Improvements
2024 to bring continuous improvement
This year, the work on SDU’s simplification model is to be accelerated. The purpose of the model is to free up time and resources for research and teaching by looking at the workflows of administrative tasks.
One focus area of SDU’s new strategy is to bring a continuous improvement process to workflows. In 2024 the process will start in earnest through the use of SDU’s simplification model.
- We are inspired by the ‘Model of Improvement’ practiced in hospitals by the Region of Southern Denmark, which creates value for the patient through high-quality and efficient workflows. At SDU, the initiative will be known as SDU’s simplification model. By means of the model, we’ll explore how SDU’s overall administration can carry out tasks in a better and more optimal way. The goal is continuous improvement, and the simplification model is the means. To facilitate the work, we’re putting together a robust team that can create a culture of improvement at SDU, says University Director Thomas Buchvald Vind.
The robust team spearheading the work on continuous improvement includes Jørgen Ejler Pedersen, who has extensive experience with improvement processes in the Region of Southern Denmark. He is very much looking forward to getting out more in the organisation and assisting with the work on improvement.
- Basically, you could say that we all have two jobs. One is carrying out day-to-day tasks. And the second is developing the process for carrying out the day-to-day tasks. And the fundamental conditions for succeeding in the second job can be greatly enhanced through a common systematic development model, says Jørgen Ejler Pedersen.
Everyone can play a role in simplification.
The improvements at SDU can be worked on by everyone locally, but in some cases the process and improvement work can also be supported by Jørgen Ejler Pedersen and the team.
In 2023, the simplification model was tested in several areas:
- WEB updates
- Implementation of the new law on employment certificates
- The organisation of OSCE exams
- The distribution of classrooms
- WorkZone potential
New areas will follow in 2024, and the simplification model will be rolled out further through a course aimed at managers, who will bring along one or more employees to the course so that together they can turn words into action and action into improvement. You can read more about the course here.
Freeing up time for research and teaching
The simplification model is organised by a steering committee, and according to Thomas Buchvald Vind the model will be used to fulfil the University’s core task.
- Essentially, it’s about trying to free up time for research and teaching. Many employees at the University are involved in administrative tasks, but if we can tweak some processes to make administrative tasks run more smoothly, we’ll also be able to free up time and resources for research and education at the University, he says.
Would you like to know more?
If you would like more information about the upcoming courses or if you have a wish (or an idea) to improve a workflow or an area, please contact Jørgen Ejler Pedersen at jorgenejler@sdu.dk