A recent article entitled "Educators could learn a thing or two from the automotive industry, study finds" piqued my interest. 

"...explains how "Lean production" techniques have transformed the

automotive, construction, and service industries as well as healthcare

delivery."

I was hooked.  Clearly here was a model for education from some of the most successful, admired industries in the world.  I did notice that there wasn't much mention of the materials, curriculum, or the students themselves, but then why burden yourself with extraneous details.

Perhaps after these ideas are fully implemented, then our colleges and universities can stand in line to get their bail-out too.