Topic(s)
- Management systems
- Operations improvement
Overview
In this session, explore the importance of ;essons learned in strategic planning and workflow management. Often overlooked, this critical tool enables organizations to reflect on past experiences with Kanban to identify opportunities for improvement in resource allocation, prioritisation and process efficiency. By embedding lessons learned into strategic planning, businesses can create a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring long-term success in their projects.
Key learning objectives
- Reflection drives improvement: Reviewing past experiences through lessons learned helps identify strengths and gaps in any strategic project initiative.
- Strategic planning integration: Incorporating lessons learned into strategic planning enhances future project outcomes by improving resource allocation, project prioritization.
- Risk management, decision making, stakeholder engagement and cost management.
- Ensuring future success: Organizations that actively complete lessons kearned reviews are better equipped to refine their strategies and achieve sustainable growth.
Company
Sunset Sleepers, based in Victoria’s southeastern suburbs of Melbourne, is an established concrete sleeper manufacturer with over ten years of industry experience. The company manufactures quality concrete sleepers for all types of government, civil, commercial and residential applications. Sunset Sleepers has the largest range of standard concrete sleepers available in the market, including six sizes, four patterns, four colors and four depths.
All of its concrete standard sleepers are engineer-certified, durable and reinforced, so you can be assured that they’ll last a lifetime. Because the company is the manufacturer, it can offer its customers a very fast turnaround and accommodate any large quantity orders if required. As it dedicates its time and effort to only concrete sleepers, it is also able to customise its sleepers to suit the most demanding projects in the market. https://www.sunsetsleepers.com.au/
Presenter
Simon Thorne is a highly motivated and versatile manufacturing and infrastructure management professional with extensive experience in lean methodologies, continuous improvement and large-scale operational transformations. Thorne's career spans multiple industries, including sleeper manufacturing, heavy civil engineering and automotive, where he specializes in optimising production, scaling operations and implementing sustainable, high-efficiency processes.
Starting on the production line at Jaguar Land Rover at 18, Thorne built his career from the ground up, gaining first-hand experience learning what it takes for a business, project or individual to succeed. This deep understanding of operations at every level has shaped his leadership style, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, efficiency and long-term success.
As chief operating officer at Sunset Sleepers, Simon Thorne leads strategic initiatives to enhance production efficiency, drive automation and expand manufacturing capacity. Previously, as head of innovation and transformation at Balfour Beatty Vinci, he spearheaded lean and digital transformation strategies, delivering multi-million-pound savings on Europe's largest infrastructure project, HS2.
An executive MBA graduate specialising in international business, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and a chartered manager, Thorne brings a wealth of expertise in operational excellence, leadership and business transformation. 
