Presentation
Lean for Better Lending
Instituting lean process systems in microfinancing
Presentation Code: VS4-06
Value Stream: VS4 - Lean Beyond Manufacturing
Day & Time: Wednesday, Oct 17, 2012 - 1:30 PM
Length: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Lean is very versatile. That's why Mercy Corps Northwest benefits from lean thinking as a non-profit working in microfinance and economic development. The organization used comprehensive value chain analysis and re-designed its lending process using lean principles. As a result, its lending process is much more efficient and effective. Mercy Corps Northwest has now re-aligned its organization structure to incorporate lean management principles. The results have been very positive, but there have been challenges. Hear the benefits and obstacles Mercy Corps Northwest met with when adopting lean and profit from their experience.
In this presentation:
- Hear why Mercy Corps Northwest decided to use lean processes.
- Examine how lean principles suit non-governmental organizations and non-profits.
- Learn about the benefits and obstacles Mercy Corps Northwest encountered when applying lean.
- Hear how Mercy Corps Northwest hopes to promote lean to its parent organization.
- Take home ideas you can use for your business or organization.
Mercy Corps Northwest
Mercy Corps Northwest was established in 1998, and is a community development financial institution (CDFI) registered with the U.S. Treasury Department. Mercy Corps Northwest is the sole domestic program of Mercy Corps, the international disaster relief and development agency based in Portland, Oregon.Douglas Cooper
Douglas Cooper has been assistant director at Mercy Corps Northwest since 2005. From 1989 to 2003 Doug was president and owner of Menagerie Works and COO and co-owner of Lindco Products Inc, where he implemented a complete restructuring of the firm's manufacturing processes using lean principles. Doug has also been a teacher, counselor and printmaker. He received a BA in philosophy and fine arts from University of California, Berkeley.Value Stream presentations and Special Interest Sessions are open to all registered conference attendees. Once you register for the conference, log-in to your AME Conference Registration Portal. Use your personalized conference scheduler to map out presentations and Special Interest Sessions you plan to attend and register for a tour and workshop.
If you are not registered for the conference, register here:
If you are registered for the conference, login here:


Captain Mark Kelly
Mike Abrashoff
Jason Jennings
Doctor Patricia A. Gabow
Daniel T. Ariens
Once again, the Idea Exchange Café will be open for the interactive sharing of best practices among all participants. There will be six facilitated sessions on a variety of relevant topics taking place over two days. Come for the coffee - stay for the ideas! (read more...)
