Browse or search for courses

An introduction to the 8 Wastes (Lean methodology), and how to spot hidden waste in your own processes.

A short how-to guide to creating and using SIPOC analysis in process improvement

A series of 30 minute drop-in sessions to talk with one of the Simplifying our Processes team. We offer expert, impartial advice relating all things process improvement and want to support our colleagues on their own continuous improvement journeys

The Simplifying our Processes team will be available 9-10 and 4-5 every Tuesday and Friday - each hour can be split into two sessions of 30 minutes depending on demand.

5S is defined as a methodology that results in a workplace that is clean, uncluttered, safe, and well organized to help reduce waste and optimize productivity. It's designed to help build a quality work environment, both physically and mentally.

This short virtual session looks at the Lean 5S tool as a way of organising workspace and how this can help wellbeing. It also draws comparisons with the Marie Kondo tidying method.

In preparation for the session, please take a photograph of something that makes you happy.

You will receive joining instructions a few days before the session with instructions on where to upload your photographs.

A curated learning path on working remotely. For more resources see the University of Cambridge's LinkedIn Learning Hub.

The course can be accessed here.

Have you ever wished you could get 10 minutes with a senior colleague to ask their advice on how they would handle something? Have you ever wondered how others approach challenging problems? This is your opportunity to ask. We are bringing together a panel of senior managers and leaders from across the University for a special speed mentoring session so that they can offer you their support and advice.

Speed mentoring offers you the opportunity for a series of short, focused conversations about a specific question or issue you are struggling with. You will rotate around four different mentors, spending around 10 minutes with each, to gain different perspectives on an issue you are seeking to resolve or a project you are trying to progress.

‘ I liked that there were a diverse background of university staff involved in the session, and all of the mentors were really engaged and enthusiastic. I felt that I could be honest about some of my experiences in the University, good and bad. All the mentors I spoke to acted as a good sound board for the issues that I wanted to discuss and they have given me some excellent advice and ideas.’ ‘ I liked that there were a diverse background of university staff involved in the session, and all of the mentors were really engaged and enthusiastic. I felt that I could be honest about some of my experiences in the University, good and bad. All the mentors I spoke to acted as a good sound board for the issues that I wanted to discuss and they have given me some excellent advice and ideas.’

‘The fact that we saw 4 different mentees was brilliant - we gained different perspectives, saw different mentoring types and were also introduced to people and roles we may not have known about.’

Please register for just one of these events.

Tuesday 3rd November 2020 Time: 10.30-11.30

Mentors:

• Jessica Barrick - Deputy Head - Finance and Studentships
• Marie Butcher - Faculty Administrator - Faculty of Human, Social & Political Sciences
• Isobel Humphrey - Assistant Secretary - School of the Humanities & Social Sciences
• Steve Riley - Chief Operating Officer - University Information Services
• Linda Spinks - Process Improvement Manager - ourcambridge
• Dr Susie Wan - Faculty Administrator - Faculty of Economics

Date: Thursday 10th December 2020 Time: 15.30-16.30

Mentors:

• Amanda Hepton-Patchett - Communications Lead - ourcambridge
• Kate Livingstone - Senior User Researcher - University Information Services
• Marita Walsh - Support Services Manager - Department of Chemistry
• Ben Warn - Acting Secretary - School of Arts & Humanities
• Jane Wilkinson - Head - Postgraduate Admissions
• tbc - ? - ?

Please note you will be invited to meet four out of the six mentors listed. Due to the complexity of the scheduling, it is not possible to request particular mentors. You will be sent details of who you will be meeting and the times, in advance. If you foresee any particular difficulty, please email rebecca.shipley@admin.cam.ac.uk

A short course explaining how we identify, map and analyse business processes at the University of Cambridge

A short introduction to De Bono's Six Thinking Hats - a creative thinking tool for creative meetings.

A bite-sized introduction to Understanding Benefits in Lean Management. Please complete the short feedback form (link in interactivity tab next to transcript) to let us know what you think and what we could improve.

An introduction to the questioning techniques 5 Why's and 6 honest men which can be used to understand processes and why things happen in a particular way.

This short video provides an overview of the history and high level principles of Lean as a process improvement methodology.