IND418 Continuous Improvement and Lean

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master's Programme in Industrial Economics and Technology Management
• Master's Programme in Industrial Economics and Technology Management (5 years)
• Master's Programme in Innovation and Knowledge Development

Teaching language

Norwegian or English

Prerequisites

Approved mandatory submission(s). Further informastion is given in Canvas at the start of the semester.

Course contents

The course introduces process improvement in various settings such as e.g., production and development, and is based, among other things, on Lean thinking and quality management. Practical process improvement is essential; thus, it is possible to collaborate with local businesses as part of the course's semester assignment.

The course provides an introduction to central process improvement techniques and methods. Process mapping techniques such as value stream analyses and flowcharts are examples of such. The course touches on several topics and covers a number of subject areas, which is reflected in the composition of the syllabus.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• apply Lean principles and philosophy and assess how they can be operationalized in different contexts. For example, change processes and other relevant processes as part of continuous improvement.

• critically reflect on Lean principles in the context of innovation and development

• identify and assess value for stakeholders, as well as assess communication processes in relation to continuous improvement.

• identify and interpret process variation, as well as understand the significance of variation in relation to process improvement.

• apply process mapping techniques and identify areas for improvement.

• compare and assess individual and organizational learning in relation to development and process improvement.

• critically reflect on connections between human, technological, and organizational conditions regarding improvement work

Teaching methods

The course is conducted as blended learning. Short lectures, videos, and active forms of learning such as Games are emphasized in the course. Discussions, presentations, group work, and problem-solving in teams will form a significant part of the teaching methods. The workload for this purpose is estimated at around 200 hours.

Evaluation

The Head of study programme, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Offered as Single Standing Module

Yes. Subject to availability or capacity.

Admission Requirement if given as Single Standing Module

The same admission requirements as for the two-year master's programme in industrial economy and technology management.

Assessment methods and criteria

Portfolio in a group with a common grade count for 100 % of total grade. Graded assessment. Further information is given in Canvas at the start of the semester.