Lean Six Sigma in higher education institutes: an Irish case study

Seamus J. O’Reilly · Joe Healy · Tom Murphy · Rónán Ó’Dubhghaill

48 citations0/0 files storedInternational Journal of Lean Six Sigma

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

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to a developing literature on continuous improvement (CI), enabled by Lean Six Sigma (LSS), in higher education institutions (HEIs). It reports on the key learning points arising from the initial steps taken by an Irish university on its CI journey. Design/methodology/approach A case study strategy was adopted following a participatory research approach. This approach supports reflexivity and also provides access to all relevant documentation and staff within the case university. Thematic analysis was supported by data reduction and display techniques. Findings The introduction of a LSS approach rather than a reliance on lean alone introduced a structured methodology (DMAIC) that supported simplification of a number of administrative processes. A number of specific improvements were achieved including: Cycle time and cost reduction; customer or employee satisfaction; and rework and error reduction. The findings support the importance of the Readiness Factors as identified by Antony (2014), with particular insight into the role of senior and middle management, the impact of training and deployment of expertise. Research limitations/implications This paper is based on an ongoing, longitudinal, empirical study of a single case study in Ireland. Originality/value This paper tracks the development of CI in a HEI in a longitudinal manner and adds to the emerging the literature in this area. The paper evaluates the role of management at various levels, analyses the use of LSS tools and techniques and evaluated the role of training and capacity building. Implications for Management are shared including: design and role of training programmes, role of champions at various organisational levels, including key functional areas and sustaining momentum.

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References

2010The evolution of lean Six Sigma 2017Lean Six Sigma: yesterday, today and tomorrow 2004Some pros and cons of six sigma: an academic perspective 2008In pursuit of implementation patterns: the context of Lean and Six Sigma 2012Lean Six Sigma for higher education institutions (HEIs)2014Readiness factors for the Lean Six Sigma journey in the higher education sector 2011Implementation of Lean Six Sigma in small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in the Netherlands 2016Lean Six Sigma: a categorized review of the literature

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