Perceptions and Challenges of 5S Implementation in Higher Education: A Case Study from Sri Lanka

This study investigates the perceptions and challenges of implementing the 5S methodology in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Sri Lanka, with a case focus on the Sri Lanka Technology Campus (SLTC). Utilising a qualitative research design, data were collected through in-depth interviews with ten lecturers and five students selected via purposive sampling. Thematic analysis revealed that while participants recognised the potential benefits of 5S, such as improved efficiency, cleanliness, and academic engagement, implementation was hindered by factors including limited awareness, resistance to change, insufficient resources, and weak institutional coordination. The study introduced Design Thinking (DT) as a facilitative framework to address these barriers. Participants perceived DT’s iterative, user-centred approach as effective in promoting stakeholder involvement and adaptive implementation. The findings underscore the importance of leadership, capacity building, and participatory planning in ensuring the sustainable adoption of 5S in academic settings.