The Influence of Lean Principles on USTP Electro-Mechanical Technology Department Waste Management and Sustainability Efforts: Case Study

Abstract

This study aims to assess waste in the Electro-mechanical Department of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) based on lean principles and their impact on sustainability efforts. The study uses a case study approach, categorizing waste into eight categories and creating a risk ranking using the FMEA technique. Data collection for the risk ranking was not possible due to scheduling constraints. The literature review discusses the implementation of lean principles in higher education institutions (HEIs), waste modes in HEIs, and the potential benefits and challenges of implementing lean principles in HEIs. The study findings indicate that waste modes such as defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, extra transportation, excess inventory, extra motion, and extra processing exist in the USTP Electro-mechanical Department. The implementation of lean principles has the potential to reduce these waste modes and improve the overall sustainability of the department. However, successful implementation requires collaboration among multiple stakeholders and adequate resources. Further research is needed to identify best practices for implementing lean principles in HEIs.