Article

Long Live Process Improvement?

For many beginner practitioners, Lean seems like just another "flavor of the month" program. If it isn't communicated and taught well, Lean can be exactly…

by Greg Lane

Article

Sharks & Tortoises

"A small number of firms have grown spectacularly in revenue, employees, and stock price by using [lean] to execute crisply on tactics," writes Jeff Morrow,…

by Jeff Morrow

Article

KAIZEN CHALLENGE: Lean Technical and Social Quiz

In this kaizen challenge, lean coach Jeff Smith invites you to help determine the optimal lot size to run through assembly. Please share your thoughts!

by Jeff Smith

Article

Developing Your Obeya, Stage-by-Stage

In his years as a LPPD coach, John Drogosz has seen that "most teams do go through several stages of evolution before obeya becomes an…

by John Drogosz, PhD

Article

Opportunity Lost?

President of Lean Institute Brasil, José Ferro, gives us the background situation on the World Cup and tells us about the problems and opportunities it…

Article

Big Problems? Start Small

"In problem solving, we’re taught to ask a simple question, “Is this problem within my scope of control?” If yes, then we go after it.…

by Josh Howell

Article

10 Tips for Getting the Most Value from Value-Stream Mapping

Before you map your value stream, review and keep in mind these tips for ensuring your organization reaps the performance gains it can deliver —…

by Judy Worth

Article

Building Capability, Transforming Organizations

How do we improve ourselves as coaches while developing the problem solving capabilities of others? Lean coach Katie Anderson suggests using a personal improvement A3.

by Katie Anderson

Article

What are the key traits I should look for in a potential Chief Engineer? A Q&A with Katrina Appell

The Chief Engineer is a key cornerstone of lean product and process development. Katrina Appell has been asked many times what traits a potential CE…

Article

The Best Article Articles 2013: Editors’ Picks

A roundup of high value-added stories you may have missed from The Article in 2013, but should bookmark for a rainy (or polar vortex) day,…

Article

Cleveland Clinic’s Prescription for Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Lisa Yerian, MD, medical director of continuous improvement at the Clinic, talks about a “model area” approach to improvement, how initial “islands” of improvement linked…

by Lisa Yerian, MD

Article

The Fight for the Meaning of Lean

"It seems like every one and their dog is doing Lean," writes Michael Ballé. "But what 'Lean' are we talking about? Is it the 'to…

by Michael Ballé

Article

What comes after Lean?

Lean practice is an ongoing process, it never ends. But what are we learning about the field? What comes after Lean in terms of emerging…

by Michael Ballé

Article

Two Years in Tanzania and a Whole New Understanding of Purpose

Mike Grogan quit his job in corporate America and moved to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania where he began working with a nonprofit healthcare organization that…

by Michael Grogan

Article

Lean Thinking in Construction: From “What” & “How” to “Why”?

"Construction is fraught with conditions of poor quality, cost overruns, and late projects," says Nick Masci of Lean Construction Institute. And in trying to improve,…

Article

Closer Collaboration for a Leaner Planet

Roberto Priolo, editor of Planet Lean, makes the case for lean learning and collaboration across the globe.

by Roberto Priolo

Article

Look Around You, Find Your Lean Inspiration

After an awful experience with an online travel agency and way too much time spent trying to fix an error the company made, Planet Lean…

by Roberto Priolo

Article

Cowabunga! Implementing Lean at a Surfing School

Lean is difficult for many companies to grasp at first, often due to the cultural shift. If the organization's people are used to a more…

by Sammy Obara

Video

Want Better Relations and Results from Suppliers? Hear Two Execs Explain the Benefits of "Matched Pair” Leadership

New products and service development does not stop at the exterior walls of your company. Outside suppliers play critical roles, but the relationships between companies…

by Chet Marchwinski and James Morgan, PhD

Article

Is Your Improvement Project Headed Down the Road to Nowhere?

"The scientific method applied consistently [can mean] beginning a continuous improvement journey that lasts, well... forever," writes Tim Kane. Read Kane's reflections on how to…