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PROCESS IMPROVEMENT and Lean Six Sigma for Higher Education
The program for Process Improvement Review on Valdosta State University’s Campus was begun in October 2006 as a way to support the University’s goal to increase effectiveness and efficiency while creating a culture of continuous improvement. In February 2008, VSU expanded this program and joined other schools throughout the University System to train many of their employees in Lean Six Sigma methodology.
The purpose of Lean Six Sigma is to achieve process improvements. Lean refers to a method that refines a process through the elimination of waste. Meanwhile, Six Sigma refers to the process of data-driven decision making. Through the combination of the two, businesses have been able to achieve outstanding results in the form of efficiency increases and improved customer service. The Six Sigma principles of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Implement and Control are illustrated in this diagram.
One of initiatives of the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia for Fiscal Year 2008 was the implementation of Lean Six Sigma for Higher Education. This process involved migrating the proven techniques for Lean Six Sigma from a business setting to an educational setting. Valdosta State University has championed the Chancellor's cause by conducting a number of campus Lean Six Sigma projects.
If you are interested in knowing more about Process Improvement on the VSU campus, or if you have an idea for a Six Sigma project, please contact Jeanne Severns, Director of Internal Audits at jrseverns@valdosta.edu.