A preliminary framework for assessing lean implementation in higher education
International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management
ISSN: 1741-0401
Article publication date: 25 November 2022
Issue publication date: 3 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop and implement an initial framework for assessing progress in lean implementation within an higher education institution (HEI). It includes developing preliminary findings regarding the impacts of lean implementation in the HEI case organization and comparing outcomes from this assessment to outcomes from other published sources.
Design/methodology/approach
Existing literature on lean, particularly in an HEI context, was used to develop a preliminary lean assessment framework for HEIs. Quality and continuous improvement literature were also compared to the proposed assessment framework to further validate the approach. This assessment framework was then utilized to evaluate lean implementation at a large public university (LPU) in the U.S.
Findings
The paper presents the framework as well as the major findings from the Large Public University (LPU)’s assessment. The assessment findings are further compared to other HEI quality measures and lean assessments done in other industries. Overall, the findings suggest that the assessment framework provides valuable insight to HEI organizations implementing lean.
Originality/value
The research intends to support lean assessment standardization efforts by proposing a preliminary lean assessment framework for the HEI, grounded in research trends, research findings, identified gaps in the research, and case study outcomes. To the research team's knowledge, this is the first lean assessment framework proposed for HEIs and also contributes to research gaps related to service industry frameworks and those containing both practices and outcomes. The framework can be used by other researchers as a foundation for additional conceptual and empirical developments on the topic and by researchers and practitioners seeking to understand and assess lean implementation progress in the HEI.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Large Public University (LPU) for the funding provided to support this research. The authors would also like to thank the employees at LPU who participated in this research and the employees who facilitated the logistical and administrative aspects of the research. Finally, the authors would like to acknowledge Toni Doolen and Linda Powell for the feedback and suggestions on improving this manuscript.
Citation
Cross, J., Joshi, M. and Jensen, P. (2024), "A preliminary framework for assessing lean implementation in higher education", International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Vol. 73 No. 1, pp. 210-241. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPPM-11-2021-0656
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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