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OU Home  >  Pawley Lean Institute  >  Academic Programs and Courses  >  Multidisciplinary Approach to Lean Learning
Multidisciplinary Approach to Lean Learning

Oakland University's Schools of Business Administration, Nursing, Engineering and Computer Science, and Education and Human Services are involved in the curriculum to teach Lean learning practices.

The philosophy behind Lean learning curricula focuses on how businesses are seeking graduates who not only possess the skills and knowledge associated with a degree but also have a firm grasp and background in business practices to provide direct value to the customer and give their organizations a competitive edge.

The application of Lean learning principles, systems and practices has proven to be one of the most successful approaches to transforming an organization to world-class levels, but this is not accomplished overnight or with short-term remedies.

It starts with the ability to think in a Lean way. And what better place to introduce Lean learning than through a university setting in thriving Oakland County.


The Pawley Lean Institute Value


Knowledge Research Application
 Students
  • Benefit from interdisciplinary principles and concepts that promote Lean thinking
  • Learn from theory combined with practice
  • Expanded capability with Lean thinking concepts and interdisciplinary principles
  • Participate in internships, research or applied learning
  • Better prepare new professionals to succeed in the workplace
  • Practical underpinning for theory-based education
  • Increase marketability
 Faculty
  • Create academic programs to reflect systems paradigm and higher order learning
  • Provide additional teaching mechanism through Lean understanding
  • Advance Lean knowledge
  • Participate in joint research and publications
  • Develop new courses in Lean manufacturing
  • Incorporate Lean learning into existing applicable curricula
  • Mentor and coach students
 Business 
  • Gain and share knowledge
  • Collaboration and benchmarking opportunities
  • Communication through workshops, conferences or seminars
  • Leverage cutting-edge knowledge
  • Future employees who better meet industry and business needs
  • Corporate partners who utilize and gain benefits from student/faculty participation in improvement activities
 University 
  • Provide interdisciplinary network and curricula that transcends siloed learning
  • Provide integrative systems-based learning
  • Endowed scholarships for study of Lean manufacturing and learning
  • Advisory board participation
  • Increased enrollment
  • Familiarity with needs of industry


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