Clustering and identifying the Lean Six Sigma projects: higher education institutes

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is an effective quality improvement program. The deployment of LSS in organisations is done with significant investment as it has many benefits. As to higher education institutes (HEIs), this system has not been applied in the manner it should be. Identifying an appropriate project requires a precise analysis of the data to make all the selected projects in line with the organisation strategy objectives, and with the least uncertainty rate in implementation. Actually, the concern is not merely the application of LSS, but also the successful implementation of the best improving project. In this study, 133 main processes were identified in the determined four zones of the University of Isfahan, and assessed using the five Lean Six Sigma indicators clustered in SPSS Clementine 12.0 S/W based on the viewpoints of the managers and professionals of the zones. 19 out of 133 processes were found critical, with higher priorities in defining the Lean Six Sigma projects. While clustering is an appropriate approach for the identification of higher education institutes, it is not possible through the common methods. Based on the evaluation of the involved managers and professionals, the proposed approach is efficient, practical, and dynamic.