1. CIMA HEI Conference 2010 - Sustainability in HEIs Lean in the University of St Andrews

2. Definition A philosophy of work. About understanding purpose, and designing work to meet that purpose. The right people continuously searching for the simplest and smoothest process in order to meet customer needs perfectly.

3. Origin Lean has grown from manufacturing roots to service industry and public sector applications. It is related to Agile and Six Sigma. Many HEI’s have similar approaches, which may use differing names.

4. Resources A non-zero-sum management philosophy Often characterised by removing waste A way of responding to the growing need to deliver more while consuming less

5. People It sees cultural change as key to improved service and decreased costs. By involving people at the right level it develops a sense of ownership for work. Unexpectedly, it is also developing team working within departments, making the University smaller, and increasing morale.

6. Process The current process is mapped. Data about the current process is reviewed Options for alternative approaches to a process are identified and analysed. A future process is designed and implemented. An action plan is formulated for outstanding tasks. The project team presents the new process. Work begins

7. Results Better service to Students Simpler administration for Academics More time for staff to spend doing the important stuff.

8. Sustainability Applying Lean properly can get an institution closer and closer to its goals. The challenge is to ensure the goals are right. Then we can start making things better now, to ensure a sustainable future.