Workshops to focus on leadership skills and lean manufacturing

The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) is partnering with the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) to present two workshops that assist manufacturers’ implementation of lean processes for product development and execution of focused strategies for accomplishing company objectives.

Designing the Future Remotely: A Lean Product Development Immersive Learning Experience. This live online event will run May 9-13 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants will learn to focus and work as a team to gain a deep understanding of what customers want, then develop efficient and effective processes to consistently create and deliver exceptional products and services. Some effective tools that often are used to undertake this approach include initial concept papers as well as charts and graphs in a war room or “big room” setting, which is the meaning of the often-used Japanese term “obeya.”
“This workshop is ideal for individuals involved in all phases of product development, continuous improvement as well as managers and other company leaders,” said Erica Cheetham, RCBI director of Quality Services. Apply for this free workshop at www.mfg.marshall.edu/designingthefuture.

Aligning and Executing on Your Company Objectives: The Hoshin Kanri Method. This in-person workshop will run June 8-9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at RCBI Huntington. Participants will learn to engage all levels of an organization in developing and deploying an effective approach for achieving annual objectives while tracking progress using the Hoshin Kanri strategy. Through immersive simulations of situations likely to be encountered in the business world, they will debate, reach consensus, then make decisions that align with an overall mission.

“This course is an excellent opportunity for company executives and managers to develop and hone their leadership skills, particularly for business leaders who experienced or still face disruptions to operations, such as continuing impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic or downturns in industries such as mining,” Cheetham said. Apply for this free workshop at www.mfg.marshall.edu/hoshinkanri.

Seating for both workshops is limited. Preference will be given to West Virginia manufacturers. The workshops are presented by RCBI’s EDA University Center. For more information, contact Cheetham at or 304.781.1687.

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