Applying lean six sigma to grading process improvement

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explain how the lean six sigma (LSS) methodology can be implemented in a teaching context to positively impact the experience of both the instructor and student. The paper focuses on: describing the application of the LSS methodology in streamlining the grading process; reporting the findings; and examining possibility of deploying the LSS methodology in additional aspects in the education sector. Design/methodology/approach The observations presented in this paper stem from a small-scale case study of LSS implementation in an instructional context. Findings The implementation of LSS methodology allowed the authors to generate a feedback system that is focused, scaffolding and cumulative while meeting the goal of requiring less time to produce for the instructor. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on an empirical study of a single process intervention with only a small sample in a single instructional context; therefore, the research results may lack generalizability. Further testing of the proposed propositions is encouraged. Practical implications The paper includes an analysis of current practice and implications for the deployment of DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) method. A combination of lean and six sigma techniques were deployed in a post-secondary class setting to demonstrate how different techniques can be used to improve instructional processes. Originality/value This paper produces one more example for LSS implementation in an educational–instructional context for a small but growing base of literature.

Lean Six Sigma case studies literature overview: critical success factors and difficulties

“…Some applications approach the library sector (Sunder, 2016) moving offices cost reduction (Wheeler-Webb and Furterer, 2019) and improving the teaching program development (Thomas et al. , 2017), and the educational experience between the student and teacher (Oliver et al. , 2019) and services in general (Li et al.…”

“…Oliver et al. (2018) approached the problem faced by teachers in an HEI related to the unusually long hours used to grading homework.…”

“…In HEIs, the main LSS goal is to reduce the execution time of certain services and improve performance in different sectors of the institution through projects which, in some cases, are applied with students' participation. Some applications approach the library sector (Sunder, 2016) moving offices cost reduction (Wheeler-Webb and Furterer, 2019) and improving the teaching program development (Thomas et al, 2017), and the educational experience between the student and teacher (Oliver et al, 2019) and services in general (Li et al, 2019;Haerizadeh and Sunder, 2019). Furthermore, Antony et al (2018b) andO'reilly et al (2019) show the main challenges and CSFs observed in LSS applications within HEIs.…”

Lean thinking and higher education management: revaluing the business school programme management

“…Furthermore, the employability skills of business school graduates have become a very important issue (Johnson et al, 2016). Universities are increasingly working to systematically improve the higher education process and its outcomes (Oliver et al, 2019). Scholars have applied many concepts and methodologies from the business world to improve the institutions of higher education, such as total quality management (Psomas and Antony, 2017), quality assurance (Seyfried and Pohlenz, 2018), quality function deployment (Aytac and Deniz, 2005), balanced scorecard (Sudirman, 2012), six sigma (Thomas et al, 2017), kaizen (Emiliani, 2005) and lean thinking (Emiliani, 2015a).…”

“…Clearly, the AACSB has indicated that business curricula must be improved continuously (Nonet et al, 2016). Oliver et al (2019) argue that this continuous improvement requires a proper systematic mechanism for improvement. One of the systematic mechanisms to improve the business school curriculum is to emphasize value-added activities and remove non-value-added activities.…”