This course provides a structured introduction to Lean Thinking, a proven approach for improving operational performance by focusing on what truly matters to the customer. You will learn how to define value, visualize how work flows through a process, and identify the conditions that enable smooth, demand-driven operations. Through practical examples and applied learning activities, the course emphasizes how to separate value-added work from waste, align processes to customer needs, and build a foundation for continuous improvement. These concepts form the backbone of a high-performing Lean Enterprise system.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the five-step framework of LEAN Thinking.
• Identify customer defined value and distinguish it from waste.
• Understand how value flows through a process.
• Recognize the difference between push and pull systems.
• Apply LEAN Thinking to improve processes in your own workplace.

Introduction

• Welcome, Learning Objectives, and Course Overview
• Introduction — Foundations of LEAN Thinking
• Knowledge Check

Module 1 – Specify Value

• L1 – Value from the Customer’s Perspective
• Knowledge Check
• Applied Learning Activity

Module 2 – Understand the Process

• L1 – Process blocks and sequence
• Knowledge Check
• Applied Learning Activity

Module 3 – Create Flow

• L1 – Linking the blocks
• Knowledge Check
• Applied Learning Activity

Module 4 – Establish Pull

• L1 – Pull is king
• Knowledge Check
• Applied Learning Activity

Module 5 – Pursue Perfection

• L1 – Build CI into the process
• Knowledge Check
• Applied Learning Activity

Conclusion – Putting It All Together

• Review
• Applied Learning Activity

Downloads

• Course Guide [PDF]
• Applied Learning Activities [PDF]

Online Course Format:

• A printable PDF Course Guide is provided.
• Course content is broken up into a series of modules.
• Each module consists of "bite sized" instructor-led lessons.
• Each module has a Knowledge Check.
• Each module has an Applied Learning Activity.
• Each course has a dashboard % completion that tracks progress

Webinars and email:

• Multiple monthly webinars addressing student questions.
• Support available through instructor email.

• The course certificate is earned through completion of all instructional Modules, Knowledge Checks, and Applied Learning Activities.
• Applied Learning Activities must be completed with supervisor/mentor comments and signature.
• Upon course content completion and approval of Applied Learning Activities, an electronic certificate is issued.
• Professionally printed and framed certificates available.