This course will build knowledge on the fundamentals of lean methodologies acquired by the manufacturing industry and provide training on how to apply lean tools to a variety of areas of business operations with real-world scenarios. Learners are encouraged to share examples of challenges from their business processes for discussion on how to solve these challenges through the application of lean management techniques.
Through a combination of class discussions, simulations, and hands-on activities, professionals will be equipped with the mindset and tools needed for establishing continuous improvement at their companies and building the culture to sustain it. Participants can expect to gain a strong understanding of how to achieve the following:
- Approach problem solving effectively, using Lean methodology
- Identify waste and understand value
- Deploy the right lean tools for process improvement based on the scenario
- Increase productivity of teams by introducing Lean Culture
The participants in the course will identify an area of interest within a process, apply the basic Lean tools learned in the class, and complete a kaizen exercise. The exercise will address the identification of a problem, an analysis to determine the root cause, finding a solution, implementation, and tracking results to complete a hands-on exercise.
By the end of the course, participants will grasp the importance behind Lean principles and the necessary skills to implement and sustain continuous improvement using Kaizen, including a high-level process flow diagram for their organization.
This is an introductory course designed for learners with little or no prior knowledge of lean methodologies. This is a foundational step in learning how to build continuous improvement in an organization.
Watch Dr. Asif Khan provide a course overview:
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Week 1: History and Significance of Lean
- Getting Started
- Manufacturing Evolution
- History Behind Lean
- Need of a Continuous Improvement System
Week 2: Lean Methods
- Lean manufacturing principles and Lean Operations
- Success of Toyota Production System (the Toyota Way)
Week 3: Using Tools to Apply Lean Concepts in an Organization
- House of Lean
- The Five Principles
- Seven wastes
- Lean Tools
Week 4: Lean Assessment and Implementation: Where Do We Start?
- Process mapping
- 5S / Visual Management
- Kaizen/PDCA
- Lean Assessment and Future Planning
To successfully complete this course, learners must:
- Attend at least 75% of the classes
- Successfully complete an assignment
Upon successful completion, learners will receive a Certificate of Completion issued by the University of Windsor Continuing Education.
Schedule: Join our interest list to learn about upcoming sections of this course.
Fee: $625 + HST. For leaders in their organization who wish to send their team, group rates* are available. UWindsor alumni, students, staff, and Hire UWindsor Partners are eligible for discounts*. Email continue@uwindsor.ca for the discount code. *Not valid with any othe discounts
Sardar Asif Khan, PhD, MBA, P.Eng., PMP, FEC
Dr. Sardar Asif Khan is a Continuous Improvement Lead at Stellantis MOPAR Supply Chain North America. He is directly responsible for developing a competitive edge and ensuring relevance within the World Class Logistics system for the entire supply chain organization. Dr. Khan oversees business process optimization and innovation generation techniques. With over 30 years of diverse engineering and management experience in the industry, he has held leadership positions in industrial engineering organizations. He has successfully led company efforts to launch new products and has steered an engine plant on a World Class Manufacturing journey, making it one of the best in the corporation. Dr. Khan is widely recognized as a leader, a change-maker, and a strategic planner.
Dr. Khan holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from UET, Pakistan, a master's degree in manufacturing engineering from WSU, MI, USA, a master's degree in business administration from CMU, MI, USA, and a doctorate in manufacturing systems engineering from LTU, MI, USA. Since 2013, he has been an adjunct associate professor of Engineering at the University of Windsor, where he teaches a graduate engineering course in lean manufacturing and process improvement. Dr. Khan possesses a master level of lean manufacturing/continuous improvement knowledge and has a proven track record in the development and execution of systems. He is also a certified World Class Manufacturing auditor. Additionally, Dr. Khan sits on numerous boards and committees, including serving as the Chair of the Automotive Product Design Advisory Committee at Windsor's St. Clair College. He is also a Vice Chair and member of the Professional Engineers Ontario Government liaison committee, as well as an Alternate Warden of Camp 14 of the Corporation of the Seven Wardens.
In both 2017 and 2021, Dr. Khan received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award in recognition of his over 15 years of volunteer service and significant contributions to the engineering profession. In 2018, he was honored with the Leader of Leaders award by FCA, acknowledging his work in leading change, overcoming obstacles, and inspiring people to participate in meaningful ways, as well as leading the transformation into the best in class. In May 2019, he was inducted into the PEO Order of Honour for his service to the profession. His exceptional academic excellence and professional achievements have been recognized with the UATAC Engineer of the Year Award 2023. He has also been bestowed with the Windsor Essex County Engineer of the Year Award 2023 for his significant contributions to the advancement of the engineering profession. Dr. Khan continues to make indelible contributions to the field of engineering and serves as an inspiration to his colleagues and peers.
This class is offered online through Brightspace and Microsoft Teams. Learners will require access to a computer with high-speed internet access.
Learning Management System Requirements
All course details can be accessed through Brightspace. A link will be provided through email to Brightspace and Microsoft Teams and you will have access the first day of class.
Please activate your UWinID. Your UWinID and password are needed to access Brightspace and Microsoft Teams. If you have any issues, please contact continue@uwindsor.ca.
- This program is eligible for the OSAP Micro-credential application (OSAPMC).
- Participants must be registered into the program prior to applying for OSAPMC.
- Participants are obligated to pay their fees in full, or decide to withdraw at least one week prior to the course start date should they not receive OSAPMC.
- If this is the case, email continue@uwindsor.ca immediately to withdraw and request a refund.
- Register for this program accordingly to allow ample time for your application to be processed. It takes approximately 10-15 business days for the OSAPMC application to be processed.
Email us at continue@uwindsor.ca if you have questions - we are always happy to help.
Sign up on our Interest List to be notified about enrolment and receive updates from Continuing Education.