The University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College (USM LAC) and the Leadership and Organizational Studies (LOS) program are rising to meet the needs and challenges of a changing world. The Lean Leadership Certificate, a credit-bearing undergraduate certificate geared toward people interested in developing and/or expanding their skills in leading continuous process improvement (Lean) initiatives, will help both individuals and organizations excel in the 21st century.

“Lean” is a system of eliminating wastes in time, resources, and materials thereby increasing value to the customer – in any market, from manufacturing to service sectors. The certificate is designed to increase one’s employment value by gaining a sound, preliminary level grounding in leading organizational change and efforts using Lean principles and methodology. USM LAC promotes the best in leadership knowledge and practice to improve the quality and diversity of leadership in organizations and communities – regionally, nationally and internationally.

The Lean Systems and Methods course, taught by Walter E. Lowell, Ed.D, CPHQ, CCI-P, is an introductory course in applying Lean principles and methods in organizations, including front/back office manufacturing, non-profits, healthcare, IT, education and government. Students will learn basic Lean principles and methods and have an opportunity to observe, practice and apply principles and methods learned. Following this course is a Lean Methods and Systems Practicum which provides an opportunity for students to apply lean principles and methods in the field. Working in teams, students demonstrate the ability to apply learning from the Lean Methods and Systems course as they implement projects designed to enhance value to organizations.

Students who earn this certificate will increase their knowledge of:

• Theories of organizational change and development and the leader­ship of such efforts

• Organizational behavior principles and practices

• Leadership in implementation of Lean systems and methods

Students will assume an orientation which encourages:

• Knowledge of Lean systems and methods

• Self-awareness as a leader and change agent

• Sensitivity to change issues

• Reflective Professional Practice

Students will develop their skills in:

• Leading the planning and implementation of Lean systems and methods

• Implementing continuous change strategies

• Thinking critically about the leadership challenges

• Addressing barriers to implementation and sustainability of Lean systems

• Building relationships

• Motivating individuals, groups, & organizations

Application information is available on the leadership studies website: www.usm.maine.edu/leadership. For more information, please contact USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College at 207-753-6630 or email [email protected].

• One page application process!

• No application fee! (You pay regular tuition, course fees and books only)

• No pre-requisites!

• Attend classes in blended format or online!

• Achievable in one academic year!