How to Get Involved

Lean Community of Practice

A Community of Practice is a group of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.  COPs are important to connect people, stimulate learning, improve skills, share knowledge, and generate new knowledge and much more. 

Lean, at its core, is about practicing respect for people and continuous improvement every day, with everyone, and in every situation. 

Kent State's Lean Community of Practice - What a perfect fusion!

Become a part of the Community

2024 Upcoming Meetings:

All sessions are conducted as Virtual Teams Meetings held the third Tuesday from 2:00 - 3:00 pm in the Fall and Spring Terms.

  • February 20, 2024
  • April 16, 2024
  • September 17, 2024
  • November 19, 2024

Lean Practitioner Certification

In Lean Practitioner Certificate, participants will gain the skills necessary to make significant process improvements. You will learn to identify waste in your processes, as well as utilize the tools and techniques needed to eliminate it. This intensive program uses a combination of practical examples and hands-on simulations to ensure that you not only learn, but also master the concepts needed to make a Lean transformation. It is offered two times a year.

Topics include:

  • DMAIC process improvement
  • Fundamental Concepts of Lean Kaizen
  • Value Stream Mapping
  • Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving
  • 5S+/Visual Workplace
  • Mistake Proofing
  • Continuous Improvement in Daily Work

Dates of Program - 2024

  • April - weeks of the 8th and 22nd
  • October/November - weeks of Oct 28th and Nov 11th 

How to Apply for this Program

The Lean Practitioner Certification Program includes five full days** of training delivered over two to three weeks. **Currently, the program is offered online and consists of 8 days (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) spread over 3 weeks. 

You may apply as a team consisting of 4-6 people, or you may apply as an individual. The Lean Office will work with you to help you identify a project you can use for the class.

In order to receive the Lean Practitioner Certification, please be ready to attend all sessions.

Apply to be a Lean Practitioner