Faculty

Jamison V. Kovach, Ph.D.

Professor

Associate Dean for Student Success and Undergraduate Support Services
Technology Project Management

Office 230F, College of Technology Building

Phone 713-743-1704

Fax 713-743-4032

Email jvkovach [at] uh.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Biography

Dr. Kovach is the PMI Houston Endowed Professor in Project Management at the University of Houston. She received her Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University. Her industrial experience includes more than five years as a product and process improvement engineer in the U.S. textile industry. Her current research investigates the use of methods for product and process innovation, expanding the use of these methods, and developing new improvement approaches in a wide range of industries/fields. In recognition of her work, Dr. Kovach was awarded the 2010 ASQ (formerly the American Society for Quality) Feigenbaum Medal. She is an Academician in the International Academy for Quality and an ASQ Fellow. Dr. Kovach currently serves as the Editor for Lean & Six Sigma Review, a quarterly ASQ publication, and she received the ASQ Six Sigma Forum Award for the Advancement of Six Sigma in 2019.

Education

Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 2006
MS in Industrial Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson. SC, 2004
MS in Textile Technology, Institute of Textile Technology, Charlottesville, VA, 2001
BS in Textile Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 1998

Other Appointments

PMI Houston Endowed Professor in Project Management
Director of the Lean Six Sigma Professional Training Program

Research Interests

Understanding factors that impact organizational problem solving
Identifying how continuous improvement methods affect performance/decision making
Exploring innovative methods for improving/designing products, processes, and services
Analyzing data rich environments - planning data collection efforts and statistically analyzing data sets
Problem solving / process improvement - process maps / value analysis; system modeling (y = f(x)); statistical analysis; experimental design (planning, analysis, and optimization); total quality management (compilation of problem solving tools); Six Sigma (structured problem solving methodology)
Product / process design - user needs analysis (survey development and analysis); quality function deployment; Design for Six Sigma (structured design methodology); robust design

Do you have a specific interest in collaborating on a research project? Please jvkovach [at] uh.edu (contact me) directly to discuss your interests and possible opportunities.

Awards & Honors

Outstanding Professor in Lean Six Sigma Award, Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM) Society International, 2023
Fulbright Scholar, Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Business Research Unit, Lisbon, Portugal, Project: Leveling Up: Enhancing Portugal’s Achievement of Industrial Performance Improvements, 2021 (delayed to 2022 due to COVID-19)
Outstanding Professor in Lean Six Sigma Award, Industrial Engineering and Operations Management (IEOM) Society International, 2021
Award for the Advancement of Six Sigma, ASQ Six Sigma Forum, 2019
Fellow, ASQ, 2019
Research Fellow, MH-RITES (Mental Health Research Innovation Treatment Engagement Service) Center, Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 2019
Faculty Research Excellence Award, College of Technology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 2019
Fulbright Specialist Roster Candidate, 2016-2021; Gender Summit 8 Delegate, American Association for the Advancement of Science, sponsorship provided by the National Science Foundation, Mexico City, Mexico, 2016
Best Paper Award, presented on behalf of the International Academy for Quality at the ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement, Nashville, TN, 2015
Best Paper Award in Quality Engineering and Management, presented on behalf of the European Academy of Management and Business Economics (AEDEM) and the European Research on Management and Business Economics Journal (IEDEE) at the 1st International Conference on Quality Engineering and Management, Guimaraes, Portugal, 2014
Named as one of the “40 New Voices of Quality” by ASQ’s premier monthly publication, Quality Progress, November, 2011
Faculty Research Excellence Award, College of Technology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 2011
Feigenbaum Medalist, ASQ, 2010
Faculty Excellence Award, Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering, 2010

Gearing, R.E, Kovach, J.V., Washburn, M., & Robinson, A. Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs and Illness Management and Recovery (IMR), Target journal: in preparation
Kovach, J.V., Cardoso-Grilo, T., Cardoso, M., Kalakou, S., & Martins, A.L. Advancing Business Process Management lifecycle implementation through the integration of the Design for Six Sigma method, Business Process Management Journal (resubmitted August 2023).
Kovach J.V., Watson, G.H., Mazur, G., & Osada, H. (n.d.). Hoshin Kanri: the Japanese system of management by policy, book chapter (submitted January 2016).
Kovach, J.V., Gearing, R.E, Washburn, M., Robinson, A., Lastovica, K., Britt, L., & Brown, W. (in press). Exception reporting: A novel approach to tracking of multiple behavioral health outcomes, Community Mental Health Journal (accepted September, 2023), https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-023-01195-x.
Gearing, R.E., Washburn, M., Kovach, J.V., Olson, L., Lastovica, K., Clark, D., Robinson, A., Foo, S., Cunningham, K., Johnson, C., Rose, D., Renteria, A., Alkhadra, H., Brown, A., Collins, K., Gadison, C., Nelson, K., McCullum, D., Woods, K., Garlic, D., Elwood, N., Frank, M., Guzman, R., Hailey Jr, S., Cox, J., Parsons, A., Sheth, S., Bobb, D., Drexler, D., Shahani, L., Jiles, M., Thomas, K., Muzquiz, S., Britt, L., & Young, W. (in press). AOT program evolution through the application of a social work lens. Research on Social Work Practice, (accepted August, 2023), https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315231199423.
Vermaelen, V., & Kovach J.V. (2022). Driving meeting effectiveness through organizational process improvement – A Lean Six Sigma case study, Organizational Dynamics, 51, 1-9.
Gearing, R.E., Washburn, M., Brewer, K.B., Kovach, J. V., Mandiberg, J.M., Borja, S., Barthelemy, J., Savani, S., Smith, L., Robinson, A., & Gardner, J. (2022). Center for Mental Health Research and Innovations in Treatment Engagement and Service (MH-RITES Center) at the University of Houston, Research on Social Work Practice, 32(7), 743-750.
Kovach J.V., & Pollonini, L. (2022). Designing devices to communicate effectively with intensive care nurses to prevent pressure injuries: A qualitative study, Intensive and Critical Care Nursing, 71, 103244.
Kovach J.V., Obanua, F., & Hutchins, H.M. (2022). Pilot testing a series of value-based care training courses, Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 13, 319-322.
Choo, A.S., Kovach J.V., & Fredendall, L.D., (2021). Effects of surprises during quality improvement projects: A longitudinal study on method-driven learning in behavioral healthcare, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 68(6), 1758-1772.
Carden, L., & Kovach, J.V., and Flores, M. (2021). Enhancing human resource management in process improvement projects, Organizational Dynamics, 50(2), 1-6.
Ponder, A., & Kovach, J.V. (2021). Signature solutions – Getting unstuck from print-sign-scan processes using Lean methods, Quality Progress, 54(5), 36-42.
Kovach, J.V., & Flores, M.N. (2021). Streamlining admissions to outpatient substance use treatment using Lean methods, Journal of Substance Use, 26(3), 306-312.
Kovach, J.V., & Akhuli, M. (2020). Reducing the length of clinic visits: A process analysis case report, International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 35(1), 409-416.
Kovach, J.V., & Ingle, D. (2020). An approach for identifying and selecting improvement projects, Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 31(1/2), 149-160.
Kovach, J.V. (2019). Data: Guilty until proven innocent – Use alternative measurement system analysis techniques to avoid making erroneous decisions with costly business results, Quality Progress, 52(9), 28-37.
Kovach, J.V., & Dash, A. (2019). Using the Lean Six Sigma methodology to reduce mouse cage sanitation time for animal care and use programs, Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 58(5), 551-557.
Kovach, J.V., & Ingle, D. (2019). Using Lean Six Sigma to reduce patient cycle time in a nonprofit community clinic, Quality Management in Health Care, 28(3), 169-175.
Hutchins, H., & Kovach, J.V. (2019). ADVANCING women academic faculty in STEM careers: The role of HRD in supporting institutional change toward gender and racial equity, Advances in Developing Human Resources, 21(1), 72-91 (invited, issue received ADHR outstanding issue award).
Deithorn, A., & Kovach, J.V. (2018). Achieving aggressive goals through Lean Six Sigma: A case study to improve revenue collection, Quality Engineering, special issue on Lean Six Sigma for Operational and Service Excellence, 30(3), 371-388.
Kovach, J.V. (2018). The selfishness vs. selflessness of leadership, The Quality Management Forum, 44(4), 1, 4 (invited).
Kovach, J.V., & Ingle, D. (2018). The more the merrier – The amount of support from top management can make or break a lean Six Sigma project, Lean & Six Sigma Review, 18(1), 14-15.
Kovach, J.V., & Borikar, S. (2018). Enhancing financial performance: An application of Lean Six Sigma to reduce insurance claim denials, Quality Management in Health Care, 27(3), 165-171.
Kovach, J.V., & Lima, F. (2018). Improving measurement systems to support process improvement efforts in health care, Journal of Healthcare Communications, 3(2:27), 1-4.
Kovach, J.V., & Sharma, P. (2018). Impeding progress – Seven challenges to implementing process improvements and ways to get around them, Quality Progress, 51(3), 38-43.
Kovach, J.V., Curiel, V., York, A.F., Bogard, S., & Revere, L. (2017). Enhancing information sharing in Family Drug Courts: A Lean Six Sigma case study, Juvenile and Family Court Journal, 68(3), 27-41.
Okpe, O., & Kovach, J.V. (2017). A redesign approach for improving animal care services for researchers, Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 56(4), 462-471.
Liberale, A.P, & Kovach, J.V. (2017). Reducing the time for IRB reviews: A case study, Journal of Research Administration, 48(2), 37-50.
Kovach, J.V. (2016). Value through meaningful learning opportunities, The Quality Management Forum, 42(1), 1, 4-5.
Mitchel, E.M., & Kovach, J.V. (2016). Improving supply chain information sharing using Design for Six Sigma, European Research on Management and Business Economics/Investigaciones Europeas de Dirección y Economía de la Empresa, 22(3), 147-154.
Grover, S., Kovach, J.V., & Cudney, E.A. (2016). Case study: Integrating strategic planning and quality improvement methods to create sustainably high performance, Journal for Quality and Participation, 39(2), 23-32.
Pak, A., Carden, L.L., & Kovach, J.V. (2016). Integration of project management, human resource development, and business teams: A partnership, planning model for organizational training and development initiatives, Human Resource Development International, 19(3), 245-260.
Martinez, M., & Kovach J.V. (2016). Project: Redesign – ASQ section revamps information management process using Design for Six Sigma, Six Sigma Forum Magazine, 15(2), 18-27.
Kovach J.V. & Zohra, T.Z. (2016). Back to basics: Taking quality online – ASQ’s Houston section used Six Sigma to redesign its website, Quality Progress, 49(5), 72.
Kulkarni, A., & Kovach, J.V. (2016). Improving room scheduling for special events in academic environments – A Lean Six Sigma case study, Quality Approaches in Education, 7(2), 22-29.
Kovach, J.V., & Fredendall, L.D. (2015). Learning during Design for Six Sigma projects – A preliminary investigation in behavioral healthcare, Engineering Management Journal, special issue on Healthcare Systems, 27(3), 109-123.
Herod, B., & Kovach, J.V., (2015). A preliminary investigation of exploration-oriented, learning behaviors for managing project quality, International Journal of Information Technology Project Management, 6(2), 18-39.
Lucas, A.G., Primus, K., Kovach, J.V., & Fredendall, L.D. (2015). Rethinking behavioral health processes by using Design for Six Sigma, Psychiatric Services, 66(2), 112-114.
Kovach, J.V., & Fredendall, L.D. (2014). Managerial impacts of learning and continuous improvement practices, Journal for Quality and Participation, 37(2), 25-28 (invited).
Gramajo, C., Kovach J.V., & Carden, L.L. (2014). Energizing efficiency– Lab team applies Lean Six Sigma to reduce cycle time in the semiconductor industry, Six Sigma Forum Magazine, 13(3), 12-18.
Anderson, N., & Kovach, J.V. (2014). Reducing welding defects in turnaround projects: A Lean Six Sigma case study, Quality Engineering, 26(2), 168-181.
Kovach, J.V., Carden, L.L., & Ramos, M.A. (2014). ‘Flipping’ the Lean Six Sigma classroom, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, special issue on Six Sigma in Education, 8(3/4), 227-246.
Kovach, J.V., & Fredendall, L.D. (2013). The influence of continuous improvement practices on learning and knowledge creation: An empirical study, Quality Management Journal, 20(4), 6-20.
Riley, B., Kovach, J.V., & Carden, L. (2013). Developing a policies and procedures manual for a consumer lending department: A Design for Six Sigma case study, Engineering Management Journal, 25(3), 3-15.
Kovach, J.V., Revere, L., & Black, K. (2013). A roadmap for proactive error proofing implementation in healthcare, Leadership in Health Services, 26(2), 107-117.
Miertschin, S., Kovach, J.V., & O’Neil, S.L. (2013). Leadership for building collaborative professional relationships, Business Education Forum, 67(3), 40-44.
Kovach, J.V., & Mairani, J. (2012). Exploring quality initiatives’ success and failure, Journal for Quality and Participation, 35(3), 24-28.
Kovach, J.V., Miley, M., & Ramos, M. (2012). Using online studio groups to improve writing competency: A pilot study in a quality improvement methods course, Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education, 10(3), 363-387.
Revere, L., & Kovach, J.V.< (2011). Online technologies for engaged learning: A meaningful synthesis for educators, Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 12(2), 113-124.
Awad, M.I., & Kovach, J.V. (2011). Multiresponse optimization using multivariate process capability index, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, 27(4), 464-477.
Kovach, J.V., Ding, D., Miertschin, S., & O’Neil, S.L. (2011). To “C” or not to “C” (collaborate, that is): When you want team efforts that really work, Texas Business and Technology Educators Association Journal, 12(1), 57-61.
Kovach, J.V., & Hutchins, H. (2011). Time for action – keep problem solving in-house to enhance improvement efforts, organizational knowledge, Quality Progress, 44(1), 25-31.
Awad, M., & Kovach, J.V. (2011). Improving the ergonomic design of transmission oil cooler hoses using Taguchi methods: A case study, International Journal of Experimental Design and Process Optimisation, 2(2), 125-144.
Kovach, J.V., Cudney, E.A., & Elrod, C.C. (2011). The use of continuous improvement techniques: A survey-based study of current practices, International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, special issue on Quality Management, 3(7), 89-100.
Long, P., Kovach, J., & Ding, D. (2011). A Design for Six Sigma case study: Creating an IT change management system for a mid-size accounting firm, International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology, special issue on Quality Management, 3(7), 56-72.
Kovach, J.V., Ding, D.X., & O’Neil, S.L. (2010). Using podcasting and video productions to create valuable student learning experiences, Quality Approaches in Higher Education, 1(1), 10-17.
Kovach, J.V., Ding, D., Miertschin, S., McCroskey, S., & O’Neil, S.L. (2010). Building successful and highly productive collaborative endeavors, Business Education Forum, 64(4), 13-15.
Cho, B.R., Shin, S., Choi, Y., & Kovach, J. (2009). Development of a simultaneous multidisciplinary optimization process for designing optimal pharmaceutical formulations with constrained experimental regions, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 44, 841-853.
Kovach, J., & Cho, B.R. (2009). A D-optimal design approach to constrained multiresponse robust design with prioritized mean and variance considerations, Computers and Industrial Engineering, 57(1), 237-245.
Kovach. J., Cho, B.R., & Antony, J. (2009). Development of a variance prioritized multiresponse robust design optimization framework, International Journal of Quality and Reliability Management, 26(4), 380-396.
Shaibu, A.–B., Cho, B.R., & Kovach, J. (2009). Development of censored robust design model for time-oriented quality characteristics, Quality and Reliability Engineering International, 25(2), 181-197.
Patrick, X., Kovach, J., & Cheng, L.–C. (2009). Experimentally examining the effectiveness of loss prevention technology: A case study, International Journal of Experimental Design and Process Optimisation, 1(2/3), 262-284.
Kovach, J., & Cho, B.R. (2008). Development of a multidisciplinary-multiresponse robust design optimization model, Engineering Optimization, 40(8), 805-819.
Kovach, J., & Cho, B.R. (2008). Constrained robust design experiments and optimization with the consideration of uncontrollable factors, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 38, 7-18.
Kovach, J., & Cho, B.R. (2008). Solving multiresponse optimization problems using quality function based robust design, Quality Engineering, 20(3), 346-360.
Kovach, J., Cho, B.R., & Antony, J. (2008). Development of an experiment-based robust design paradigm for multiple quality characteristics using physical programming, International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 35, 1100-1112.
Kovach, J., de la Torre, L., & Walker, D. (2008). Continuous improvement efforts in healthcare: A case study exploring the motivation, involvement, and support necessary for success, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 4(3), 254-269.
Kovach, J., & Cho, B.R. (2007). Development of a D-optimal robust design model for restricted experiments, International Journal of Industrial Engineering, 14(2), 117-128.
Kovach, J. (2007). Designing efficient Six Sigma experiments for service process improvement projects, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 3(1), 72-90.
Kovach, J., Fredendall, L.D., & Cho, B.R. (2007). The interconnectedness among auxiliary benefits and supporting practices within the Quality Function Deployment process, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 3(2), 137-155.
Kovach, J., & Cho, B.R. (2006). A D-optimal design approach to robust design under constraints: A new Design for Six Sigma tool, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2(4), 389-403.
Cho, B.R., Phillips, M.D., & Kovach, J. (2005). Designing the optimum configurations of circular and spherical product specifications for multiple quality characteristics, Journal of Systems Science and Systems Engineering, 14(4), 385-399.
Kovach, J., Stringfellow, P., Turner, J., & Cho, B.R. (2005). The house of competitiveness: The marriage of agile manufacturing, Design for Six Sigma, and lean manufacturing with quality considerations, Journal of Industrial Technology, 21(3), 1-10.
Kovach, J., & Cho, B. R. (2004). Development of product family-based robust design: A case study, International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 1(4), 403-419.