Journal of Management Research and Review (JMRR) · Research article · Open access
Project-Based and Active Learning in Lean Education
Jason Liu, Eli Aba, Calvin Chen
23 March 2026 · Vol. 2, Issue 3, pp. 132-138
DOI: 10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E3/2026-03
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What is this article about?
This study investigates the impact of project based and active learning approaches in Lean education across courses. Motivated by the limitations of traditional lecture based instruction—particularly in developing students’ practical skills, critical thinking, and ability to transfer Lean concepts to real world contexts—the redesigned curriculum integrates hands on, industry based projects using tools such as value stream mapping (VSM), SMED, process data collection, and standardized work.
Article at a glance
- Published
- 23 March 2026
- Volume / issue / pages
- Vol. 2, Issue 3, pp. 132-138
- ISSN
- 3051-3588 (online) · 3051-357X (print)
- Licence
- CC BY 4.0 — free to read and reuse with attribution
- Peer review
- Double-blind, at least two independent reviewers
- Publisher
- EP Journals Group
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of project based and active learning approaches in Lean education across courses. Motivated by the limitations of traditional lecture based instruction—particularly in developing students’ practical skills, critical thinking, and ability to transfer Lean concepts to real world contexts—the redesigned curriculum integrates hands on, industry based projects using tools such as value stream mapping (VSM), SMED, process data collection, and standardized work. An exploratory assessment was conducted through course evaluation surveys administered between 2023 and 2025, comparing student responses before and after the implementation of project based learning. Results from undergraduate and graduate students show substantial improvements in teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving initiative, project management, and depth of conceptual understanding. Students in the project based courses reported markedly higher positive responses, particularly in critical thinking and effective use of team strengths. However, findings also indicate the need for instructors to provide clearer learning goals and additional resources to support independent learning. Overall, the study demonstrates that project based and active learning significantly enhance student engagement, motivation, and Lean competency development. Future work will expand project customization for multidisciplinary cohorts and extend these pedagogical strategies to additional engineering and management courses.
Keywords: Active learning, Lean education, Project-based learning, Student-centered learning
Cite this article
Jason Liu, Eli Aba, & Calvin Chen (2026). Project-Based and Active Learning in Lean Education. Journal of Management Research and Review, 2(3), 132-138. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E3/2026-03
@article{Jason2026,
title = {Project-Based and Active Learning in Lean Education},
author = {Jason Liu and Eli Aba and Calvin Chen},
journal = {Journal of Management Research and Review},
year = {2026},
volume = {2},
number = {3},
pages = {132-138},
doi = {10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E3/2026-03},
url = {https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E3/2026-03}
}Questions about this article
Who wrote this article?
Jason Liu, Eli Aba, Calvin Chen.
Where and when was it published?
In Journal of Management Research and Review, Volume 2, Issue 3, pages 132-138, published by EP Journals Group on 23 March 2026.
Is this article free to read?
Yes. It is open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) licence, so anyone can read, share and reuse it with attribution.
What is the DOI of this article?
10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E3/2026-03 (https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E3/2026-03).
How do I cite this article?
APA: Jason Liu, Eli Aba, & Calvin Chen (2026). Project-Based and Active Learning in Lean Education. Journal of Management Research and Review, 2(3), 132-138. https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jmrr/V2E3/2026-03
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