six sigma in higher education

Lean Six Sigma can be applied to facilitate process improvements in curriculum delivery; business and auxiliary services; admissions and enrollment management; and research. Some of the benefits of applying Lean Six Sigma are:

• establishing student competency definitions for the curriculum
• improve timing of the receipt of tuition and fees
• determine and lower the variation rate in the amount of marketing funds expended per admitted student
• cultural change mechanism to support faculty research
•  review distance education processes
• develop continuous improvement plans 

All regional accrediting agencies in the US require some form of continuous improvement. DMAIC  (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) is preferred over Plan–Do–Check–Act method, as DMAIC provides consistent emphasis on problem-solving by integrating specific tools into each step of the phases

“Most colleges and universities would benefit from having a unifying framework and common language to guide review, planning, and improvement at all levels and across various

departments and programs.” – NACUBO

What regional accrediting agencies are looking for in institutions:

• "evidence of quality improvement" - Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• "framework for continuous improvement" - Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• "quality enhancement through continuous assessment and improvement" - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• "culture of … improvement" - Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• "culture of continuous improvement" - Higher Learning Commission

When adapted to the Higher Education domain, Lean Six Sigma can be used to improve academic and administrative operations across the institution.