Budget cuts and the slumping econ-omy have forced many companies to become more efficient and productive – more “lean.” A training tool called Lean Simulation, used by manufac-turing firms, is teaching Bloomsburg University management students to maximize productivity. “The Lean Simulation is a factory training exercise that uses clocks to help businesses streamline manufac-turing processes and eliminate wasted time,” says Stephen Markell, associate professor of management. “Students go through the simulation several times and see improvement each round as the changes are made.” BU’s first Lean Simulation was held in 2008, immediately after Markell returned from a conference in Massa-chusetts. The Lean Simulation kit was obtained through a grant from the National Science Foundation.

“Businesses that attack waste see tremendous improve-ments in their competitive position, their cost structures, their lead times and their re-sponsiveness to customers.”

— Dr. Christian Grandzol—— Assistant Professor—

The Lean Simulation, set up as a traditional factory setting, runs over one full day. The simulation consists of four separate rounds, with a class session between each round to dis-cuss different concepts and how to

improve the process. As each round passes, the production time improves until the students have found the most efficient and effective process. Toyota, the auto maker, originated the Lean manufacturing concept and businesses around the world have implemented the processes to help improve manufacturing performance. At BU, Markell and Pamela Wynn, management professor, believe the

Ten years ago, Bloomsburg University professor Lawrence Kleiman began piecing together a career concentra-tion in human resources with the goal of familiarizing students interested in an HR career path with the knowledge they would need to be successful. In his first year at the University, he put together the 18-credit HR curricu-lum, using several existing classes to complement the new courses created specifically for the program. The most vital aspect of the new concentration, Kleiman believes, is the required in-ternship, which gives students hands-on experience. “We see the internship as a very valuable feature of the concentra-tion,” says Joan Benek-Rivera, Man-agement Department Chair. “It allows

Lean Simulation Improves Students’ Competitive Position

December 2010 Dr. Michael Tidwell, Dean

www.bloomu.edu/cob(570) 389-4745

Society for Human Resource Management Certifies Program

The concentration has also been certified by the Society for Human Re-source Management (SHRM), the na-

Dr. Lawrence Kleiman

Dr. Pamela Wynn

the students to walk away with a good body of knowledge.” The program has been immense-ly helpful for students like Ryan O’Donnell (‘09), who completed two internships working as an HR assis-tant. He emphasizes that many of the skills he learned in the program, such as conducting mock interviews and introvert/extrovert exercises, have helped him in his professional career. Students who take the HR con-centration usually are management, marketing, or communication studies majors who use the concentration to bolster their value for prospective em-ployers. “Having the HR concentra-tion on a resume gives those students an advantage over students in other fields,” says Kleiman.

The world of business is in constant flux, changing course with every eco-nomic report and new innovation. The College Strategic Planning Committee

and graduate programs.” The Strategic Planning Commit-tee is made up of 10 members with representatives from each stakholder group; faculty, students, and the Col-lege Advisory Board. It currently is in the process of laying out the five-year roadmap for the college. “We are in the early stages of updating the plan and have spent the first few meetings focusing on re-writing our vision and mission state-ments,” says Alan Dakey (‘73), mem-ber of the College Advisory Board and President & CEO, Peoples National Bank. “We try to provide input as to how trends in the business world relate to preparing students for their careers and give feedback as to what employers are looking for in terms of skills and qualifications.” The new strategic plan will also include a fundraising component to help provide resources for student professional development. Accord-ing to Tidwell, “the College is working to ensure all students develop the professional skills necessary for suc-cess. We know students study a great curriculum from a tremendous faculty, but the plan will include elements like etiquette training, mentoring, and professional networking opportuni-ties.” Tidwell adds, “With a complete-ly renovated building set to open for fall 2011 and a renewed plan for the future, excellence is within reach.”

College’s Strategic Plan Takes FormLean Simulationcont. from pg. 1

simulation helps students develop the professional management skills many employers are looking for in prospec-tive employees. “We present Lean in a way that helps students understand why simply copying and applying the Lean tools will inevitably fail,” says Chris-tian Grandzol, assistant professor of management. “We discuss the harder, systemic and cultural changes that are necessary to make Lean work.” “It is estimated that around 70 per-cent of what businesses do is waste-ful, and people usually learn to live with it,” says Grandzol. “Businesses that attack waste see tremendous improvements in their competitive position, their cost structures, their lead times and their responsiveness to customers.” After completing the Lean simula-tion, students complete simulation evaluation forms and receive cer-tificates of completion. The student feedback has been encouraging. With classes filling quickly and a number of students returning to assist, the program appears poised for future growth. The faculty credit this success to teamwork and great staff support.

Human Resource Concentrationcont. from pg. 1

tion’s largest HR certification organiza-tion. “The BU program meets all of the required credentialing standards. The program’s certification is a testa-ment to the hard work put forth by the faculty and the result of maintain-ing a high level of excellence,” Kleiman says.

is charting a course for future business leaders by assessing trends and mak-ing sure students leave Bloomsburg University prepared for the future. The strategic plan’s direction is shaped by the college’s vision state-ment: “to be recognized as a leader among regional business schools for our ability to prepare students whose knowledge, skills, and abilities are valued by our stakeholders.” Michael Tidwell, dean of the Col-lege of Business says, “The plan is be-ing designed to act as a roadmap for our future. We will focus our College on areas of growth, such as interna-tional business, fraud examination,

Mr. Alan Dakey (‘73)

Professors in the program also prepare students for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) exam, the HR equivalent to the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This virtu-ally guarantees a job for those who pass the rigorous test. According to Benek-Rivera, BU scores well above

the national average for the percent-age of students passing the exam on the first try. Looking ahead, Kleiman would like to begin implementing new training software to give students even more opportunities to prepare for the busi-ness world.

Happy Holidays!