SS499 Introduction to Process Improvement

About This Course

Process improvement initiatives can help businesses work smarter, not harder. In this course, through a combination of lecture and hands-on learning, students will be introduced to the concepts of Lean, aiming to balance both the process side and the people side of improvement efforts.

On the process side, Lean initiatives have a goal of creating a more efficient system to deliver quality products and services to customers and stakeholders exactly when they need it. With traditional roots in manufacturing, Lean is known for its focus on the elimination of waste (muda), and in modern-day, these disciplines remain highly relevant and have the potential to revolutionize the way work is done — in any industry.

On the people side, creating a culture of collaboration with a commitment to continuous improvement, value is not only created for an organization’s bottom line, but also through heightened employee engagement, improved environmental sustainability, and increased agility to respond to ever-changing market demands.
 

  

Course Snapshot


Format
 
The course is delivered remotely, with a blend of virtual live sessions and self-paced activities.

Frequency
 
Twice per year (Spring and Fall)


Length

One week with a 15-hour workload. Please check the schedule for live session dates and times.

Cost
 
$649

 

Woman at touch screen with charts

Process Improvement

Process improvement methodologies take organizations to the next level by introducing efficiencies that use proven traditional methods to address modern-day challenges — in any industry and any function...

What You’ll Learn

Upon completion of this course, students will have gained the knowledge to:

  • Apply common improvement terms to your processes;
  • Recognize the relationship between process inputs and outputs;
  • Assess process steps using value and the eight forms of waste;
  • Develop an awareness of tools to increase the efficiency of your processes; 
  • Recognize a variety of Process Improvement methodologies and frameworks;
  • Understand how respect for people is at the core of sustainable improvement.
     

The Learning Environment

The course is delivered remotely, with a blend of synchronous and asynchronous activities. Virtual live sessions provide opportunities to engage with the instructor and other students in real-time and self-paced activities give students the chance to work through content on their own schedule.

Courses in the Process Improvement Certificate Track

Enrolling in the full certificate program allows for more comprehensive learning in regard to process improvement. Required and elective courses are: 

Courses may be taken individually and in any order unless otherwise noted. Six courses are required to complete the certificate. If pursuing the certificate, all courses in the certificate program must be completed within three years. Visit the program page for a recommended sequence.