Lean six sigma as an improvement tool in Academia

Abstract

Six Sigma is a quality management philosophy, problem solving approach, and statistical measure that helps organizations improve processes, reduce variation, and eliminate waste. It has been used successfully in the automotive, chemical, healthcare, high-tech, financial and retail industries. The Industrial Engineering and Management Systems Department at the University of Central Florida has incorporated service experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum within a Total Quality Improvement course. This course teaches the Six Sigma body of knowledge together with Lean Principles and provides hands-on Six Sigma project experience. This paper describes how a team of faculty and students used the Lean Six Sigma Technology to document and improve the pre-application process used by the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Central Florida. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2006.