Lean higher education: successes, challenges, and realizing potential

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence from the experiences and the literature on organizational change and transformation to implement and sustain Lean higher education (LHE) initiatives designed to benefit the university, its employees, and the individuals it serves. Design/methodology/approach – The authors present organizational development literature and examples of success and challenges to better support the effective application of LHE. Findings – The authors address the importance of and techniques for first, assessing and improving institutional readiness; second, enhancing leadership awareness, understanding, and support for LHE; third, strategic planning, Lean leadership, and getting help for LHE; and fourth, facilitating an institution-wide transition to LHE. Originality/value – A structured, step-by-step approach offers practical guidance for implementing institution-wide Lean initiatives in HE.