When it comes to going "Lean," Carleton University gets the gold star.

Recently, the university hosted two successful pilot projects using the Lean formula - which promotes reducing waste through restructuring processes - that led to immediate improvements in two departments.

The projects were conducted in the Graphic Services and Admissions departments and have resulted in improvements to service delivery and how employees conduct their daily business.

For Graphic Services Acting Print Shop Co-ordinator Jason Anderson, the key to the success was that suggestions for change came directly from staff instead of from the top down. It represented engagement and service excellence in its truest form, he says.

"For us it's about running more efficiently and increasing our production," says Anderson.

"We had great results with it. It was tough at the beginning ... but once the staff realized we wanted their input, the improvement was immediate.''    Read More