Continuous Improvement; One Recognizable Approach, One Language and Plenty of Results

Abstract

This paper describes the first results of the Continuous Improvement program at Saxion University of Applied Sciences. The main objective of this research is to characterize the successful elements of the program at the Saxion University of Applied Sciences. The program has trained 1610 out of 2700 employees of Saxion over the past two years. A successful Continuous Improvement program for higher educational organizations should focus on three focus points: leadership, teams and projects. To implement the program there is a need for trained coaches to support the units and the program should be part of the policy of the educational institution to guaranty the sustainability. Further research needs to be done under staff and management to measure the effectiveness of applying the Continuous Improvement Program. Institutions of Higher Education can use the outcomes of our research for stimulating interventions in Continuous Improvement.