News

IRRI, IITA, and the Excellence in Breeding (EiB) platform wrapped up the year with a successful Continuous Improvement Lean Practitioner Training last 13-19 October 2022, at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research - Crops Research Institute (CSIR-CRI), Kumasi in Ghana. The training was led in-person by Rhulyx Mendoza, Francis Adunoye and Theresa Olusola (IITA), and virtually coached and mentored by Theresa Heitman (EiB consultant).

The participants, all of which have learned about the CI Lean practice for the first time, gained a better practical understanding of what operational excellence means and were introduced to the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle of improvement. Around 30 participants learned how to identify and describe common issues around their daily work, the basics of project management, set guidelines for how their team will operate, and were oriented on more efficient team management tools and methodologies. 

The course also covered team communication skills concepts that adheres with the Lean improvement methodology. At the core of the training was the importance of fostering a customer-centric continuous improvement mindset and culture within the organization, ultimately to achieve operational excellence. 

“We had a very participative and highly engaged class in general, each readily embracing change in their work outlook and approach using what they have learned about continuous improvement tools and principles,” shared Rhulyx Mendoza, adding that he is proud to be able to expand the cultivation of the CI mindset among other CGIAR and collaborating centers. 

Featured case studies included:

• Improving data collection, turnaround time for data processing and data management for rice and maize

• Seed store management at CRI - Using legumes cold room

• Improving thermotherapy techniques for the production of clean planting materials

Learn more about IRRI CI projects and experiences here

Learn more about the EiB Platform CI Module and Tools here