Applying Lean Six Sigma to Improve the Curriculum Design and Development Process

A curriculum development team is recommended in order to bring both subject matter and educational methods expertise to the project. Revisions and rewrites, based on feedback from these groups, must be completed before editing begins. Professional editing will assure proper language usage, readability, appropriate flow, and consistency. Professional design and layout of the curriculum, often with the editor and designer working together will assure both accuracy and a professional look. Once designed, the product is printed and/or posted online. When posting online, it is important to include accessibility features during the design phase. Once the curriculum is made generally available it should be evaluated from time to time to assure that it is of value to the users and remains current.

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Curriculum Design and Development for Computer Science and Similar Disciplines

Trends and Effects of Technology Advancement in the Knowledge Society ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-1788-9.ch012 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 168-181

Author(s):

Igor Schagaev ◽

Elisabeth Bacon ◽

Nicholas Ioannides

Keyword(s):

Computer Science ◽

Curriculum Design ◽

Design And Development ◽

Curriculum Design And Development

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Lean Six Sigma and Assurance of Learning (AoL) in higher education: a case study

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management ◽

10.1108/ijqrm-01-2021-0017 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Iman Adeinat ◽

Naseem Al Rahahleh ◽

Tameem Al Bassam

Keyword(s):

Higher Education ◽

Curriculum Design ◽

Six Sigma ◽

Lean Six Sigma ◽

Lessons Learned ◽

Content Type ◽

Team Members ◽

Institutional Goals ◽

Assurance Of Learning

PurposeThis study aims to present a case study using a Lean Six Sigma (LSS) process to manage the Assurance of Learning (AoL) process in higher education. The case study highlights the value that LSS can bring to the higher education context in respect to making the AoL process more efficient and more effective. The article also illustrates lessons learned in relation to adopting LSS in higher education institutes (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachThe case study presented is part of a larger undertaking implemented by the Faculty of Economics and Administration (FEA) at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia to improve its curricula for all its programs as the graduate and undergraduate level in line with the 2013 Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business standards. The FEA project team implemented the AoL process using an LSS methodology – define–measure–analyze–improve–control (DMAIC).FindingsThe experience of the FEA as described in the case study suggests that the DMAIC framework can be very useful in managing the AoL process. Three aspects of LSS used in the AoL context are identified as critical in ensuring that the process achieves its stated institutional goals. Firstly, it is necessary to clearly identify which team members have which areas of responsibility in relation to, for example, sponsoring, implementing, managing and monitoring the project. Secondly, the common language provided by LSS is essential to fostering collaboration among members of a cross-disciplinary team. Lastly, quantifiable priorities should be identified.Research limitations/implicationsThe experience of the FEA as described in the case study suggests that the DMAIC framework can be very effective in advancing and managing the AoL process. For example, writing the project charter, mapping the process using the suppliers, inputs, process, outputs, customers model and using various LSS tools and techniques to measure and control the assessment were critical to improving the AoL process.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a guide to the range of practices cited in the literature on implementing LSS in relation to AoL as a comprehensive means of assessing, evaluating and improving curriculum design and delivery. The importance of this process to accreditation is explored and recommendations are offered focused on realizing both short- and long-term benefits through the initial assessments and subsequent iterations.Originality/valueThe defining contribution of this paper to the literature is its consideration of LSS implementation in the HEI context through the development and management of the AoL process.

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