Lean Six Sigma journey in a UK higher education institute: a case study

Jiju Antony · Abhijeet Ghadge · Stephanie Ashby · Elizabeth A. Cudney

74 citations0/0 files storedInternational Journal of Quality & Reliability Management

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Quality and Supply Management Management and Optimization Techniques Management Systems and Quality Improvement

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the fundamental challenges and critical success factors in the development of a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) initiative within a UK higher education institute (HEI). The paper also illustrates examples of the types of projects completed and share some of the key lessons learned as part of the LSS journey. Design/methodology/approach The authors have initially carried out an extensive literature review on the application of LSS in higher education to understand the existing body of work carried out by other scholars in the field. This is followed by presenting a case study explaining how a HEI in the UK has embarked on its LSS journey as a process excellence methodology to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of core and supporting business processes. Findings There has been a clear lack of support and commitment from senior management in the sustainability of LSS within the case study organization. There was a general lack of understanding of the benefits of LSS in the higher education context and there is a lack of knowledge on the use of LSS tools for tackling process efficiency and effectiveness problems across the case study organization. Although a number of LSS projects were executed across finance, administrative, and human resources, as well as IT and library services, no projects were carried out for improving academic processes such as teaching effectiveness. Research limitations/implications As the case study is limited to one higher education institution (HEI), the findings of the study cannot be broadly generalized. Moreover, the paper does not report the findings of any strategic projects as most projects were carried out at the operational level. Originality/value This is possibly one of the first studies reporting project examples of LSS in a HEI. The results of the study can also be used to benchmark with similar studies in other HEIs to understand the impact of certain management practices of LSS.

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References

2004Case Study Research 1998Toyota production system: beyond large-scale production 1995Total quality management as competitive advantage: A review and empirical study 2000The Six Sigma Way: How GE, Motorola, and Other Top Companies are Honing Their Performance 2010Lean Six Sigma – getting better all the time 2002Key ingredients for the effective implementation of Six Sigma program 2005The integration of lean management and Six Sigma 1994REFRAMING THE ORGANIZATION: WHY IMPLEMENTING TOTAL QUALITY IS EASIER SAID THAN DONE

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2019Application of Lean Six Sigma in IT support services – a case study 2020Evaluating the effect of critical failure factors associated with sustainable Lean Six Sigma framework implementation in healthcare organization 2019Lean Six Sigma in higher education institutes: an Irish case study 2019Lean thinking for education: development and validation of an instrument 2020Lean Six Sigma and social performance: A review and synthesis of current evidence

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