Professor Peter Hines, South East Technological University, Ireland
Title: Can Lean Bring Digitalisation, Sustainability & Operational Excellence Together?
Abstract: Lean has evolved over the last 30 years from the application of a set of shop floor tools to an holistic approach employing system and a culture to create a sustainable culture of Continuous Improvement. A range of other improvement approaches such as Six Sigma and Agile are also included within Operational Excellence. Separate to this has been seen the rise of digitalisation and the collection of various technologies under the banner of Industry 4.0. There has also been a growing focus on environmental and social sustainability in the 21st century with an increasing focus on climate change and social equity. As a result there have been a number of approaches competing for airtime, now including the so-called Industry 5.0 which also focuses attention on resilience. The question for the academic and practitioner is how, or indeed whether, these fit together. Based on research and practical experience over the 35 years, Peter will attempt to answer these questions from both a theoretical point or view as well as a wealth of perspectives from industry.
Professor Ton van Kollenburg, Avans University of Applied Science, The Netherlands
Title: Applying Lean in a Wellbeing Economy Abstract: A Wellbeing Economy is built to serve people and the planet—not the other way around. It prioritizes human and environmental needs over relentless economic growth. But how does Lean management fit into this vision? Can it help create a truly sustainable and fair society, or does it need to evolve? Join Ton as he navigates the benefits and challenges of Lean in the context of a Wellbeing Economy. Together, we’ll explore pressing questions like:
- Does Lean need a new True North?
- Is efficiency an obstacle or an enabler of wellbeing?
- Can profitability be truly sustainable?
This won’t be a smooth or easy journey—Ton will openly share his struggles, from practical dilemmas to deeper philosophical reflections. Get ready for a session that will challenge your thinking and inspire new perspectives!
Professor Joanna Czerska, Gdansk University of Technology, LeanQ Team sp. z o.o., Poland
Keynote Speach Title: When and How to Instill Lean Thinking? Abstract: Can Lean be taught in a way that makes it a natural way of thinking rather than just a theory or a set of tools? How can we convince young people, students, and employees that eliminating waste and improving processes is not an obligation, but a path to continuous growth?
I will share my experiences from three areas: working with young people and teachers in the Young Lean Leader program, teaching Lean Thinking at the university, and developing Lean competencies among leaders in companies. I will discuss effective methods for engaging both young and more experienced individuals, the biggest barriers that need to be overcome, and the pitfalls that are easy to fall into. If you want to learn how to shape future Lean leaders and employees, join me! It will be practical, concrete, and based on real-world experiences.
Worshop Title: LEAN Didactics: How to use lean thinking in teaching?
Abstract: Can Lean principles be as effective in education as they are in business? How can we apply Kaizen, Hansei, and Yokoten to improve the teaching process and engage students? During this workshop, we will explore the 10 Kaizen principles in the context of didactics, analyzing both successes and failures in their implementation. We will discuss how to create an environment that fosters reflection, experimentation, and learning through practice. This will be an opportunity to exchange experiences and find solutions that make teaching more effective and engaging. Join to the workshop if you want to look at education through the lens of Lean Thinking and discover how to adapt Japanese practices to modern didactics!
More information soon..