Following the launch of the Business Process Improvement Initiative (BPII), the postgraduate domestic coursework application process – from receipt of a completed application through to an offer or rejection – has been reviewed as a Lean methodology Rapid Improvement Event (RIE), resulting in a new process map for this activity that will make applications simpler for students and staff alike.

“Using a process that is vital to our core business of learning and teaching for a successful pilot of Lean demonstrates its applicability and efficacy” said Chief Operating Officer Dr Paul Schreier, “and provides a meaningful example for other Macquarie processes to which the methodology will be applied.”

Led by St. Andrews Lean expert Mark Robinson, thirteen participants from across the university were given the authority and responsibility by their senior management to improve the speed of the postgraduate domestic coursework application process, while ensuring the quality of the applications was maintained. Students, general staff, academics and members of the Executive also attended the sessions to give feedback and ask questions, ensuring an outcome designed to meet the needs of all stakeholders.

“Gaining an understanding of the Lean way and applying this to the first RIE meant that process improvements in the future can become a reality in a relatively short period of time” said Neta Mahbubani, Manager, Student Administration, Faculty of Business and Economics. “It was great as I was able to make some immediate improvements back in my regular role as well!”

Read more about the postgraduate domestic admissions processes project.

Find out more about the Business Process Improvement Initiative and watch Mark Robinson’s introduction to Lean.