature on lean in higher education institutions (HEIs) has focused primarily on the following three areas: the need, challenges and critical success factors for implementing lean at HEIs (Antony, 2014(Antony, , 2015Balzer et al, 2015Balzer et al, , 2016Barton and Yazdani, 2013;Bateman et al, 2014;Francis, 2014;Svensson et al, 2015), integrating lean in curriculum development and assessment (Bargerstock and Richards, 2015;Dey, 2007;El-Sayed et al, 2011;Emiliani, 2004Emiliani, , 2005Lima et al, 2017;Lorenzetti, 2014;McCrum, 2016;Tatikonda, 2007;Thomas et al, 2017;Warnock and Mohammadi-Aragh, 2016) and cases studies and examples of HEIs that have implemented lean and related philosophies to improve their operational processes in terms of waste reduction, quality and flexibility (Al-Haddad et al, 2018;Buster-Williams, 2009;Comm and Mathaisel, 2005;Doman, 2011;Fisher et al, 2011;Höfer and Naeve, 2017;Krehbiel et al, 2015;Odero, 2017;Pedersen et al, 2015;Thomas et al, 2015;Waterbury, 2015;Raissi, 2018). Several researchers (Balzer et al, 2016;Odero, 2017;Stone, 2012), through an extensive review of the literature, provide an excellent meta-analysis that highlights the major contributions of research of the literature on lean in HEIs.…”

Revisión de la implementación de Lean Six Sigma en Instituciones de Educación Superior

“…IES de varios países han experimentado la implementación de Lean; los pioneros en Estados Unidos son: University of Central Oklahoma, University of Iowa, University of New Orleans, Bowling Green State University, University of Scranton, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute y WSU [21,37]. En Europa, la Universidad de Cardiff ubicada en Gales [43] y la Universidad de St Andrews, de Escocia [44], lideraron este proceso; sin embargo, estas IES representan una pequeña muestra de instituciones que vieron en Lean una opción de mejora viable para la educación superior.…”

The Effect of Implementing of Six Sigma Approach in Improving the Quality of Higher Education Institutions in Bahrain

“…One definition of quality in education by the authors [6], [12], [13] stated that the quality in education "focusing on meeting a pre-defined set of standards, specifications, and requirements, or focusing on exceeding the highest standards in pursuit of excellence and exclusivity". Other definition by the authors [14]- [16] stated the quality in education can be defined as "focusing on accountability to the public or providing a transformative learning experience to benefit students and employers".…”