Synopsis
This book provides a comprehensive introduction to operational excellence (OPEX) and its potential benefits in the public sector, offering a practical roadmap for preparation, implementation, and long-term sustainability. Through real-world case studies from diverse public sector organisations — including healthcare, law enforcement, higher education, and local government — it illustrates how various OPEX methodologies can drive efficiency and effectiveness.
While many public sector organisations have embraced methodologies like Kaizen and Lean, sustaining OPEX initiatives remains a challenge. Few have fully integrated Lean Six Sigma due to cultural resistance, a lack of formal infrastructure, limited skills and competencies, insufficient visionary and strategic leadership, low awareness of the integrated approach, and limited strategic alignment. Senior management often fails to prioritise OPEX, leaving critical improvement opportunities untapped. This book addresses these challenges, equipping leaders with the knowledge and tools to successfully implement and sustain OPEX in the public sector.
About the Authors
Martin Brenig-Jones is Executive Chair of Catalyst Consulting Ltd, UK. Previously, he held senior executive roles at British Telecom (BT). With extensive experience in quality, programme and project management and process improvement, he is a British Quality Foundation-certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt who has trained and coached leaders worldwide. Martin regularly speaks at conferences, and has authored and co-authored a number of publications, including Lean Six Sigma for Dummies (Wiley). He holds a bachelor's degree in electronic engineering and a postgraduate diploma in management from the University of Liverpool and is a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology.
Sanjay Bhasin is a professor of innovation and operational excellence and an honorary professor of professional practice at the University of Buckingham, UK. He is an accredited senior operational excellence practitioner who has held high-ranking managerial positions in the industrial, education, and public sectors, including as head of continuous improvement at the Probation Service across England and Wales. He is a certified Master Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma. Prof. Bhasin has authored numerous articles and two books, and is a regular speaker at international conferences. He obtained his PhD from Aston University.
Dr Raja Jayaraman obtained his PhD in Industrial Engineering from Texas Tech University, Lubbock, USA. Prior to this, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from New Mexico State University, USA, and master's and bachelor's degrees in Mathematics from universities in India. Prior to joining New Mexico State University, he was working at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Dr Jayaraman has also worked at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA. His research interests include optimisation methods, healthcare systems engineering, supply chains, logistics, and quality engineering.
Dr Beth Cudney is a professor of data analytics at the John E Simon School of Business at Maryville University, and president of Cudeny Consulting Group. She obtained a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University, a master's in mechanical engineering and MBA from the University of Hartford, and a doctorate in engineering management from the University of Missouri-Rolla, USA. Prof. Cudney is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and an ASQ-certified quality engineer. She has authored several books and over 125 journal papers.
Dr Michael Sony is a Senior Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, UK. Prior to this, he was a Senior Lecturer in Digital Business at Wits Business School, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. He was also the program director of the post-graduate program as the Chair of Digital Business at Wits Business School. He has previously worked at Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia, as a Senior lecturer in Industrial Engineering. He holds a PhD (Operations Management) and Master of Engineering degree (Industrial Engineering) from Goa University, India. He has authored 76 research articles in various international journals and has written two books. Dr Sony also has industrial experience in the power, mining, and manufacturing sectors, including senior management positions. Additionally, he has consulting experience in the areas of operations management and industrial engineering. His research interests include Industry 4.0, Quality 4.0, operational excellence, and digital transformation.
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