Request for Proposal ListingsLean Management Systems & Leadership (OSCM 395)

Lean Management Systems & Leadership (OSCM 395)

Ferris State University
Lean Management Systems & Leadership (OSCM 395)
01/19/2026 to 05/01/2026
Lisa Eshbach
Collaboration Overview
About Students
Students in this course are upper-level undergraduates studying operations and supply chain management. They possess foundational knowledge of lean systems, value stream mapping, workflow design, and continuous improvement methodologies. Many bring workplace experience from part-time or full-time roles, making them practical, grounded problem-solvers. They are eager to work directly with industry partners, learn new contexts, and contribute meaningfully to operational performance. 
About Program Goals
This course prepares students to understand and implement lean management systems. Core learning goals include: 

  • Developing a deep understanding of lean principles, waste identification, standardized work, and visual controls

  • Using process mapping techniques (e.g., SIPOC, swimlane diagrams, value stream mapping) to understand how work flows

  • Identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities

  • Applying continuous improvement tools such as Standardized Work, 5S, root-cause analysis, A3 and basic time studies

  • Practicing leadership behaviors that support lean cultures, including coaching, communication, and frontline engagement

  • Producing actionable improvement recommendations that align with real business needs
About the Collaboration Format
In a Live Case Experience, your organization partners with an entire class of students who act as consultants on a real business challenge. Students are divided into small teams, each analyzing your situation from a unique angle and competing to develop the most effective insights and recommendations. 

Over the course of the term, students research your operations, apply classroom concepts, and present their findings and solutions directly to your team. You’ll meet with them at key points for a kickoff, weekly/every other check-ins, midterm feedback, and a final presentation. 

This format allows your organization to: 

  • Gain fresh perspectives and data-backed ideas on a real challenge.

  • Engage with emerging talent trained in modern tools and methodologies.

  • Build your brand on campus and scout potential recruits.

  • Contribute to lean and process improvement experiential learning that connects academia and industry.

The result: meaningful insights for your business, a rewarding learning experience for students, and a lasting relationship between your organization and the university.
Benefits for Industry Partners
Why Participate:
Engaging with OSCM 395 provides organizations with a unique opportunity to receive operational insights while supporting workforce development in supply chain and lean operations. 

Ideal Outcomes for Partners: 

  • Fresh, unbiased analysis of real operational, logistical, or process-based challenges

  • Multiple teams generating diverse solutions, workflows, and improvement ideas

  • Exposure to emerging lean management tools and data-driven decision-making

  • Opportunity to mentor future supply chain talent and evaluate potential hires

  • Strengthened ties to a university committed to industry partnership and applied learning
Program Details

Students Include: Bachelor Degree

Students Enrolled:  Students Enrolled

Program Duration: 14 weeks

Program Launch Date: 01/19/26

Program End Date: 05/01/26

Student Commitment: 4-7 Hours hrs/week

Course Format: Live Case, Multiple Projects Multiple Teams

Modality: Fully Remote

# of Projects: 1

View All Program Details

Project Requirements

Industry Partner Requirements
Project Topics Data Management Inventory Management Leadership Lean Systems and Process Improvement Operational Performance and Metrics Operations Organizational Culture Quality Control
Location Preferences

Located Anywhere

Compensation

No Compensation Required

Sponsorship

Sponsorship Requested (Optional):

Pre-Revenue Startup a contribution amount between $ to $

Growth Startup a contribution amount between $ to $

Small to Medium Business a contribution amount between $ to $

Large Enterprise a contribution amount between $ to $

Government Organization a contribution amount between $ to $

Non-Profit a contribution amount between $ to $

Other Requirements
  • Provide access to supervisors, frontline employees, or team leads for interviews
  • Share relevant cultural or training materials to help students understand the leadership environment
  • Attend weekly check-ins and participate in review sessions
  • Offer timely, constructive feedback throughout the project
  • Join final presentations and help evaluate team recommendations
Project Management Time Commitment 2 Hours per week
Interested Industries Aerospace & Defense Agriculture & Farming Arts & Recreation Biotech & Pharmaceuticals Computers & Hardware Construction, Repair & Maitenance Consulting & Professional Services Consumer Products & Services Education & Ed-Tech Energy & Utilities Fashion & Apparel Finance & Investment Food & Beverage Government Health Care & Life Sciences Insurance Manufacturing & Industrial Media, Publishing & Content Natural Resources Non-Profit & Social Impact Public Works Real Estate Restaurants, Hospitality & Food Service Retail & E-Commerce Semiconductor Software, AI & Data Sports & Entertainment Telecommunications Transportation & Logistics Travel & Tourism
Skills & Expertise
Continuous Improvement Dashboard Creation Data Collection Five S Implementation Leadership Communication Lean Management Operational Diagnostics Performance Measurement Problem Solving Frameworks Process Mapping Professional Presentation Skills Root Cause Analysis Stakeholder Interviewing Standardized Work Development Systems Thinking Team Collaboration Time Studies Value Stream Mapping Visual Management Tools Waste Identification Workflow Analysis
Key Program Dates Due Date
Request for Proposal published

Collaboration request published. Industry Partners may express interest in participating.

Nov 13 2025, 05:57 PM UTC
Interview

Educators will begin interviewing interested Industry Partners to discuss project ideas.

Nov 19 2025, 05:57 PM UTC
Proposal Application Deadline

Final date for Industry Partners to express interest in participating.

Dec 29 2025, 05:57 PM UTC
Finalize Project Charter

Educators and Industry Partners finalize project charters, legal documents, and background materials.

Jan 05 2026, 05:57 PM UTC
Official Program Launch

We’ll find a time on this day for you to meet with the students to kick off your project.

Jan 19 2026
Official Program End

We’ll find a time on this day for you to meet with the students to wrap up your project.

May 01 2026

* We’ve got some inspirational project ideas below! These are related project topics that you can mix and match the components for the best cross-functional project experience possible.

See Examples

Data Management

See Examples

Inventory Management

See Examples
?

Leadership

See Examples
?

Lean Systems and Process Improvement

See Examples
?

Operational Performance and Metrics

See Examples

Operations

See Examples

Organizational Culture

See Examples

Quality Control

Program Overview
Program Title Lean Management Systems & Leadership (OSCM 395)
Organization Ferris State University
# of Students Enrolled
0
# of Projects Running
2 Project/s Added (of 1 Project Expected)

Program Timeline

Project Duration

Start Date: 01/19/26      End Date: 05/01/26

3 months
Collaboration Overview
About Students

Students in this course are upper-level undergraduates studying operations and supply chain management. They possess foundational knowledge of lean systems, value stream mapping, workflow design, and continuous improvement methodologies. Many bring workplace experience from part-time or full-time roles, making them practical, grounded problem-solvers. They are eager to work directly with industry partners, learn new contexts, and contribute meaningfully to operational performance. 

Student Level:   Bachelor Degree

Student Time Commitment:   Full Time

Team Structure:   3 - 6

Program Goals
This course prepares students to understand and implement lean management systems. Core learning goals include: 

  • Developing a deep understanding of lean principles, waste identification, standardized work, and visual controls

  • Using process mapping techniques (e.g., SIPOC, swimlane diagrams, value stream mapping) to understand how work flows

  • Identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities

  • Applying continuous improvement tools such as Standardized Work, 5S, root-cause analysis, A3 and basic time studies

  • Practicing leadership behaviors that support lean cultures, including coaching, communication, and frontline engagement

  • Producing actionable improvement recommendations that align with real business needs
Format Structure

Multiple Projects Multiple Teams
Format Title Live Case
Format Description
In a Live Case Experience, your organization partners with an entire class of students who act as consultants on a real business challenge. Students are divided into small teams, each analyzing your situation from a unique angle and competing to develop the most effective insights and recommendations. 

Over the course of the term, students research your operations, apply classroom concepts, and present their findings and solutions directly to your team. You’ll meet with them at key points for a kickoff, weekly/every other check-ins, midterm feedback, and a final presentation. 

This format allows your organization to: 

  • Gain fresh perspectives and data-backed ideas on a real challenge.

  • Engage with emerging talent trained in modern tools and methodologies.

  • Build your brand on campus and scout potential recruits.

  • Contribute to lean and process improvement experiential learning that connects academia and industry.

The result: meaningful insights for your business, a rewarding learning experience for students, and a lasting relationship between your organization and the university.
Benefits For Industry Partners
Why Participate:
Engaging with OSCM 395 provides organizations with a unique opportunity to receive operational insights while supporting workforce development in supply chain and lean operations. 

Ideal Outcomes for Partners: 

  • Fresh, unbiased analysis of real operational, logistical, or process-based challenges

  • Multiple teams generating diverse solutions, workflows, and improvement ideas

  • Exposure to emerging lean management tools and data-driven decision-making

  • Opportunity to mentor future supply chain talent and evaluate potential hires

  • Strengthened ties to a university committed to industry partnership and applied learning
Project Modality Fully Remote
Industry Partner Requirements to Participate
Project Topics Data Management Inventory Management Leadership Lean Systems and Process Improvement Operational Performance and Metrics Operations Organizational Culture Quality Control
Target Industries Aerospace & Defense Agriculture & Farming Arts & Recreation Biotech & Pharmaceuticals Computers & Hardware Construction, Repair & Maitenance Consulting & Professional Services Consumer Products & Services Education & Ed-Tech Energy & Utilities Fashion & Apparel Finance & Investment Food & Beverage Government Health Care & Life Sciences Insurance Manufacturing & Industrial Media, Publishing & Content Natural Resources Non-Profit & Social Impact Public Works Real Estate Restaurants, Hospitality & Food Service Retail & E-Commerce Semiconductor Software, AI & Data Sports & Entertainment Telecommunications Transportation & Logistics Travel & Tourism
Skills & Expertise Continuous Improvement Dashboard Creation Data Collection Five S Implementation Leadership Communication Lean Management Operational Diagnostics Performance Measurement Problem Solving Frameworks Process Mapping Professional Presentation Skills Root Cause Analysis Stakeholder Interviewing Standardized Work Development Systems Thinking Team Collaboration Time Studies Value Stream Mapping Visual Management Tools Waste Identification Workflow Analysis
Location Information & Preferences

Located Anywhere

Sponsorship

Sponsorship Requested (Optional):

Pre-Revenue Startup a contribution amount between $ to $

Growth Startup a contribution amount between $ to $

Small to Medium Business a contribution amount between $ to $

Large Enterprise a contribution amount between $ to $

Government Organization a contribution amount between $ to $

Non-Profit a contribution amount between $ to $

Compensation

No Compensation Required
Other Requirements
  • Provide access to supervisors, frontline employees, or team leads for interviews
  • Share relevant cultural or training materials to help students understand the leadership environment
  • Attend weekly check-ins and participate in review sessions
  • Offer timely, constructive feedback throughout the project
  • Join final presentations and help evaluate team recommendations
Expected Time Commitment For Project Managers 2 Hours per week
Key Program Dates Due Date
Request for Proposal published

Collaboration request published. Industry Partners may express interest in participating.

Nov 13 2025, 05:57 PM UTC
Interview

Educators will begin interviewing interested Industry Partners to discuss project ideas.

Nov 19 2025, 05:57 PM UTC
Proposal Application Deadline

Final date for Industry Partners to express interest in participating.

Dec 29 2025, 05:57 PM UTC
Finalize Project Charter

Educators and Industry Partners finalize project charters, legal documents, and background materials.

Jan 05 2026, 05:57 PM UTC
Official Program Launch

We’ll find a time on this day for you to meet with the students to kick off your project.

Jan 19 2026
Official Program End

We’ll find a time on this day for you to meet with the students to wrap up your project.

May 01 2026
Lisa Eshbach
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Jordan Levy
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FunFusers
Co-Founder @ Fun Fusers for 6 year(s)
Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies
View Profile
Burkett Restaurant Equipment and Supplies

Resources

Links & Documents
OSCM 395 Lean Management Systems and Leadership Course Project Overview pdf
Previous Projects Showcase (Caterpillar, General Mills, Pratt & Whitney)
LinkedIn Showcase

Projects

Filters
Project Organization Topics
Streamlining Burkett's Order Fulfillment Process Burkett Restaurant Equipment and Supplies Lean Systems and Process Improvement Operational Performance and Metrics Operations Organizational Culture Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain