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Kaizen Events at the University of St. Thomas: Experiential Learning for Students

Author

Listed:
  • Janine Sanders Jones

    (Operations and Supply Chain Management Department, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105)

  • John R. Olson

    (Operations and Supply Chain Management Department, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105)

  • Peter Southard

    (Operations and Supply Chain Management Department, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105)

Abstract

This paper describes how the Operations and Supply Chain Management Department at the University of St. Thomas uses kaizen events as a vehicle to integrate undergraduate and professional programs with local area organizations. A unique business collaboration was created where the faculty members led an actual lean kaizen event at a local organization. Project team members included lead and support faculty, undergraduate students, professional certification students, and company representatives. In a one-week intensive experience, teams addressed real issues at a local organization and implemented changes that had positive impacts on the student learning experience and the bottom lines of the participating organizations. This paper discusses how to conduct a kaizen event student project as well as challenges and benefits related to this approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Janine Sanders Jones & John R. Olson & Peter Southard, 2021. "Kaizen Events at the University of St. Thomas: Experiential Learning for Students," INFORMS Transactions on Education, INFORMS, vol. 21(3), pages 115-129, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:orited:v:21:y:2021:i:3:p:115-129
    DOI: 10.1287/ited.2019.0239
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eileen M. Van Aken & Jennifer A. Farris & Wiljeana J. Glover & Geert Letens, 2010. "A framework for designing, managing, and improving Kaizen event programs," International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 59(7), pages 641-667, September.
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    5. Robert B. Handfield & Steven A. Edwards & Jeffrey S. Stonebraker, 2011. "NC State's Supply Chain Resource Cooperative Educates in the Real World," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 41(6), pages 548-563, December.
    6. Michael F. Gorman, 2018. "A Survey of Research in Field-Based Education: A Summary of Process, Best Practices, and Lessons Learned," INFORMS Transactions on Education, INFORMS, vol. 18(3), pages 145-161, May.
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    8. Renata Konrad & Adrienne Hall-Phillips & Anita R. Vila-Parrish, 2018. "Are Our Students Prepared? The Impact of Capstone Design Pedagogical Approaches on Student Skill Development During Industry-Sponsored Fieldwork," INFORMS Transactions on Education, INFORMS, vol. 18(3), pages 183-193, May.
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    10. Farris, Jennifer A. & Van Aken, Eileen M. & Doolen, Toni L. & Worley, June, 2009. "Critical success factors for human resource outcomes in Kaizen events: An empirical study," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 117(1), pages 42-65, January.
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