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Impacts of Lean Six Sigma on improving a higher education system: a case study

Milad Haerizadeh (Department of Industrial Management, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran)
Vijaya Sunder M. (Department of Management Studies, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India) (Head of Business Process Excellence, The World Bank, Chennai, India)

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management

ISSN: 0265-671X

Article publication date: 19 February 2019

Issue publication date: 24 May 2019

1785

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the applicability and impact of Lean Six Sigma (LSS), a contemporary quality excellence methodology, for improving education system in a reputed University in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper follows a case study approach illustrating how theory has been put into practice, explaining how to implement the LSS define-measure-analyze-improve-control framework in a field-setting in a higher education institution (HEI), and to highlight the subsequent challenges occurred and lessons learned during the implementation.

Findings

The key finding from the study is the confirmation of LSS applicability in education systems. The goals of the LSS team were to baseline student satisfaction levels and improve the overall rating by 10 percent; to decrease student advising wait times by 15 percent; and increase enrollment by 5 percent. The application of the LSS methodology has delivered promising results to improve the education system of the University by achieving the set goals. Further, the implementation of LSS has demonstrated student-facing benefits of improved quality on the education system.

Research limitations/implications

LSS implementation in HEIs is relatively a new topic for research. Hence, this case study adds to the body of knowledge with directions to progress future research in this area.

Practical implications

The outputs of the case study have provided greater stimulus within the facilities for wider full-blown deployment of LSS as a strategic resource for problem solving. Additionally, this case study sets the foundation for many other future projects, and to trigger interest among the HEIs in their journeys for quality excellence.

Social implications

Higher education sector being a socially responsible field of service, LSS offers continuous improvement benefits, highlighted as part of this paper.

Originality/value

The applicability of LSS in HEIs is relatively an upcoming research area with immense potential and value. This paper would serve as a valuable means for both researchers and practitioners working in HEIs, in terms of understanding the systematic application of the LSS methodology, and implications in a real-world situation.

Keywords

Citation

Haerizadeh, M. and Sunder M., V. (2019), "Impacts of Lean Six Sigma on improving a higher education system: a case study", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 36 No. 6, pp. 983-998. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-07-2018-0198

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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