|
|
1. Lean Training: Lean Culture-building Sessions |
by Wendy Davis, manager, process improvement
Michigan Tech has received funding through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to improve labor-management relations and communication on campus--by implementing a Lean culture-building model and approach to continuous improvement.
The grant has allowed Tech to deepen Lean knowledge and culture, which will be applied throughout campus. Currently two cohorts of employees are being trained: 27 employees as Lean Facilitators and seven employees as Lean Implementation Leaders.
The grant also provides the opportunity for Lean sessions that are free and open to everyone on campus.
President Mroz encourages all staff and faculty to attend: "Over the past five years, our process improvement efforts using Lean methods here at Michigan Tech have resulted in many benefits to the University. These include significant monetary savings, streamlined work processes, and stronger employee relations as employees are becoming engaged and empowered as problem solvers using Lean thinking. It is my hope that we can build upon these successes through expanding this approach to continuous improvement. That begins with each of us becoming familiar with Lean concepts and practicing them within our own work. I encourage each of you to attend the upcoming training opportunities to begin or to continue your Lean learning, and help us meet our strategic goals through our Lean efforts."
Here is the schedule for the sessions:
* July 31--Empowerment, Respect, and Lean: Learn about what many refer to as "Lean Culture," empowering and engaging employees in problem solving.
* Aug. 14--Plan, Do, Check and Adjust: Explore how the "PDCA" cycle can support plans for improvement in your work.
* Sept. 26--5S: It's Not What You Think: 5S is a work-space organization tool. Learn how you can use it and reap the benefits.
* Oct. 23--Who is my Customer and Why Should I Care? Understand the importance of "customer-defined value" and how it can enrich your approach to making improvements.
* Nov. 6--A Personal Approach to Becoming a Lean Thinker: A presentation and exercise will help you explore your approach and journey to become a Lean thinker.
All sessions are 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge.
Lean consultants--Larry Osentoski of Drive Developments Inc. and Mike Taubitz of Lean Journey LLC--will present each session.
For more information, contact Wendy Davis at 487-3180 or visit www.mtu.edu/improvement . |
|
|
2. Tech Hosts Maritime Institute for Teachers |
Nineteen middle and high school teachers from all over Michigan will hit the road this week (July 16-20) to learn firsthand about Great Lakes shipping. Tech is sponsoring the five-day Great Lakes Maritime Transportation Teacher Institute that will include visits to Sault Ste. Marie, Manistique and Marquette.
The teachers will learn about water levels, dredging, lock operation, homeland security, ore boats, mines, shipping, lighthouses, Great Lakes navigation and other topics during sessions with the Army Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard and others involved in Great Lakes shipping.
Then the teachers will discuss how to bring what they've learned back to their classrooms.
The Maritime Teachers Institute coordinator is Joan Chadde, education programs coordinator of Michigan Tech's Center for Science and Environmental Outreach. Support was provided in part by the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute and the Center for Freight and Infrastructure Research and Education at the University of Wisconsin‐Madison. |
|
|
3. Healthy Tip of the Week |
brought to you by HuskyPAW
On long trips, pack some fresh fruit, cut-up vegetables, low-fat string cheese sticks or a handful of unsalted nuts to help you avoid stopping for sweets or fatty snacks. Don't forget to stay hydrated; bring along some water.
|
|
|
4. Rozsa, VPA Announce 2012-13 Season |
by Bethany Jones, marketing manager, Rozsa
The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts and the Department of Visual and Performing Arts announce their 2012-13 season.
Sept 15: the Lyra Baroque Orchestra, whose commitment to early music and period instruments enhance their distinctive, historically informed style.
Dec. 8: the Hampton [Rock] String Quartet, accompanied by the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, plays classically influenced arrangements of well-known rock songs.
January: the Russian National Ballet Theatre will perform two timeless ballet pieces, "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty."
February: the Acting Company from the Gershwin Theater in New York City presents Shakespeare's "As You Like It."
March 6 and 7: Calamity Jeanne, a cabaret band from Paris, makes its US debut with an evening of jazz--a unique sound that is at once Cuban, Caribbean, bluesy, folky, funky, a little French, a little English and entirely one of a kind.
March 19 and 20: Ember and Poki's Button Wagon, an avant-garde mime and contortionist duo from New Orleans, presents a show of mixed-up proportions and mind-bending contortions.
The Department of Visual and Performing Arts will produce five plays, capping the year with a production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in April.
Susanna Brent, director of the Rozsa, says, "We have a strong lineup of classics this year, and some very unique performances that will present something new to the area. We hope our audiences will enjoy all the variety that the 2012-13 season offers."
Subscription sales begin the first week of August. Single ticket sales begin the first week of September. To purchase tickets, contact Ticketing Services at 487-2073, or go online at rozsa.tickets.mtu.edu .
For more information, contact Bethany Jones at 487-1836 or at bjones@mtu.edu . |
|
|
