Lean for sustainable development in South Africa: A case study of three universities

Allu, Evelyn L. A.

doi:10.31248/ijet2019.039

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 16 publications

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“…However, there is much scholarly literature to be found on the successful implementation of lean principles, as a business improvement tool, in the manufacturing and services sectors (Alefari et al 2017; Prasad et al 2020; Sahoo 2020) and at higher education institutions, internationally and nationally (Allu 2019; Hines and Lethbridge 2008; Malange 2013). Lean implementation has been assisting universities to reduce and eliminate non-added value waste in their services and operations (Zighan and El-Qasem 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acceptance and utilisation of lean principles as a business improvement initiative at an academic library in South Africa

Abrahams,

Ngulube

2023

Business Information Review

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This study used a case study approach to explore how librarians understood lean principles and the extent to which they used these principles to improve their practices. Lean principles have the potential of improving the process in the operation of organisations. The application of lean principles in many organisations, including academic libraries, seems to be limited. Although there is much scholarly communication on the successful implementation of lean principles, no research could be found on the implementation of lean principles in the processes and workflows of creating access to e-resources in academic libraries. An exploratory qualitative case study design within an interpretive paradigm informed this study. A purposive sample of 12 participants was interviewed and the data were analysed, using the reflexive thematic analysis supported by ATLAS.ti 22. The participants were not familiar with lean principles. However, they could articulate their responsibilities of the processes and workflows in creating and managing access to e-resources in their workspaces. The empirical data from the lean waste exercises affirmed that should lean principles be implemented in the processes, and workflows to streamline access to e-resources at the academic library it will enhance the delivery of an excellent customer service. The findings of this study can inform policymakers and librarians on how the implementation of lean principles to the processes and workflows can enhance and streamline access to e-resources.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acceptance and utilisation of lean principles as a business improvement initiative at an academic library in South Africa

Abrahams,

Ngulube

2023

Business Information Review

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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A lean university as an innovative model of university management

et al. 2021

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Lean production is an innovative paradigm, providing an opportunity for a significant increase in the efficiency of enterprises and organizations of various industries. Currently, the high need for personnel with lean competencies and the expansion of the scope of application of the lean production ideology in the Russian economy have led to the emergence of a new model of management organization in a number of universities – «lean universities». The article analyzes the process and the experience of introducing the lean production principles in a number of Russian universities, identifies the main directions for the emergence of positive effects and the possibilities of forming regional educational systems focused on achieving long-term development goals of a lean individual, the formation of a lean culture in each specific region and country. The object of the research is the organizations of the higher education system in Russia, introducing the principles of lean production in their activities and in the management system. The subject of the research is the role and place of universities in the system of forming lean competencies, creating a flow of development of a lean personality. The article examines the main elements of an innovative model of university management based on the principles of frugality. The formation of an appropriate corporate culture is highlighted as the main condition for the effective functioning of such a model. Its functions consist in forming the worldview of a future specialist, actualize the values of lean production in a personality’s socio-psychological structure, cre- ating a special information-transparent communication environment in the organization that promotes the dissemination of ideas of frugality at the university and beyond. Moreover, the article summarizes the experience of foreign universities that implement the ideas of Lean Production in their activities, and draws analogies with the positive effects that can be observed as a result of the implementation of lean production in the practice of the Russian universities.

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Lean for sustainable development in South Africa: A case study of three universities

Cited by 2 publications

References 16 publications

Acceptance and utilisation of lean principles as a business improvement initiative at an academic library in South Africa

Acceptance and utilisation of lean principles as a business improvement initiative at an academic library in South Africa

A lean university as an innovative model of university management

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