Lean Higher Education

Nazarzadeh Zare, Mohsen

Lean Higher Education

Document Type : Promotion Article

Author

Mohsen Nazarzadeh Zare

Malayer University

Abstract

Nowadays, the application of the principles of lean higher education is considered as a strategy to reduce costs and wastes, and consequently improve the quality and effectiveness in universities. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the concept of lean and principles of lean higher education in universities and higher education institutions in Iran and abroad. To achieve this purpose, a systematic review of past articles and reports between 2005 and 2019 was used. The results of this study showed that all studies conducted in Iran and abroad have supported the application of the principles of lean higher education. Although the study does not provide an in-depth analysis in this regard and only presents the aspects of the studies done, nevertheless, it can increase the understanding of academic administrators and change their attitudes in the importance of applying these principles. Based on the findings of this study, the implementation of the principles of lean higher education in the academic system of Iran requires a change in the mentality of academic administrators, compilation and review of academic strategic planning based on the five principles of lean, holding workshops about the lean higher education for academic staff and administrators and also, the establishment of an office called the Office of Lean Higher Education in universities.

Keywords

20.1001.1.2008935.1400.12.1.4.0

References

[1]. Balzer, W., Brodke, M., & Kizhakethalackal, E.T. (2015). Lean higher education: successes, challenges, and realizing potential. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 32(1), 924-933.

[2]. Antony, J. (2014). Readiness factors for the Lean Six Sigma journey in the higher education sector. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 63(1), 257-264.

[3]. Francis, D.E. (2014). Lean and the Learning Organization in Higher Education. Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, 1(157), 2-23.

[4]. Robinson, M. & Yorkstone, S. (2014). Becoming a Lean University: The Case of the University of St Andrews. Leadership and Governance in Higher Education, 1(1), 41-73.

[5]. Waterbury, T. (2015). Learning from the pioneers: A multiple-case analysis of implementing Lean in higher education. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 32(9), 934-950.

[6]. Heri Iswanto, A. (2019). Lean Academics: Lean Implementation on Campus. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 8(10), 1375-1381.

[7]. Emiliani, M.L. (2004). Improving business school courses by applying lean principles and practices. Quality Assurance in Education, 12 (4), 175–187.

[8]. Nadeau, S. (2017). Lean, six sigma and lean six sigma in higher education: A review of experiences around the world. American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, 7, 591-603.

[9]. Balzer, W. K. (2010). Lean Higher Education: Increasing the Value and Performance of University Processes. Boca Raton: Productivity Press.

[10]. Alves, A., Flumerfelt, Sh., & Josef Kahlen, F. (2017). Lean education: An overview of current issues. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing Switzerland. P.16-17.

[11]. Newman M., Gough D. (2020) Systematic Reviews in Educational Research: Methodology, Perspectives and Application. In: Zawacki-Richter O., Kerres M., Bedenlier S., Bond M., Buntins K. (eds) Systematic Reviews in Educational Research. Springer VS, Wiesbaden.

[12]. Balzer, W., Francis, D.E., Krehbiel, T.C., & Shea, N. (2016). A Review and Perspective on Lean in Higher Education. Quality Assurance in Education, 24(1), 442-462.

[13]. Hines, P., & Lethbridge, S. (2008). New Development: Creating a Lean University. Public Money and Management, (February), pp.53–56, Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/4779674_New_Development_Creating_a_Lean_University