Title: Lean Thinking as applied to the adult education environment

Authors: Meera Alagaraja

Addresses: Supply Chain Systems Laboratory, 3367 TAMU, Texas A&M University, 77843, USA

Abstract: Lean production has transformed into applications loosely called Lean Thinking and spread to areas such as health care, construction, distribution and service industry. Lean Thinking looks at the value chain and posits: How can work be structured so that the function under consideration does nothing but add value, and does that as rapidly as possible? This paper examines broader interpretation and adaptation of Lean Thinking to adult education. Applying Lean Thinking practices to course design and delivery requires instructors to challenge current views regarding how and what they teach. Some examples of application are suggested.

Keywords: lean thinking; adult education; lean management; teaching; curriculum design; value chains.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2010.029446

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2010 Vol.10 No.1, pp.51 - 62

Published online: 30 Nov 2009 *

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