Concordia College’s Commitment to Lean Principles Results in Significant, Quantifiable Results
Concordia College
Concordia College, located in Moorhead, Minnesota, is a four-year liberal arts college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America offering more than 140 areas of study. During the 2023-2024 academic year, Concordia had an enrollment of over 1,800. About 800 of them were residing in dormitories or other forms of on-campus housing, and more than 1,000 students participated in some varying form of a meal plan through the on-campus dining service. Additionally, Concordia College competes in 20 NCAA sports at the division III level, offers a robust music program that includes multiple bands, choirs, and orchestras, and annually facilitates travel and study abroad for over 300 students. Lastly, the college offers comprehensive student support services, including health services, counseling, and career services, ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed both academically and personally.
The purpose of Concordia College is to influence the affairs of the world by sending into society thoughtful and informed men and women dedicated to the Christian life. This mission highlights the college's dedication to nurturing students in becoming responsibly engaged in the world.
Concordia College's primary customers are its students, who come from diverse backgrounds to pursue higher education. These students are a combination of undergraduate students pursuing bachelor's degrees in various fields and graduate students seeking advanced degrees. Other customers of the college include prospective students and families, alumni, faculty and staff, and the greater Fargo-Moorhead community.
Concordia College has several competitors, particularly within the region and among similar liberal arts institutions. Some of its main competitors include Minnesota State University Moorhead, North Dakota State University, St. Olaf College, Gustavus Adolphus College, and the University of Minnesota.
Concordia College promotes Lean principles on campus to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall quality in its operations. The journey began in June 2019 with Value Stream Mapping in Conferences & Events, followed by several 5S projects in key areas such as the Carpentry Shop, MPOC storage, and Olson Forum. These early efforts laid the groundwork for a broader adoption of Lean principles.
Key Concordia Lean principles:
- Operational Efficiency: By applying Lean techniques, Concordia aims to streamline processes, reduce unnecessary steps, and optimize resource use, leading to more efficient campus operations.
- Quality Improvement: Lean principles help in identifying and eliminating defects or errors in processes, thereby improving the quality of services provided to students, faculty, and staff.
- Cost Reduction: Implementing Lean strategies can lead to significant cost savings by minimizing waste and improving resource management.
- Enhanced Student Experience: Lean methodologies are used to improve various student services, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying experience for students.
- Sustainability: Lean practices contribute to sustainability efforts by promoting efficient use of resources and reducing environmental impact.
In July 2022, a pivotal training session for the Finance Team, led by Dallas Fossum, Director of Facilities Management and a member of Impact Dakota, marked a significant expansion of Lean initiatives. By January 2023, the college had established a Lean Steering Committee and Lean Leaders group, signaling a commitment to continuous improvement at all levels of operation and management. The college introduced paperless work orders in Facilities Management and streamlined purchasing processes, centralized printing services, and increased the use of AirSlate electronic forms, demonstrating a proactive approach to operational efficiency. Major projects in 2024 included extensive 5S implementations in the Olin TV Studio and athletic facilities, as well as Value Stream Mapping in Contract Services. These initiatives not only improved efficiency but also integrated automated equipment on assembly lines, reducing labor needs and enhancing productivity. Throughout this period, Concordia College's dedication to Lean principles has resulted in substantial improvements, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence that benefits students, faculty, and staff alike.
Concordia College has achieved significant quantifiable results through its Lean strategies, impacting various areas such as culture, ideas, productivity, time, sustainability, and training. The implementation of Lean principles has fostered a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration, enhancing employee engagement and streamlining processes. Innovative thinking and problem-solving have been encouraged through the Lean Steering and Lead Leaders groups being active across campus. Lean projects have also reduced cycle times and streamlined processes, saving significant time for staff. Sustainability efforts have been bolstered by waste reduction and energy efficiency initiatives, contributing to Concordia's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Comprehensive training programs have equipped employees with the skills needed to apply Lean principles effectively, ensuring ongoing education and development in Lean practices. These achievements demonstrate Concordia College's commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
"Collaborating with Impact Dakota has been transformative for Concordia College. Their expertise in Lean strategies has significantly enhanced our operational efficiency, fostered a culture of continuous improvement, and empowered our teams to innovate and solve problems proactively. The comprehensive training and support provided by Impact Dakota have been instrumental in our journey towards operational excellence and sustainability. We are grateful for their partnership and look forward to continued success together." - Concordia College