In
this foundational course, students will learn how Lean thinking supports safe,
efficient, and people-centered work processes across diverse industrial
environments. Students will explore Lean principles, the eight wastes, and the
supervisor’s role in continuous improvement. They will also use a simple value
stream map (VSM) to interpret flow, identify waste, and distinguish value-added from non-value-added work. Students will
observe processes, document abnormalities, apply introductory Lean tools, and
use the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to implement
small improvements. The course concludes with a workplace improvement Capstone
project demonstrating Lean leadership and practical supervisory skills.