A Pilot Study on Continuous Improvement & Organizational Learning as Lean Tools in Higher Education

Abstract

Continuous Improvement (CI) and Organizational Learning (OL) are two pillars of Lean philosophy, an approach to management which was first developed on the Toyota shop floor and since then has been adapted by other industries, including manufacturing, services, health care and increasingly education. This paper presents the results of a primary study conducted through surveys which explores the usage of CI and OL as Lean tools in the field of higher education by analyzing the perspectives of both students and faculty. Descriptive frequency analysis showed that the level of awareness of CI is relatively high in both categories (92% of students reported having at least a basic knowledge, 90% of teachers had the same level regarding Lean principles), but the practical use of Lean methods falls short of conceptual understanding — only 60% of teachers have ever used a Lean tool, although the general level of awareness is much higher. Project-based, practice-oriented learning is preferred by almost all respondents (83% and 72% of students and educators respectively). Both groups are united by such common barriers to implementation of CI as resistance to changes, limited resources and lack of practical experience. Teachers consider CI and Lean methodologies as effective means of achieving organizational success (70% reported them to be highly effective) and associate CI approach with the development of such skills in students as problem solving, adaptability, teamwork and employability.