"Every organization constantly deteriorates. And this is especially true of a business organization. It loses customers -- through death, through change in location, through the lures of competitors. It loses its personnel from the same causes. Its physical equipment is constantly wearing out and … [Read more...] about How to Never Run Out of Ideas
Summary of Contributions to the Body of Lean Knowledge
Here is a summary of my significant original contributions to the body of Lean knowledge over the last 20 years as author or co-author. My primary focus has been Lean leadership and Lean management, but also includes Lean in higher education, Lean in supply chain management, and the history of … [Read more...] about Summary of Contributions to the Body of Lean Knowledge
Professor Emiliani’s “Nos” for Teaching
Kaizen is practical method for improving any processes, and thus it can also be applied to the design and delivery of courses. In order for kaizen to be effective, kaizen participants must be given strict conditions under which improvements are made. These conditions take the form of "Nos" or … [Read more...] about Professor Emiliani’s “Nos” for Teaching
Final Exams, Final Mistake
A recent op-ed article in my university's student-run newspaper, written by a soon-to-be graduating senior, questioned the wisdom of cumulative final exams (click here to read the article). It's great to see a student putting their critical thinking skills to use. Professors should do the same. The … [Read more...] about Final Exams, Final Mistake
New Mindset for Higher Ed Leaders
Higher education has been steadily moving from it's long-term position as a sellers' market to a buyers' market. College and university leaders seem slow to grasp this fact. They, as well as those who do grasp this fact, would be wise to adopt this mindset given current market conditions and to lead … [Read more...] about New Mindset for Higher Ed Leaders
Why Universities Don’t Improve
It's not that universities don't improve, it's just that they improve far too slowly and therefore are not in step with the times. What causes that? There are many factors, of course, but let's consider the role of accreditation on causing slow improvement in academic programs and administrative … [Read more...] about Why Universities Don’t Improve
Performance-Based College Funding
In May 2016, the Century Foundation published a report titled: "Why Performance-Based College Funding Doesn't Work" by Prof. Nicholas Hillman. It is a good analysis of why performance-based funding is unlikely to function as intended in higher education. You should read it.However, there is one … [Read more...] about Performance-Based College Funding
Improving How Universities Improve
Universities have come under much criticism in recent years from business leaders, political leaders, and the public for being slow to change and improve. There is truth to this because the method used for change is what I call "stick-slip."Stick-slip is a term used in science and engineering that … [Read more...] about Improving How Universities Improve
Kaizen for Higher Education
I would like call call your attention to a small (98 page) but important book that I co-authored called Kaizen Forever: Teachings of Chihiro Nakao.While few in pages, the book is a giant in delivering to readers the mindset that created Toyota's Production System and their overall management … [Read more...] about Kaizen for Higher Education