Issue 001
How Lean Can Help In Tough Budget Times
Amid historic budget challenges, UC Davis is promoting the initiative, "Establish a Culture of Continuous Improvement." This initiative highlights the knowledge and ability that are already available here at UC Davis to streamline processes, which simplify work and add value for both external and internal stakeholders. By applying Lean methodologies, many universities have already improved cost and efficiencies and generated additional revenue across various departments. By eliminating waste, standardizing processes, and fostering continuous improvement, universities can enhance their financial performance while delivering high-quality education and services to students, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders. Click below for examples of Lean-enabled improvements in Higher Education and Healthcare...
The University of Michigan's Health System implemented Lean principles in its clinical operations to improve patient flow, reduce wait times, and increase capacity utilization. By optimizing scheduling, standardizing processes, and reducing unnecessary variation, the health system achieved significant cost savings and generated additional revenue through improved patient throughput and higher patient satisfaction scores.
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU):
VCU's School of Medicine Radiology Department uses Six Sigma and Institute for Healthcare Improvement Patient Safety Guidelines as frameworks to guide quality improvement initiatives. Methods employed by this group include the Plan-Do-Study-Act method, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and 5 Whys problem-solving strategy.
Ohio State University's Office of Business and Finance implemented Lean practices to optimize its procurement and supply chain management processes. By centralizing purchasing functions, standardizing procurement procedures, and negotiating bulk discounts with suppliers, the university achieved cost savings and reduced the total cost of ownership for goods and services procured. Additionally, the streamlined procurement process enabled the university to capitalize on early payment discounts and negotiate better contract terms, further enhancing its financial position.
University of St. Andrews (Scotland):
The University of St. Andrews implemented Lean methodologies to improve the efficiency of its student enrollment and registration processes. By digitizing enrollment forms, automating registration workflows, and implementing self-service options for students, the university reduced administrative costs and streamlined the enrollment process. This allowed the university to reallocate resources to other strategic initiatives while enhancing the overall student experience.
The University of Washington's School of Dentistry adopted Lean principles to optimize its clinical operations and improve patient care delivery. By redesigning appointment scheduling systems, standardizing treatment protocols, and implementing continuous quality improvement initiatives, the school achieved cost savings and generated additional revenue through increased patient volume and improved treatment outcomes. Moreover, the streamlined clinical operations allowed the school to expand its services and attract more patients, thereby boosting revenue further.
Bernadette Hill is a Lean Ambassador and Six Sigma Black Belt with the UC Davis Office of Business Transformation (OBT).