|
Organizational Learning Systems, Inc. is a specialized practice offering lean systems education
and organizational development support. In addition to manufacturing, the portfolio includes construction and healthcare,
two areas requiring advanced, customized solutions grounded in their own, specific value propositions. On the basis of original
research at Toyota and other leading companies conducted since 1994, OLS has created a lean systems model that leverages the
four factors of lean enterprise competitiveness: superior value proposition, lean governance, coupled systems work flow, and
discretionary employee contributions.
In addition to education, training and
coaching, special emphasis is given to lean transformation support in two areas:
• strategy design assistance for new transformations;
• diagnostic and regenerative interventions in underperforming or stalling transformations.
With estimates
that at least 70% of lean implementations are jeopardized, timely attention to obstacles and targeted remediation are essential
to avoid costly financial implications and, perhaps even more consequential, distrust, cynicism and apathy across the workforce.
Institutional memory threatens to perpetuate such effects for a generation. Over 30 years of research experience on organizational
culture and systems support these areas of practice.
Dr. Knuf founded Organizational
Learning Systems in 1998. He is a former Associate Professor for Organizational Communication and an Associate of the Patterson
School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at the University of Kentucky; prior to that, he served on the faculties of
The Ohio State University and the University of Bonn. After first teaching Japanese management at UK in 1989 and developing
a comprehensive curriculum in organizational culture and leadership, he became one of the original architects of the model
lean systems research and education program created at the invitation, and with financial and mentoring support, of Toyota
Motor Manufacturing between 1994 and 2006, adding the position of Associate Professor for Lean Enterprise Development at the
UK Center for Manufacturing to his duties. In 2005, he joined the Lean Education Academic Network as a founding board member;
this international partnership of universities is dedicated to promoting the development of future leaders of the global lean
enterprise.
|
|
Dr. Joachim KnufPrincipal Dr.
Knuf received his doctorate in social anthropology from the University of Oxford in 1986. His research focuses on the formulation
of a comprehensive ideal model of the lean enterprise system, especially the contribution of human, structural, and strategic
factors to value delivery and competitive differentiation. He promotes an integrated set of practical strategies that help
businesses transform themselves through self-sustaining learning into dynamic customer-and performance-oriented organizations.
Continuous improvement cultures grow from effective communication, strong relationships, respect, and trust grounded in clear
governance structures and standards for operational and management work.
Dr. Knuf has shared his
findings through training and advising leading domestic and international businesses, as well as industrial groups. He is
a regular speaker at conferences and retreats. A series of 10 unique three-hour programs on lean systems was broadcast internationally
by the National Technological University. During his tenure at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Knuf was recognized repeatedly
as a Master Teacher and also received its highest teaching award.
You can contact Dr. Knuf directly at joachim.knuf@leansystemsdesign.com
|
| |
|
|
