Applying Lean Six Sigma within the university: opportunities for process improvement and cultural change

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the historical development of Lean Six Sigma and to identify the relevant opportunities for the application of Lean Six Sigma within the university setting. The paper also discusses the challenges of Lean Six Sigma implementation in higher education, as well as the cultural changes necessary to provide an appropriate climate for its long-term success. Design/methodology/approach – The paper contains a comprehensive discussion of the development of Lean Six Sigma over the past three decades. Additionally, the paper describes how Lean Six Sigma may be applied in the university setting to improve processes in curriculum delivery; business and auxiliary services; admissions and enrollment management; and research. Findings – Lean Six Sigma can be applied to facilitate process improvements in curriculum delivery; business and auxiliary services; admissions and enrollment management; and research. While obstacles to Lean Six Sigma implementation exist, the process improvements and resulting cultural changes are worthwhile and noteworthy. Research limitations/implications – The paper serves as a guide for how Lean Six Sigma processes can be utilized in the higher education setting. Other researchers and practitioners may use the paper as a practical orientation to Lean Six Sigma in the university setting. Originality/value – Due to the unique culture of higher education, the application of Lean Six Sigma to university processes has been sparse. The paper provides a needed orientation as to how Lean Six Sigma may be applied to improve some of the more important functional aspects of the university.

Lean, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma in Higher Education: A Review of Experiences around the World

“…While some researchers state unequivocally that the client is clearly the student (e.g. [14]), others involved in the same intervention within the same institution (private or public) consider the student, parents, industry, donors to the foundation, university, alumni, and society at large to have an equal stake (e.g. [30]), not to mention the granting organisations and institutions that invest directly in research and development in collaboration with the university [2], accreditation organisations, junior colleges or other universities, and professional organisations [23].…”

“…It remains necessary to strive for academic excellence, while "promoting and implementing sustainability practices in teaching, research, community outreach, waste & energy management and land use" [13]. It goes without saying that universities, be they private or public, have come under tremendous pressure [14].…”

Learning Lean Six Sigma: A Student Reflective Study

“…LSS has been studied on how to improve delivery of curriculum, though not within the discipline itself in a study of LSS for improving HEI operations (Hess & Benjamin 2015). In another reflective study, (Hess & Benjamin 2015) note that the customer focus of LSS aligns well with student focus of HEIs. The major findings, with regards to curriculum delivery, note that LSS could support the idea of student competencies, rather than credit hour, to assess student learning (Hess & Benjamin 2015).…”

“…In another reflective study, (Hess & Benjamin 2015) note that the customer focus of LSS aligns well with student focus of HEIs. The major findings, with regards to curriculum delivery, note that LSS could support the idea of student competencies, rather than credit hour, to assess student learning (Hess & Benjamin 2015). However, there are a few studies with regard to SoTL and the LSS discipline.…”

Designing for Standardizing on Six Sigma Education

“…Antony (2008) additionally describes how students of these schools would benefit true value of practically useful quality and process improvement tools, which require statistical skills and expertise. LSS has been studied on how to improve delivery of curriculum, though not within the discipline itself in a study of LSS for improving HEI operations (Hess & Benjamin, 2015). In another reflective study, Hess & Benjamin (2015) note that the customer focus of LSS aligns well with student focus of HEIs.…”