5S is a technique used alongside methodologies such as lean, total quality management and six-sigma for continuous improvement and workplace standardization. Nonetheless, despite the upsurge in the implementation of 5S by lean manufacturing facilities and other industries, educational laboratories appear to be lagging. Taking into consideration the benefits of implementing 5S within industry, it has become crucial to replicate the technique in an educational laboratory to obtain equivalent results. To upgrade educational laboratories into industrial laboratories, 5S (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain) is required to improve the laboratory’s ergonomics that subsequently increases efficiency, productivity, and lessens waste amongst many other benefits. The aim of this study was to: first, standardize the surveying laboratory in Western Kentucky University by implementing 5S. Second, evaluate the impact of 5S based on the chosen performance indicators such as efficiency, workspace, equipment search time, working environment, and safety. To evaluate the impact of 5S on the selected performance indicators, study participants responded to a survey instrument pre and post 5S implementation. In addition, observations were made to assess the impact. The results showed that there was a perceived improvement in efficiency, workspace, equipment search time, working environment and safety.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:WKU/oai:digitalcommons.wku.edu:theses-3076 |
| Date | 01 April 2018 |
| Creators | Ebuetse, Mercy Akunna |
| Publisher | TopSCHOLAR® |
| Source Sets | Western Kentucky University Theses |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Masters Theses & Specialist Projects |
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