Development of a training program in lean manufacturing

Abstract

Lean Manufacturing is quickly becoming a philosophy adopted by manufacturer's through out the world to cut out waste and improve productivity. Lean is a people-centric philosophy, which focuses on changing the work-culture within an organization and across the supply chain. Thus, training the work force in lean principles is a major part of any lean implementation. This paper presents the development of a lean training program for the Apprentice School at Northrop Grumman Newport News. The instructional pedagogy relies on both classroom instruction and hands-on simulation activity to relay lean concepts to students. The training program is being incorporated into the curriculum at the Apprentice School of Northrop Grumman and at Old Dominion University.