National Conference on 'Lean Management'

Professor Gayvoronskaya was joined by Olga Pavlova, Deputy Regional Governor, and Irina Kirilova, from the Regional government's HR Department. The conference was held at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, and was sponsored by the Ministries of Finance, Trade & Industry, and Health, whose staff also actively participated in proceedings. There were many seminars and presentations associated with 'Russian and Worldwide Trends in Project Management', the theme of the meeting. Speakers gave talks on all aspects of management, from local to national level, from training to monitoring, and evaluating projects. Professor Gayvoronskaya's talk was on the 'Lean University'. She spoke about implementing 'Lean' ideas in various systems.

'Lean Production' as a modern concept originated in Japan in the 1970s, but the ideas behind it have preoccupied economists ever since. The concept was alien to the old Soviet system, noted for its inefficiency, and this is why it has become a hot topic in Russia as we reorganise our economy for the future. This conference is a major part of this process, and it draws delegates from across the former Soviet Union. The Professor's work is at the forefront of economics in Russia and influences many of her professional peers.