Time for a blog – it’s been a while. These days, I seem to average one blog every three months or so. Why is this? There’s enough noise out there without me adding to it unless I have something I really want to share. And now, I do have something important to tell you about: my work with higher education institutions in Ghana, delivering Lean training programs.
How did you get into Lean for universities and colleges in Ghana?
It all started back in 2015 when I was approached by the Universities of Ghana Overseas Office in London. They sought a training program that would develop staff and improve institutional effectiveness. I was asked if I could deliver a Lean training program at St Andrews for four senior staff members of the University of Cape Coast and one representative of the Overseas Office. Naturally, the answer was ‘Yes’.
What did you cover?
We covered the basics of Lean – Two Fundamentals, Five Principles, and Eight Wastes. We explored a model for process improvement, conducted a simulated scoping exercise and a rapid improvement event. The program included Lean learning activities and games, such as the Paper Plane Game and a Standard Work game. Both we and the participants found it to be an informative and enjoyable hands-on program.
What happened after 2015?
Since that first successful program, I have worked with numerous groups from higher education institutions in Ghana, including Vice-Chancellors and senior staff from public and technical universities, and Principals from most of the Colleges of Education. This year, I worked with two groups: seven Vice-Chancellors from public universities and a combined group of 32 senior staff from the University of Education, Winneba, and the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Most groups come to St Andrews, but I have also delivered programs in London and Accra.
What did you do in Accra?
In 2018, I delivered a three-day training program for senior staff at the University of Professional Studies, Accra. Additionally, I conducted a slightly different program for over 70 students in the evenings. The positive reception and attendance indicated the program’s value.
I returned to Accra in 2019 to deliver a three-day program for staff involved in the Scotland – West Africa Partnership to Fight Antimicrobial Resistance. This, and another program in 2022 for the British Council-sponsored Ghana Bioenterprises Innovations Partnership, was arranged through a Principal Research Fellow at the School of Medicine, University of St Andrews.
Is it just lean?
Initially, the training was 100% Lean. However, with continuous improvement in mind and based on feedback, we’ve revised the content. The Lean segment now takes three days, and we’ve added a one-day leadership section delivered by a lecturer from the Business School at the University of St Andrews. We offer other programs as well, covering topics like “Building Your University Brand,” “Mental Health Issues Among Students and Their Early Detection,” “Surviving and Thriving in the Complex World of University Administration,” and soon, “Value-Based Healthcare.” Our extensive network allows us to offer a wide array of subjects.
Is it all work?
No. When participants come to St Andrews, they usually have some leisure time around the program. We arrange guided tours of St Andrews, and groups often take coach trips to Glasgow and Edinburgh to visit other universities and sightsee. Dundee’s shops are a short bus trip away, and the area boasts numerous golf courses. We can also direct participants to an excellent Ghanaian restaurant in Edinburgh.
What do participants have to say?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. A participant from Cape Coast called the program an “eye opener.” Another from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, expressed a desire to attend again, which serves as a strong endorsement. These and other testimonials from Ghana and elsewhere are available on our website.
What’s happening in the photo?
The photo on both this blog and my homepage is an action shot taken during a simulated rapid improvement event in Accra. We are mapping the current state of a fictional finance process while team members write down their ideas for improvement. The next stages involve analysing these ideas and creating a new, much-improved process. The entire program was highly enjoyable. One participant said, “Practical sessions were very brain-stimulating, so I did not want to miss training,” highlighting the program’s engaging nature.
And if I am interested in your programs?
If you are interested, or have any further questions about our programs, feel free to get in touch. I’m an email or message away and happy to travel to your location.
Mark