Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/58910
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS n They reduced the time required for adapting disabled peo- ple to housing from more than 200 days to 12 days. n They reduced backlogs in lost and found departments by 80 percent. n They increased the number of patients being seen within 62 days of contact to around 80 percent, up from 40 percent. n They reduced the time patients spent in treatment by 48 percent. The researchers found similar results when lean practices were implemented in the government sector. For instance, the imple- mentation of lean manufacturing techniques reduced the time legal departments took to prepare reports to six days, down from 77 days. Although their research shows very positive results for public service organizations, in terms of improved service, customer waiting times, processing times, productiv- ity, and staff morale, Radnor and Walley are quick to point out that these changes were made over a long period of time. They aren't to be seen as "quick fixes." "Implementation cannot be forced," says Walley. "The research recommends a steady process of implementation over a long period of time." More important, says Radnor, the lean manufacturing approach must be customized to the private sector before it is applied to any organization. "Many organizations are not ready to adopt 'lean' imme- diately," she says. "They don't pos- sess the change management experi- ence or the right leadership style to make the transition right away." To read the full report, visit www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/ 2006/06/13162106/0. n z COLLEGE OF BUSINESS BizEd NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006 55 Delivering Innovation The Washington State University College of Business is developing globally competitive business leaders with the skills to deliver transformational innovations. Through the College's nationally recognized Center for Entrepreneurial Studies, student entrepreneurs traveled to Malawi, Africa, in 2006 with an improved treadle pump to help local farmers achieve sustainable economic growth. Developing Leaders. Driving Innovation. www.cb.wsu.edu business@wsu.edu