Lean is an approach to organizational processes that seeks to minimize waste and increase value for the customer. Starting off as an approach to manufacturing processes, Lean has expanded even into services industries. If you are interested in learning about the core concepts needed to successfully apply Lean strategies to organizational operations, this course is designed for you.
Key ideas are presented in an easy-to-understand format, with interactive and integrative exercises to help learners better understand the core and fundamental elements of a Lean application. Case studies and video segments from experienced Lean professionals provide real-world advice and counsel for participants, while educational aids and review assignments assist in the comprehension and retention of course material, to ensure proficiency and mastery of critical knowledge and information.
This course provides 1 IACET CEU credits and 10 PMI PDUs (0.75 Leadership; 5.25 Strategic & Business Mgmt; 4 Technical). Students have access to the program for six months.
The Lean Basics Certificate consists of three courses:
After completing this entire certificate, students should be able to complete/discuss each of the following:
Key ideas are presented in an easy-to-understand format, with interactive and integrative exercises to help learners better understand the core and fundamental elements of a Lean application. Case studies and video segments from experienced Lean professionals provide real-world advice and counsel for participants, while educational aids and review assignments assist in the comprehension and retention of course material, to ensure proficiency and mastery of critical knowledge and information.
This course has an "Ask the Expert" feature, which submits your questions directly to an expert in the field you are studying. Questions are answered as quickly as possible and usually within 24-48 hours.
Each course has a link for students to “Report an Error” that connects students to MindEdge’s technical staff. Technical concerns should be directed to MindEdge via the feedback tool within the course. Students will receive an answer by email within 3 business days, whether weekday or weekend.
Students have access to the course for six months. The amount of time needed to finish will vary from student to student, but we estimate that the program will take about 10 hours to complete.
Throughout the program, learners will be tested on their understanding and comprehension of program topics through challenging exercises, and interactive games. Each module also includes comprehensive quizzes and tests that learners can use to gauge their progress Students will receive feedback on both wrong and right answers to quizzes throughout each module.
To obtain the certificate and receive the IACET CEU and PDU credits, students must complete all course work and quizzes within the six month period and score a minimum of 70% on all exams. Students are allowed three attempts on all exams.
All registrants must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Admission is discretionary. The office of Duke Continuing Studies, Professional Certificate Programs, requires students be a least 18 years of age and meet minimum suitability standards. Students are not matriculated Duke University students and university student privileges do not apply to Continuing Studies students.
Duke Continuing Studies reserves the exclusive right, at its sole and absolute discretion, to withhold registration or require withdrawal from the program of any student or applicant.
The materials used in this course, including video lessons, workbooks, quizzes and tests, are copyrighted. They are intended for individual use by registered students. Unauthorized or illegal use, or attempted unauthorized or illegal use, of these materials may result in a suspension and/or cancellation of the user’s account without refund.
In order to receive a certificate from Duke University, students must successfully:
Students must also have the following:
Course materials, such as streaming video lessons, are generally accessible via smart phones, but some functionality may be limited or unavailable. Other devices such as Blackberries may not be supported.
Each course has a link for students to “Report an Error” that connects students to MindEdge’s technical staff. Technical concerns will be directed to MindEdge via the feedback tool within the course. Learners will receive an answer within three days, whether weekday or weekend by email.
Registration is ongoing; therefore students can begin the program when it is convenient for them!
Registration is not available June 21 - June 30 annually due to the close of the fiscal year for the university.
Note: our enrollment system is a separate system from that used for your online training, and therefore, access to the online training is not an automated process upon your registration. Please be aware that there may be a time delay of up to 5 business days before you receive the email with your access to the online program. This delay will not affect your allotted completion time for the program. Please check your spam/junk folder because sometimes the access emails end up there.
Is this program affiliated with any other office at Duke University?
This program is not affiliated with any other Duke office. It is offered exclusively through Duke Continuing Studies in a collaboration with MindEdge.
Does Duke faculty serve as instructors/mentors/subject matter experts in the program?
For programs that include such features (not all do) we have chosen as instructors to use individuals who practice, and in many cases are certified, in the subject matter area being taught to enrich the professional working adult learning experience.
Is this program offered online only?
Yes, this program is exclusively offered online and is self-paced. No classroom-based Lean programs are currently available.
Are books included in the cost of this program?
No, there are no books required for this program. However, students will be able to download materials throughout the program.
Who should take this course?
This course is intended for adult students who are interested in learning about Lean processes.
Do I have to log on a certain times on certain days?
No, these courses are completely self-paced so students may schedule their coursework as they so desire within the allotted access time.
Are there any prerequisites for this program?
No, but we do recommend that students have some prior experience with project and process management practices.
Will the Lean staff assist me in finding a position?
It is incumbent upon the student to seek his/her own employment through their own endeavors. Duke Office of Continuing Studies provides no assistance with job search, career placement and/or internships nor make any claim or warrant this program will result in obtaining a position of a result of completion. While we can’t guarantee you a position will be obtained, we can assure you that you will receive excellent training.
When is registration open?
Students may register between July 1 and June 20 each year. Online registration is available 24/7 and the Office of Continuing Studies is open via phone (excluding Duke Holidays) for registration at (919) 684-6259 (toll free 866-edu-duke) between the hours of 8am and 5pm EST, Monday through Friday. Registration is not available from June 21 - June 30 annually due to the close of the fiscal year for the university.
After registering, when will students receive additional program details?
Registered students, after returning a signed program policy, will receive web access information via email from Duke Continuing Studies within five business days from receipt of the required materials (excluding Duke Holidays).
What is the refund policy for the Lean Basics Certificate?
There are no refunds given for online courses and tuition cannot be applied to other programs offered by Duke Continuing Studies.
How long does the program take to complete?
This access period for this program is six months. Students are able to work through the program at their own pace, thus completion time will vary by student.
How do students earn a certificate of completion from Duke Continuing Studies?
Students who complete all coursework and receive an average score of 70% or higher on all exams within the six month time frame and who have paid tuition in full (upon registration) will receive a downloadable certificate of completion from Duke Continuing Studies.
How do students receive the IACET CEUs and PDUs?
Students must achieve an average test score of at least 70% to meet the minimum successful completion requirement and qualify to receive IACET CEU and PDU credits. Students will have three attempts at all graded assessments.
Is access to a computer required during this program?
This is an exclusively online program and access to a reliable computer is required for the duration of the program.
What are the technical requirements for accessing this online program?
See the Requirements section.
Can students download program files to save for later use?
No, but there are downloadable study materials for the student. All materials used in this course, including video lessons, workbooks, quizzes and tests, are copyrighted. They are intended for individual use by registered students. Unauthorized or illegal use, or attempted unauthorized or illegal use, of these materials may result in a suspension and/or cancellation of the user’s account without refund.
How can students contact technical support?
Each course has a link for students to “Report an Error” that connects students to MindEdge’s technical staff. Technical concerns will be directed to MindEdge via the feedback tool within the course. Learners will receive an answer within three days, whether weekday or weekend by email.
See the Requirements section for supported platforms.
Payment is due in full upon registration. Loans must be certified and approved by Duke Continuing Studies prior to starting program.
There are no books required to be purchased for this program. Students can download material throughout the program.
Active Duke University and Health System staff are eligible to receive a $35 discount on the tuition for this program. In order to take advantage of this discount, you must request it at the time of registration and register via phone at 919-684-6259 during regular business hours. Please note that you cannot register online and receive the discount. Please be prepared to provide your Duke Unique ID and department at the time of registration.
Discount must be requested and applied during the registration process and cannot be applied in addition to any other discount that may be offered.
Do you have a group (Duke or non-Duke entity) interested in training? Contact the Program Manager for details.
No loans can be construed to imply any degree-seeking status for students of Duke Continuing studies. Duke Continuing Studies courses are non-credit.
Duke Continuing Studies (DCS) will not certify (approve) loan amounts greater than the amount of the tuition regardless of the amount approved by the lending agency. DCS reserves the right to reject any loan which exceeds the tuition amount. DCS will not be responsible for refunding monies in excess of the tuition. Students needing to secure loan funding for books or other items in relation to the program are responsible for making separate loan arrangements with the funding agency. No loan funds will be refunded to the student.
Should a student choose to borrow less than the tuition amount, the balance must be paid prior to the close of the registration period.
Our Professional Certificate programs are non-credit (not degree applicable); therefore, they are NOT eligible for federal education loans. DO NOT SUBMIT FAFSA FORMS for these programs. Some of our programs may offer payment plans. Please see individual program web pages for those details.
The funding options listed below may not be applicable to all programs at this time. Please contact the organization offering the funding to see if you qualify and if the funds can be used for the program in which you are interested.
To apply for this private student loan, visit Sallie Mae’s website, and click the I’m ready to apply button. The following application should populate with the pertinent information for Duke Continuing Studies.
Please note that Wells Fargo is no longer accepting new applications for their private student loans. However, students with an outstanding balance on a Wells Fargo private student loan may be eligible to be borrowers on a new private loan. See here for details.
Duke University Hospital employees may be eligible for support from the Employee Development Initiative (EDI), which helps employees pay for short-term career-related programs, workshops, and seminars. For more information, visit the Employee Development Initiative site or call Duke Hospital Human Resources at (919) 668-2170.
The WIA provides professional and basic skills training services to those who have been unable to find employment. Please keep in mind that this process can be lengthy, so plan to apply well in advance of the program start date. For more information on eligibility, the application process, or to find your local Workforce Development Board, visit the NC JobLink Career Center website.
AmeriCorps Education Awards are available only for AmeriCorps volunteers and can be used for educational expenses for non-degree courses, such as Continuing Education courses offered by qualified schools. For more information on qualified schools and programs, contact the National Service Trust at 1-800-942-2677, or visit the FAQ page of the AmeriCorps website.
The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification, or Associates degree in a portable career field and occupation. For more information, please visit the MyCAA website.
Contact our registration office at learnmore@duke.edu for details on how to send wire transfers. Very specific instructions must be followed in order for our office to receive a successful transfer.
There are no refunds or cancellations for online courses.
Course fees and expenses are sometimes tax deductible. Please consult an accountant concerning this matter. Non-credit programs at Duke Continuing Studies do not generate 1098-T forms, in accordance with the following IRS guideline:
