On November 8th, 2017, UC San Diego Extension held an event dubbed Process Palooza, which aimed at showcasing the practice and benefits of process improvement using Lean Six Sigma. “With all the construction and expansion going on, this is the perfect time to think about how we can improve our business processes,” noted Dr. Elizabeth Simmons, executive chancellor for academic affairs.
With more than 400 employees signing up to check out booths about the program, the buzz permeated through the room with excitement to learn more and hear first-hand from their colleagues about how Lean Six Sigma eliminates waste, streamlines operations and most importantly saves money and time.
To make it even more engaging, participants entered in a competition called “The Great Lean Six Sigma Race” between six teams in an effort to address two real campus issues: the parking and commuting application process for new employees or the Associated Students employee travel request process. Those who participated were required to have received either their Lean Six Sigma Yellow, Green or Black Belt Certification.
Paul Kruger, project manager for IT Services was impressed by the day, and by that day’s end, the Turquoise Top Guns won the $100,000 grand prize for their work on improving the process for new hires signing up for parking and commuter options. “We are all about Lean Six Sigma and process improvement in my department and it is great to try and empower every department and every person throughout the university to find new ways to help,” he said.
GoLeanSixSigma.com’s very own Tracy O’Rourke, who is also a Green Belt instructor at UC San Diego Extension, said she was thrilled that the university sees the value of process improvement. With UC San Diego leading the way in making Lean Six Sigma more accessible and easy to understand, it’s not hard to see that they at the forefront in making their world a little more streamlined, one race at a time!
