Discussion:
A Business Memo on Lean Operations and Continuous Improvement
The Provost of the university has heard that lean operations and continuous improvement are commonly used to improve operational performance and increase quality. The Provost is interested in increasing the quality of the students' overall experience on campus.
The Provost has hired you as a research assistant to find out about lean operations and continuous improvement. As the assistant, you will write a memo to the Provost. Keep in mind that the Provost may not be familiar with the technical terms used in operations management. Your job is to provide information in plain language, free of technical jargon. Your memo will include information on the following.
a) What is lean operations? What does it mean for an organization to "become lean"?
b) What is continuous improvement? Is it the same as lean operations? What is kaizen?
c) Provide one example from a manufacturer: What was an immediate benefit or saving to the manufacturer after the company initiated lean operations or continuous improvement? What changes were made in the company to achieve this result?
d) Provide one example from a service: What was an immediate benefit or saving to the organization after the company initiated lean operations or continuous improvement? What changes were made in the organization to achieve this result?
e) In your opinion, what does it mean for a university to "be lean"? Provide at least one concrete example to illustrate what effect becoming lean would have on students' experience on campus.
f) Provide all publicly available references as footnotes in your memo.