ERIC Number: EJ930936
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0968-4883
EISSN: N/A
A New Lean Paradigm in Higher Education: A Case Study
Doman, Mark S.
Quality Assurance in Education: An International Perspective, v19 n3 p248-262 2011
Purpose: This case study aims to demonstrate that lean principles and practices utilized in industry can be successfully applied to improve higher education administrative processes through an innovative and engaging learning experience involving undergraduate students. Design/methodology/approach: This is a first-hand account by the instructor of a small group of undergraduate students in a seminar course working as a team to identify waste and redesign the university's grade change administrative process. Findings: This case study found that a small group of undergraduate students can quickly learn basic lean principles, tools and practices, and reinforce that learning by applying them in a team effort to significantly improve a university administrative process. Practical implications: With the changing higher education environment, where efficiency and effectiveness have become more imperative due to increasing budget constraints and competition for students, this case study shows that students can play a major role in the improvement of university administrative processes while at the same time gaining new knowledge and skills that are highly valued in industry. Originality/value: This case study confirms an opportunity for universities to create a valuable learning experience for their undergraduate students, by involving them in improving the administrative processes of the university. (Contains 5 figures.)
Descriptors: Higher Education, Models, Industry, Grades (Scholastic), Change, Task Analysis, Theory Practice Relationship, Undergraduate Students, Team Training, Total Quality Management, Learning Experience, Efficiency, Time Management, Error Correction, Systems Approach, Administrative Change
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A