THE APPLICATION OF LEAN MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION
THE APPLICATION OF LEAN MANAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Summary/Abstract: The application of lean management is standard in many companies all over the world. It is used to continuously optimize existing production processes and to reduce the complexity of administrative processes. Unfortunately, in higher education, the awareness of lean management as a highly effective methodology is quite low. Research aims. The research aim is to show how the lean strategy can be applied in university environments. Finally, this paper address the question why it is so difficult to implement lean in a university environment and how an institution of higher education can move forward towards becoming a lean university. Methodology. Based on a literature review, five key lean principles are presented and examples of their implementation are discussed using short case studies from our own institution. We also compare our findings with those in the literature. Key findings. Lean offers the chance to improve the management of higher education institutions. This requires a commitment on the part of the university top management aiming at convincing all stakeholders that a culture of lean helps the institution to be able to adapt to the rapidly changing environment of higher education.

• Details
• Contents