Article

Pursuing Perfection: Craftsmanship in Product Development

This month’s Design Brief explores the concept of craftsmanship in design and engineering, how to cultivate it in individuals and organizations, and the benefits of…

by James Morgan, PhD

Article

From Concept to Reality: The Importance of Manufacturing Know-How in Product Development

This month’s Design Brief examines the know-how behind making things well, including how rigorous process development paired with product development improves quality and costs, how…

by James Morgan, PhD

Video

Real Concurrent Engineering: Developing Engineers and Products Simultaneously

Jim Morgan and Durward Sobek compare and contrast Lean with traditional product and process development.

by Chet Marchwinski

Article

Insights on Why, When, and How Value-Stream Mapping is a Vital Part of Continuous Improvement

A selection of Lean Posts offers the information leaders need to maximize the benefit of using this powerful lean practice.

by Lean Leaper

Article

How to A3: Resources for Developing Structured Problem-Solving and Leadership Skills

As LEI prepares its next course on Managing to Learn, here's a popular article rounding up a wealth of resources about practicing A3 Thinking by…

Article

Improving Continuous Improvement in Healthcare Through Collaborative Learning: The Leaning Edge interviews Perfecting Patient Journeys co-author Beau Keyte

Perfecting Patient Journeys co-author Beau Keyte talks with The Leaning Edge host Debra Levantrosser about the central role of collaborative learning in improving continuous improvement.

by Chet Marchwinski

Article

The Next Revolution in Software Product Design

Discover how product artisans like Melanie Perkins, Brian Chesky, and Larry Page maintain hands-on leadership to build lasting, influential brands. Learn why scaling product-led companies…

by Sandrine Olivencia

Article

Delivering Quality Foods with Zingerman's Mail Order

Listen to this podcast between Tom Root, Zingerman Mail Order's Managing Director, and Josh Howell for a wide-ranging conversation about several phases of ZMO’s lean…

by Josh Howell

Article

How Ron Kelner Helped Build A System of Improvement at Deublin

In this podcast, Deublin COO Ron Kelner shares with Josh Howell the long learning journey of his company as it pursues lean, moving beyond creating…

by Josh Howell

Article

Craftsmanship – the Lost Art in Product Development

In his first job as an engine designer, Steve Shoemaker could visit 90 percent of final product value streams within an hour's drive of where…

by Steve Shoemaker 

Article

Why You Need a Product Focus for Enterprise Transformation

Lean Product and Process Development serves as an enterprise activity that can engage the entire organization and improve operations and growth, says Jim Morgan. Listen…

by James Morgan, PhD

Article

The Role of a Chief Engineer in Vehicle Development: A Case Study of the 2019 Honda Passport

What does it take to bring a new vehicle to market? Lara Harrington, Chief Engineer for the 2019 Honda Passport, shares the secrets behind the…

by Lara Harrington

Article

Once More: What is Strategy Deployment, and Why Should You Care?

Strategy deployment helps keep lean practitioners focused on the prize—creating value for the customer, says Pascal Dennis in the foreword to his Getting the Right…

by Pascal Dennis

Article

Why Hoshin Kanri is a Better Approach to Planning and Execution

Effective hoshin kanri builds on traditional strategy deployment by including key questions that conventional models fail to include, argues Pascal Dennis in a second article…

by Pascal Dennis

Article

Saving $30,000 Worth of Clams with a $5 Cup

Learn how a manager and a fry cook tackled a food waste problem with a simple solution.

by Lory Moniz and Matthew Savas

Article

Whatever Happened to Quality First: Rethinking Product Development in the Wake of Recalls and Catastrophic Failures

This Design Brief tackles the often-overlooked topic of building quality into new products. Learn how a customer-centric approach in development can prevent costly rework and…

by James Morgan, PhD

Article

Learning to Face Challenges with Agility and Resilience

In this excerpt from his book The High-Velocity Edge, Steven Spear explains how Toyota managed to adapt quickly to a catastrophic fire at one of…

Video

Learning By Doing with Art Byrne

Art Byrne has the expertise of a lean executive and he's sharing more knowledge than ever in this clip from his most recent webinar.

by Lean Leaper

Article

Understanding Lean Thinking and Practice Fundamentals

This overview helps beginner and mid-stage Lean Thinkers gain a more comprehensive understanding of lean thinking and practice — and refreshes advanced practitioners' knowledge.

by Lean Leaper

Article

Defining LEI’s Customer: Understanding Your Real Problems & Needs

"Our customer is part of everything we do, but defining them and their needs… well, it’s like describing the air you breathe," writes Josh Rapoza.…

by Joshua Rapoza