In today’s fast-paced manufacturing environment, continuous improvement is essential for staying competitive and responsive to evolving demands. This course introduces foundational tools and techniques—such as Lean principles, problem-solving frameworks, and quality improvement methods—that empower engineers to rethink processes and eliminate waste. Participants will gain the mindset and skills to lead initiatives that enhance performance across safety, service, and operational KPIs.

• Manufacturing and process engineers seeking to improve operational efficiency.
• Quality engineers and continuous improvement professionals.
• Team leads and supervisors responsible for driving productivity and performance.

• Apply Lean manufacturing principles and identify the eight types of waste in processes.
• Use structured problem-solving tools to define issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Leverage quality improvement tools like affinity diagrams, tree diagrams, and prioritization matrices to drive measurable change.

1 – Importance of Kaizen and Quality

2 – Problem Solving Techniques 

3 – Principles of Lean Manufacturing

4 – Affinity Diagrams and Interrelationship Digraph

5 – Tree Diagrams and Prioritization Matrices

6 – Eight Quality Improvement Tools

Terry Mann

Terry Mann is a senior lecturer with the UW-Madison College of Engineering, and has an active consulting practice assisting companies in the implementation of ISO quality and environmental management system requirements. He is an Exemplar Global Principal QMS Auditor, EMS Auditor, Medical Device Auditor and Senior ASQ Certified Quality Auditor. Terry teaches courses on quality engineering topics, including ISO Standards, Six Sigma, operations management, statistical process control, design of experiments, cellular manufacturing, and facilities layout. He earned his Master of Science degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering from the UW–Madison.