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Optimizing efficiency and sustainability in higher education: development and validation of a lean thinking adoption instrument

Andrés Avilés-Noles,Fabricio Guevara-Viejó,Pedro Javier Fajardo Aguilar,Milton Januario Rueda-Varón,José Divitt Velosa García

Published 2025 in Frontiers in Education

ABSTRACT

Lean Thinking has been applied across various sectors to optimize processes and improve efficiency; however, its implementation in higher education still faces methodological and structural challenges.This study developed and validated an instrument to measure the application of Lean Thinking in Ecuadorian higher education institutions. A cross-sectional empirical design was used, involving 315 university students who responded to a 42-item questionnaire. Data were analyzed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.The results revealed an eight-dimensional factorial structure addressing leadership, long-term thinking, continuous improvement, waste elimination, student value, teaching, research, and community engagement. The instrument showed high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.94; factor loadings > 0.40), convergent validity (AVE > 0.40), and discriminant validity (HTMT < 0.85). Model fit indices confirmed its robustness (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.008, RMSEA = 0.000). Leadership was the highest-rated factor (M = 7.53, SD = 1.09), while research scored the lowest (M = 7.25, SD = 1.13).This validated tool provides a reliable means to assess Lean adoption in higher education. Findings suggest that Lean implementation enhances institutional efficiency and student experience, though sustained impact requires long-term strategies.

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