What is the Pawley Lean Institute?

Maximized efficiency, increased productivity, greater customer satisfaction…today’s businesses need it all to compete in the global marketplace. From students garnering a solid educational foundation before they enter the business world, to business leaders learning how to streamline practices, to schools and nonprofits discovering ways to improve the bottom line so they can focus on the job at hand, the Oakland University Pawley Lean Institute provides the tools for success. 

Established in 2002 by Dennis Pawley (SEHS ’82), Oakland University Board of Trustees chair, the Pawley Lean Institute has made a significant impact on business learning. By sharing Lean thinking concepts and practices via OU courses, student labs and projects, and external training workshops, the institute puts a new face on business strategy.
 
“The Lean philosophy focuses on streamlining processes, eliminating waste, increasing profit margins, improving customer satisfaction and value and maximizing success,” said Linda Robak, Director of Operations and Development, Professional Development and Education Outreach in OU’s School of Education and Human Services. “It is a proven business model that can be applied across the board. Schools and non-profits can benefit as successfully as industry and manufacturing.”
 
The Pawley Lean Institute is operated by experts. Advisory board members, staff and educators have used Lean business practices in both large and small corporations throughout the region. With experience at such companies as Chrysler, DTE Energy, TESCO Engineering and MSX International, the Pawley Lean Institute staff share hands-on knowledge about how to create change through Lean thinking from their own business and industry experiences.
 
The Pawley Lean Institute offers Lean learning in several formats including courses for credit, the Pawley Institute Learning Lab, workshops and training.
 
For more information, visit www.oakland.edu/lean or call (586) 263-6242.