Optimizing efficiency and sustainability in higher education: development and validation of a lean thinking adoption instrument
IntroductionLean Thinking has been applied across various sectors to optimize processes and improve efficiency; however, its implementation in higher education still faces methodological and structural challenges.MethodsThis study developed and validated an instrument to measure the application of L...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Education |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1582771/full |
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| author | Andrés Avilés-Noles Fabricio Guevara-Viejó Pedro Javier Fajardo Aguilar Milton Januario Rueda-Varón José Divitt Velosa García |
| author_facet | Andrés Avilés-Noles Fabricio Guevara-Viejó Pedro Javier Fajardo Aguilar Milton Januario Rueda-Varón José Divitt Velosa García |
| author_sort | Andrés Avilés-Noles |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionLean Thinking has been applied across various sectors to optimize processes and improve efficiency; however, its implementation in higher education still faces methodological and structural challenges.MethodsThis study developed and validated an instrument to measure the application of Lean Thinking in Ecuadorian higher education institutions. A cross-sectional empirical design was used, involving 315 university students who responded to a 42-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.ResultsThe results revealed an eight-dimensional factorial structure addressing leadership, long-term thinking, continuous improvement, waste elimination, student value, teaching, research, and community engagement. The instrument showed high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.94; factor loadings > 0.40), convergent validity (AVE > 0.40), and discriminant validity (HTMT < 0.85). Model fit indices confirmed its robustness (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.008, RMSEA = 0.000). Leadership was the highest-rated factor (M = 7.53, SD = 1.09), while research scored the lowest (M = 7.25, SD = 1.13).DiscussionThis validated tool provides a reliable means to assess Lean adoption in higher education. Findings suggest that Lean implementation enhances institutional efficiency and student experience, though sustained impact requires long-term strategies. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-db9ec1fd5ebb43b9bb3203dddf8ecec1 |
| institution | Matheson Library |
| issn | 2504-284X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-db9ec1fd5ebb43b9bb3203dddf8ecec12025-07-29T12:06:38ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Education2504-284X2025-07-011010.3389/feduc.2025.15827711582771Optimizing efficiency and sustainability in higher education: development and validation of a lean thinking adoption instrumentAndrés Avilés-Noles0Fabricio Guevara-Viejó1Pedro Javier Fajardo Aguilar2Milton Januario Rueda-Varón3José Divitt Velosa García4Universidad Estatal de Milagro, Milagro, Provincia del Guayas, EcuadorUniversidad Estatal de Milagro, Milagro, Provincia del Guayas, EcuadorUniversidad Estatal de Milagro, Milagro, Provincia del Guayas, EcuadorFacultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Ean, Bogotá, ColombiaFacultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Ean, Bogotá, ColombiaIntroductionLean Thinking has been applied across various sectors to optimize processes and improve efficiency; however, its implementation in higher education still faces methodological and structural challenges.MethodsThis study developed and validated an instrument to measure the application of Lean Thinking in Ecuadorian higher education institutions. A cross-sectional empirical design was used, involving 315 university students who responded to a 42-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.ResultsThe results revealed an eight-dimensional factorial structure addressing leadership, long-term thinking, continuous improvement, waste elimination, student value, teaching, research, and community engagement. The instrument showed high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.94; factor loadings > 0.40), convergent validity (AVE > 0.40), and discriminant validity (HTMT < 0.85). Model fit indices confirmed its robustness (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.008, RMSEA = 0.000). Leadership was the highest-rated factor (M = 7.53, SD = 1.09), while research scored the lowest (M = 7.25, SD = 1.13).DiscussionThis validated tool provides a reliable means to assess Lean adoption in higher education. Findings suggest that Lean implementation enhances institutional efficiency and student experience, though sustained impact requires long-term strategies.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1582771/fulllean thinkingleadership in educationwaste reductionhigher educationinstrument validation |
| spellingShingle | Andrés Avilés-Noles Fabricio Guevara-Viejó Pedro Javier Fajardo Aguilar Milton Januario Rueda-Varón José Divitt Velosa García Optimizing efficiency and sustainability in higher education: development and validation of a lean thinking adoption instrument Frontiers in Education lean thinking leadership in education waste reduction higher education instrument validation |
| title | Optimizing efficiency and sustainability in higher education: development and validation of a lean thinking adoption instrument |
| title_full | Optimizing efficiency and sustainability in higher education: development and validation of a lean thinking adoption instrument |
| title_fullStr | Optimizing efficiency and sustainability in higher education: development and validation of a lean thinking adoption instrument |
| title_full_unstemmed | Optimizing efficiency and sustainability in higher education: development and validation of a lean thinking adoption instrument |
| title_short | Optimizing efficiency and sustainability in higher education: development and validation of a lean thinking adoption instrument |
| title_sort | optimizing efficiency and sustainability in higher education development and validation of a lean thinking adoption instrument |
| topic | lean thinking leadership in education waste reduction higher education instrument validation |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1582771/full |
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