Case Study: Lean Construction MOOC

Introduction to Lean Construction (Massive Open Online Course)

“By offering this free resource, we aim to empower professionals at all levels to embrace lean principles and drive sustainable growth and success within their organisations.” - Dr Trevor McSharry, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering & Construction at ATU Sligo

The Challenge​

Lean thinking improves business effectiveness by aligning company's capabilities, processes, and systems with the needs of customers.​

 By using a Lean continuous improvement approach, companies can maximise value for customers by being more productive, competitive, and capable of innovation. ​

 However, the construction industry is slow to adopt new technology and processes. The challenge is how can the industry increase the uptake of lean thinking and processes in the construction sector.

The Proposal​

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo assessed the success of the Lean Quality Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and set about developing a Lean Construction MOOC that would increase the level of knowledge of lean principles in the construction sector.​

 The Introduction to Lean Construction MOOC is a free online short course delivered through ATU's online learning platform (freecourses.atu.ie). ​

The development of the course has been funded by the Higher Education 4.0 Project under the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 3.

The Solution​

Supported by Lean Construction Ireland (LCi) and Construction Industry Federation (CIF), this pioneering initiative aims to provide the construction industry with an accessible, high-quality introduction to lean construction principles at no cost.

The Result​

Undertaking this course will empower learners to begin their lean journey towards optimising efficiency, minimising waste, and ultimately enhancing productivity in construction projects.​

 Through a series of engaging online modules, participants will gain insights into lean principles, such as Value Stream Mapping, Construction Waste, Lean Tools (Last Planner, Fishbone, Pareto), Lean Management and Lean Visual Management.​

 The programme is delivered by video lectures, industry-based recorded interviews, quizzes and additional resources on Lean Construction topics.​

• The MOOC was launched in March 2024.​
• Over 100 learners completed the MOOC.​
• And more than 200 actively engaging in the course to date.

Quote​

“We are delighted to support ATU in launching the 'Introduction to Lean Construction MOOC', which complements LCi's White Belt training course. This initiative exemplifies the power of partnership in driving positive change and innovation in education and industry.​

 “The Irish construction sector is going through significant change as it responds to the need to achieve greater productivity, deliver sustainable infrastructure, and embrace new techniques and digital technologies.​

 “By equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to adopt lean principles, we are paving the way for a more efficient, sustainable, and lean construction sector.”  - Richard Fitzpatrick, Chair of Lean Construction Ireland (LCi)