Miami University
EN-9: Staff Professional Development

Miami University began using Lean principles and methods to eliminate waste within operational processes. Since its inception, Lean principles and methods have fostered increased revenue, improved productivity, reduced/avoided costs, improved quality/customer satisfaction, and expanded sustainability across campus. As a part of adopting Lean, Miami University encourages and empowers employees to submit Lean project ideas, actively participate in Lean projects, and become Lean certified. The Lean Certification Program is accessible to all Miami University staff. Individuals who go through the Lean Certification Program are trained on five key areas/goals: increase revenue, improve productivity, reduce costs, increase cost avoidance, support green initiatives. The program also has three levels: Lean Partner, Lean Leader, and Senior Lean Leader. The first course in the program is a Lean Two-Day Training where staff members are exposed to sustainability and supporting Miami’s green initiatives on campus. Even though sustainability is incorporated throughout various courses beyond the Lean Two-Day Training, Miami University offers a three-hour course titled “Go Green Lean”, where sustainability is the main focus. This course covers the three elements of sustainability (social, economic, and environmental) while informing staff members how they can incorporate sustainability into their own departments and projects. This course is offered 2 times a year. Miami University estimates since the program’s inception 2500 staff have been exposed to Lean training and thus, have had the availability to participate in sustainability training. Over 814 Miami staff attended the January 2018 Lean Fair. The “Go Green” booth focused on recycling and was attended by almost all participants since it was strategically located at the entrance to the presentation rooms. 153 Lean projects were completed from 7-1-16 through 6-30-17, with a total cost avoidance of $2,478,728 and cost reduction of $841,863. Over 40% of the projects specifically identified “Going Green” as a goal, but the savings and cost reductions of all the projects contribute to economic sustainability.

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