The St Andrews Model

The St Andrews model is an eight-step approach to process improvement. Throughout each stage we aim to pass on our knowledge and experience of Lean, so that all staff can continue to implement Lean thinking in their work.

Although Lean in higher education applies the same principles of Lean’s origin, they are often demonstrated differently, particularly with regards to the language used.

Request – An area of work is identified

Clear goals are established, the right people are involved, and the required resources are arranged

The project team are introduced to Lean thinking and techniques

The project goal, approach, timetable, and data requirements are reviewed and agreed

The project team meets for a focussed period of time, with the authority to create a new process, and identify and complete the required actions. At the end, there will be a documented new process and an action plan for any further work

Further actions are taken by the team members

The project team meets regularly to identify and remove any barriers to implementation

The project is completed and closed, and feedback is taken on the Lean process as a whole

To find out more about how we achieve improvement, have a look at some of the common tools we use.