Professor lauded for research into lean thinking

Joseph Schiele, an assistant professor in the SBA's Decision Information Systems department.

By Claudette Zolkowski, contributing writer

Several recent appointments and grants recognize the significance of Joseph Schiele’s research in government purchasing and the application of lean thinking practices in the public sector.

In addition to his role as an assistant professor in Oakland University's School of Business Administration (SBA), where he specializes in production operations management in the Decision Information Systems department, Schiele was named academic director for OU’s Pawley Lean Learning Institute, where he is responsible for the ongoing management of academic programs.

The institute is a cross-disciplinary endeavor that melds technology, business and human resources into a dynamic curriculum incorporating tools, techniques and management philosophies to streamline process and eliminate waste while enhancing value.

Schiele also was named a Distinguished Faculty Fellow by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing for his work in the public procurement field and named a charter member of the Board of Directors of the newly formed Michigan Lean Consortium.

A recent research grant from the LES Professional Development Foundation will help advance Schiele’s research on the application of lean thinking practices in the public sector, particularly by government purchasing departments.