READINESS FACTORS FOR EFFECTIVE PROCESS · READINESS FACTORS FOR EFFECTIVE PROCESS IMPROVEMENT IN...

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READINESS FACTORS FOR EFFECTIVE PROCESS IMPROVEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Kim-Marie M. JenkinsUniversity of Maine &University of Maine System

Central question this presentation hopes to answer:

What do you need to know about your institution’s culture in order to ensure effective Lean implementation?

University of Maine System (UMS)

• UMS 1968 – legislation linked 7 campuses with oversight by Chancellor and Board of Trustees

• 27,000 students• 7 institutions with presidents• 10 campuses• More than 30 total sites including outreach centers• Growing online presence• UMS 2016 – move toward ‘One University’

Coordinator of Lean Continuous Improvement

• University of Southern Maine 1998 – 2013*(*Bedford College, England 2005 – 2007)

• Lean training began in 2010• Coordinator of Lean CI 2013 – present

50% University of Maine through the President50% UMS through the Chancellor

• Fall 2016 EdD focus:Cultural readiness factorsaffecting Lean implementation

Research

• Reviewed articles from the 1980’s forward• Change and Culture• Process Improvements: TQM, Lean, Six Sigma• Manufacturing, health care, hospitality,

education, other industries• North America, Asia, Europe, Australia

Research

Implementation of change initiative is more successful when the organization is ready

Cultural Readiness Factors (CRF)

“…any practice or characteristic that aids an organizational transformation by eliminating or nullifying possible inhibitors for success, or providing the knowledge and capabilities required to succeed in establishing change” (Al-Balushi, et al., 2014, p. 138)

In other words…

What factors (when present) make an organization more likely to embrace change?

Cultural Readiness Factors

• Environment for Change• Leadership• Culture• Empowerment of employees• Training• Communication• Measurement• Consistency with mission, adaptability, and involvement

Cultural Readiness Factors

• Environment for ChangeStrong relations with customers

Strong relations with suppliers

Shared vision and clear sense of direction

Visual management

Root Problem solving

Cultural Readiness Factors

• LeadershipStrong leadership

Management commitment

Consistent vision and clear strategy

Linking Lean to business strategy

Planning; Adequate time to prepare the organization

Create motivation to complete initiatives

Awareness of the cost

Cultural Readiness Factors

• CultureTrust

Cultural Readiness Factors

• Empowerment of EmployeesEmployee involvement

Employee commitment

Do employees make decisions?

Reward and recognition

Benefits / relationship with Human Resources

Cultural Readiness Factors

• TrainingTraining for employees

Education for employees

Skilled workers

Problem solvers

Cultural Readiness Factors

• CommunicationManagement communication

Communication with employees

Up, down, all around

Cultural Readiness Factors

• MeasurementAchievable goals

Objective measurement

Celebrate successes

Cultural Readiness Factors

• Consistency with Mission, Adaptability, and Involvement

Challenges and Barriers

• Environment for ChangeLack of crisis/sense of urgency

Unclear vision

Language barriers

Challenges and Barriers

• LeadershipConfusion about what Lean is

Resistance to new ideas

Lack of implementation knowledge

Failure to see benefits

Unclear standards

Lack of alignment with vision

Not appreciating the core of Lean as a philosophy

Challenges and Barriers

• CultureFear and Anxiety

Lack of trust

Resistance to new ideas

Backsliding

Not appreciating the core of Lean as a philosophy

Challenges and Barriers

• Empowerment of EmployeesLack of trust

Hierarchical decision making

Challenges and Barriers

• TrainingLack of education and skill

Not appreciating the core of Lean as a philosophy

Challenges and Barriers

• Consistency with Mission, Adaptability, and InvolvementLack of alignment

No/little cross-training or ability to adapt to needs

Lack of involvement by the people who do the work

University of Maine System

• Environment for Change• Leadership• Culture• Empowerment of employees• Training• Communication• Measurement• Consistency with mission, adaptability, and involvement

2013 & 2016

What does this mean for your institution?

• What information do you have about your current culture?• What information can you gather?

SurveysFeedback sessionsProcess can be free – if you can involve in-house sociologists

Survey 1

• Top Leadership and Management

• Do they understand what Lean is?• Are they willing to invest and make a commitment to Lean?• Do they know what people are capable of?• Do they value job security?

Survey 2

• HR, Staff, and Faculty

• Do they understand what Lean is?• What is involvement and participation like?• Is there evidence of trust? • What do the job descriptions say?• Training? Motivation? Communication? Teamwork?

Survey 3

• Supplier Relations

• Do they understand what Lean is?• Quality?• Location?• Relationship? Involvement? Feedback?

How can your institution implement Lean?

• Identify what administrators require and expect from LeanMotives and expectations should be based on needs

• Ensure leadership commitment• Ensure alignment between your mission, vision, and processes• Create systems that allow you to empower employees• Develop and share a common understanding of what Lean means

How can your institution implement Lean?

• Focus on the whole culture• Choose tools and techniques that best fit your situation• Explain benefits• Training should include support afterward• Avoid a delay between training and results• Solid project management and employee involvement

Cultural Readiness Factors: Discussion

• What readiness factors do you see within your institution?• Where is your institution in its progress toward Lean

implementation?

KIM-MARIE M. JENKINSKJENKINS@MAINE.EDU 207-581-1587

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