Increasing Effectiveness and Value within Research Administration: Prioritization and Enterprise Level Project Selection through a Lean Six Sigma Lens

Embargo until
Date
2020-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Given the complexity in which research administration functions, process related inefficiencies, waste and defects are a familiar operational challenge. Lean Six Sigma provides a framework to deconstruct processes, identify waste, empirically measure the impact of the waste, and then correct sources of waste while quantifying the impact of the intervention. Core to meaningful process improvement is the selection of which projects an institution should undertake. Process improvement resources are often finite and limited. In order to optimize operations and outcomes, institutions must identify which projects should be invested in and prioritized. The objective of this Capstone Project is to: 1) Interview key stakeholders through the Baylor Scott and White Research Institute to determine strategic areas of need, 2) Develop project-based solutions to address system issues identified by the strategic needs assessment utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodology and 3) Create a prioritization matrix of strategic issues, opportunities, and projects to guide future process improvement efforts within the Baylor Scott and White Research Institute. Working with key stakeholders within the research institute, strategic areas of need were identified, project-oriented solutions were proposed, and projects were prioritized according to a Lean Six Sigma methodology. The results of the enterprise wise prioritization effort suggest the Baylor Scott and White Research Institute would benefit from dedicating resources to support two process improvement projects: 1) Identifying and correcting sources of waste and rework within the Contract Specialists workflow and 2) Selecting an appropriate project management software to facility study and project intake, prioritization, cost utilization, resource allocation, attainment of KPIs, and schedule of completion.
Description
Keywords
Lean Six Sigma, research administration, process improvement, strategic plan
Citation