2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Improvement of Course Scheduling Using Lean Six Sigma

Presented at Engineering Technology Division (ETD) Technical Session 4

In this paper, a Lean Six Sigma project aimed at improving the course scheduling process in a large engineering department at Texas A&M University is presented. The current scheduling process faces numerous challenges, including inadequate enrollment capacity, a lack of documentation, and inefficiencies that frustrate students and faculty members alike. By applying the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology, this project identifies critical areas for improvement and proposes a new streamlined scheduling process. Key outcomes include reducing classroom overcapacity and ensuring equitable access to courses. This case study demonstrates how Lean Six Sigma tools can address systemic issues in academic operations, benefiting students, faculty, and administrators.

Authors

Dr. Wei Zhan http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9956-1910 Texas A&M University [biography]

Dr. Wei Zhan is a Professor of Electronic Systems Engineering Technology and the Associate Department Head for Undergraduate Studies for the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University. Dr. Zhan earned his D.Sc. in Systems Science from Washington University in St. Louis in 1991. From 1991 to 1995, he worked at University of California, San Diego and Wayne State University as a postdoctoral researcher and visiting assistant professor, respectively. From 1995 to 2006, he worked in the automotive industry as a system engineer. His research activities include control system theory and applications to industry, fault prognosis, system engineering, robust design, modeling, simulation, quality control, optimization, and educational research.
Dr. Angie Hill Price Texas A&M University [biography]

Dr. Angie Hill Price, Texas A&M University
Dr. Angie Hill Price is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University. She also is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology

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