Force Field Analysis and K. Lewin’s Change Model as leverages of “Lean University” principles in student environment

Abstract

Background. Lean production technologies in medical institutions are deployed within the national program “Healthcare”. The vocational training of medical personnel in lean technologies have become a timely demand. Educational organisations are achieving this goal via including philosophy, the principles and techniques of lean production in curricula and involving students and residents in project activities.Objectives. Assessment of driving and restraining forces in the student community with respect to project activities within the “Lean University” concept initiative.Methods. The study unitised Force Field Analysis and the Kurt Lewin’s 3-stage Model of Change. The sample comprised students of Kuban State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. An anonymous survey of students from two study cohorts (with and without experience in the “Lean University” activities) revealed the main driving and restraining factors shaping the students’ attitude towards the “Lean University” initiative.Results. A total of 1508 students were surveyed. The survey revealed the following major driving forces that motivate students’ project activities: the intention to solve a problem that affects students (60%, experienced cohort), the intention to gain new experience, knowledge and skills (40%, inexperienced cohort). The intention to benefit a university was the second motivating in both respondent cohorts (57 and 36%, respectively).The restraining factors for students to participate are: a lack of free time (over 60 respondents in each cohort), lack of understanding of the project’s matter (over 30% in each cohort), erroneous belief in the infeasibility of remote participation (no or seldom visits to the project’s office) (19% of respondents in inexperienced cohort).Conclusion. Guidelines have been formulated to encourage the student community to develop practical skills in lean technologies for improving the overall internal processes efficiency at a higher educational institution.

Keywords

• lean university
• lean technologies
• project activity
• driving forces
• restraining forces
• resistance to change
• motivation
• student environment