Lean higher education: successes, challenges, and realizing potential
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 5 October 2015
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence from the experiences and the literature on organizational change and transformation to implement and sustain Lean higher education (LHE) initiatives designed to benefit the university, its employees, and the individuals it serves.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors present organizational development literature and examples of success and challenges to better support the effective application of LHE.
Findings
The authors address the importance of and techniques for first, assessing and improving institutional readiness; second, enhancing leadership awareness, understanding, and support for LHE; third, strategic planning, Lean leadership, and getting help for LHE; and fourth, facilitating an institution-wide transition to LHE.
Originality/value
A structured, step-by-step approach offers practical guidance for implementing institution-wide Lean initiatives in HE.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper is based on a presentation and workshop by the first author at the First International Conference on Lean Six Sigma in Higher Education, University of Stathclyde, Glasgow Scotland, June 24-25, 2013.
Citation
Balzer, W.K., Brodke, M.H. and Thomas Kizhakethalackal, E. (2015), "Lean higher education: successes, challenges, and realizing potential", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 32 No. 9, pp. 924-933. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-08-2014-0119
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited