Transforming University Services: The Efficacy of Engineering Lean Six Sigma Techniques
Year: 2024
Editor: Grierson, Hilary; Bohemia, Erik; Buck, Lyndon
Author: White, Matthew
Series: E&PDE
Institution: Bournemouth & Poole College, United Kingdom
Page(s): 85 - 90
DOI number: 10.35199/EPDE.2024.15
ISBN: 978-1-912254-200
ISSN: 3005-4753
Abstract
This paper explores the transformative impact of employing engineering Lean Six Sigma techniques within the context of a university. The study focuses on an examination of several pilot process improvement projects in various service areas of a university located on the southern coast of the UK. Executed over 18 months, allowing both the implementation of improvements and the subsequent analysis of their effects throughout an academic period. This approach yielded a substantial corpus of quantitative data. The utilisation of key engineering tools such as Value Stream Mapping, Swim Lanes, and Control Charts played a pivotal role in streamlining processes. Resulting in, significant reductions in processing steps, leading to process enhancements ranging from 12% to 56%, and, in some instances, achieving 100% completion rates. These improvements were further validated by Value for Money measurements, exhibiting gains from 8% to 50%, although the quantification of these gains was more challenging in certain projects due to their unique nature. It was often difficult to define the specific data sources and outputs required in these non-traditional engineering environments. Nonetheless, this study underscores the importance of clear comprehension of the Voice of the Customer and Critical to Quality requirements with active stakeholder engagement, irrespective of the size or nature of the project. In conclusion, the application of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, beyond traditional engineering realms, proved to be a resounding success. This marks the initial steps in a larger journey, where incremental improvements lay the foundation for growth and a staged shift in organisational culture.
Keywords: Transformation, Lean, Six-Sigma, Service, Improvement