Remembering the Soup

Recently in a conversation with friends at work I brought up a memorable experience from years ago. While studying for my MBA, I had the opportunity to attend a term at the University of Virginia focused on manufacturing management. One of the first things that came to mind was that the lady who operated the dining facility specialized in soup. We had a variety of soups at lunch and dinner each day and I doubt that we were ever served the same soup twice.

The memories of my time in Charlottesville are still vivid today so many years later. The schedule was filled each day with lectures and team exercises where we reviewed case studies and made recommendations of our findings. The group was small, about twenty, and we worked from early in the morning until late into the evening. It was here that I had my first exposure to simulation modeling which became a valuable skill.

The three professors who guided us on our journey were all well-known and had authored text books that I had read as an undergraduate. While I cannot remember their names, what I learned in those weeks impacted my career by exposing me to the value of process analysis. Later in my career I built on this foundation studying under Joseph Juran and W. Edwards Deming adding statistical analysis to my repertoire of skills.

We did have time to enjoy the city of Charlottesville. We toured Jefferson’s home at Monticello and experienced the historical significance of one of our founding fathers. I nearly had an opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride, but the Sunday morning it was scheduled was very windy and thus we were cancelled.

While only a few weeks in duration, the experience was a cornerstone in my educational journey and set me on a pathway to apply analytical techniques from my early days in manufacturing, to my years as a consultant and finally in higher education.

My friend thought it interesting that I would “remember the soup”. I think perhaps there is a lesson to be learned from the chef. Variety, creativity and excellence are lessons we can learn from anyone if we are willing to observe and listen.