TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose– This case study aims to demonstrate that lean principles and practices utilized in industry can be successfully applied to improve higher education administrative processes through an innovative and engaging learning experience involving undergraduate students.Design/methodology/approach– This is a first‐hand account by the instructor of a small group of undergraduate students in a seminar course working as a team to identify waste and redesign the university's grade change administrative process.Findings– This case study found that a small group of undergraduate students can quickly learn basic lean principles, tools and practices, and reinforce that learning by applying them in a team effort to significantly improve a university administrative process.Practical implications– With the changing higher education environment, where efficiency and effectiveness have become more imperative due to increasing budget constraints and competition for students, this case study shows that students can play a major role in the improvement of university administrative processes while at the same time gaining new knowledge and skills that are highly valued in industry.Originality/value– This case study confirms an opportunity for universities to create a valuable learning experience for their undergraduate students, by involving them in improving the administrative processes of the university.
VL  - 19
IS  - 3
SN  - 0968-4883
DO  - 10.1108/09684881111158054
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/09684881111158054
AU  - Doman Mark S.
PY  - 2011
Y1  - 2011/01/01
TI  - A new lean paradigm in higher education: a case study
T2  - Quality Assurance in Education
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
SP  - 248
EP  - 262
Y2  - 2024/04/26
ER  -