IE 5617 · Lean Concepts and Applications

Course Overview

Course: IE 5617 — Lean Concepts and Applications (Undergraduate & Graduate)
Role: Graduate Teaching Assistant
Institution: Northeastern University, Dept. of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering
Terms: Summer I 2023 (Prof. Hugh McManus, 45 students) · Summer II 2023 (Prof. Andrei Guschin, 46 students) · Summer I 2025 (Prof. Hugh McManus, 20 students)

This course covers lean manufacturing principles, value stream mapping (VSM), waste identification, process improvement, and quality tools. Students apply lean thinking to real-world industrial and service contexts.

Responsibilities

• Taught recitation sections, including the ANOVA module
• Developed new instructional materials and slides
• Facilitated in-class exercises and supported VSM workshops
• Held regular office hours; provided detailed written feedback on assignments and projects
• Graded homework, projects, and exams

Selected Student Feedback (Summer 2025)

“You’ve been a great TA for us. You are easily approachable and patient whenever we had doubts.”

“Even when we didn’t directly ask for your help, you were helping us make a better VSM, process, or helping us look at a problem in a different way.”

“Your communication is articulate and you have a natural warmth that makes us feel comfortable. It’s clear that you care about teaching and helping us understand.”

Reflection

Prof. McManus noted that my student evaluation scores were above his historical average for this course — a benchmark that matters because he systematically tracks evaluations across terms. This course deepened my interest in curriculum development: working alongside Prof. McManus to update materials showed me how much thought goes into designing learning experiences that are both rigorous and accessible.