Lean Six Sigma Consulting Available to Campus Departments
Campus units undergoing reorganization as part of the Transformation Plan may be able to benefit from consultations helping them to improve efficiency.

By Alexis Blue, University Communications
Jan. 12, 2011


As the University of Arizona continues with its Transformation Plan to restructure campus units and improve efficiency, departments are reminded they can take advantage of Lean Six Sigma consulting services to help them make changes.

Lean Six Sigma, a business strategy originally developed for manufacturing companies, is designed to identify and change business processes to make companies more productive. The UA has contracted with seven Lean Six Sigma consultants, which campus departments can utilize as they work to identify ways to improve their academic and business operations. Information about how to utilize the services is available on the Procurement and Contracting Services website. 

Since the University's transformation process was launched by Provost Meredith Hay in 2008, a number of campus units have restructured, merged or been eliminated, while new entities have been created. Some of the changes include the merging of the chemistry and biochemistry departments into the department of chemistry and biochemistry, the establishment of a new School of Mind, Brain and Behavior in the College of Science and the creation of Confluence: A Center for Creative Inquiry, designed to promote the research and creative activities of the faculty in the arts, humanities and social sciences. 

Although campus units are not required to use Lean Six Sigma consultants, the University has contracted with seven vendors through March 17 of this year, with the potential for a contract renewal through March 2015.

"This evolved from a need to make us more efficient during the initial changes to departmental structure," said Rob McMullen, senior buyer with Procurement and Contracting Services.

McMullen said departments must complete a statement of work document, identifying their specific needs. That statement is then submitted to all University-contracted vendors, who respond with proposals stating their rates.

Departments must pay for the services, McMullen said, noting that sometimes "you have to spend money to save money."   

The ongoing Transformation Plan, coupled with employee layoffs, has already helped save the University an estimated $50 million in a time when state support for higher education is dwindling.

The UA's appropriation from the state has been cut by about one-quarter in the past two years, from approximately $440 million to $340 million.

For a complete list of the University's Lean Six Sigma vendors and information on how to work with a consultant, visit the Procurement and Contracting Services website. Specific questions about how to utilize the services can be directed to McMullen at 621-3067 or rmcmulle@u.arizona.edu or to Ted Nasser at 621-5449 or enasser@u.arizona.edu.

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