1. What was the motivation for this project? Why does the ISE Department need a lean healthcare lab?

There are mutual interests between the ISE Department and Simpler Healthcare. The department is always looking to expand students’ experience in healthcare and Simpler would like recent college graduates to have experience in lean concept directly applied to healthcare.

  1. How much funding will RIT provide for starting this lab facility? Or how is the project being funded?

In an optimal situation, the department should provide space for lab facility, curriculum for a course, continuous maintenance, and management. Simpler would provide continuous financial funding. For example, the Toyota Lab (main benchmarking lab) cost around $20 000 to $30 000 annually. Most of this money comes from grants and donations. The initial investment was made by Toyota Corporation in order to create a partnership with the ISE Department. Further grants were specifically for outreach programs. (Interview Dr. Mozrall for more details on how the Toyota Lab was designed and planned).

In order to request space for the lab, a proposal and funding must be presented to KGCOE (Dean). First step is determining size range. These dimensions will depend on the materials, equipment and activities that will be performed in the lab (wall space, tables, chairs, etc.)

  1. Could you give us a basic description of the scope of the project and what stage the project is currently in? Is that where the project started or has there been significant scope creep since kickoff?

Simpler is looking for students that have experience in lean concept applied to healthcare issues. Interview Mr. Steve Matterson to obtain more information about scope of project. There will be a meeting on April 25th where an A3 will be created to approach this project. Right now the project is an idea that came up while Simpler was visiting the ISE Department.

  1. What types of activities will be offered at this lab?

Simpler will be one of the major stakeholders, therefore will be deciding most of the activities performed at the lab. There will be short and long-term goals that include people working at Simpler (co-ops or full time positions)

  1. Who will have access to the lab?

ISE Staff and student, will hopefully open to other related majors (medical and nursing programs)

  1. Who will be running the clinic?

It has not been decided yet, however there are some faculty that are very much interested in healthcare and lean application

  1. What size staff will the new lab have?

Similar to Toyota lab, will be determined after having initial planning done

  1. What are some of the current issues associated with the completion of the project?
  2. Who else is involved in this project?
  1. Who and how did this idea come up?

Simpler that just hired two ISE students and will start as healthcare consultants

  1. How committed is Simpler with this project?

Very committed, they have been pushing meetings. They have invested a good amount of time.

  1. What would be your role in this project?
  2. Is there a project timeline?
  3. Do you have learning activities planned? What are some parts of the project you would need help with?
  1. Who else should we interview?

Dr. Mozrall

Mr. Matterson

Dr. Proano

Dr. Kuhl

Allison Smith

Sarah Bonzo

ISE Staff