LEAN Thinking Landing

Introduction

This course introduces the foundational principles of LEAN thinking and explains how they work together to eliminate waste, improve flow, and create customer value. Designed for professionals across both manufacturing and administrative environments, this course explores the origins of LEAN thinking and how its core philosophies—such as continuous improvement, respect for people, and flow efficiency—can be applied to any process.

You’ll learn how LEAN systems deliver results not just through tools, but by shaping behaviors and enabling sustainable culture change. Whether you're on the shop floor or managing business operations, this course provides a roadmap for integrating LEAN into your organization’s daily practices.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

Understand the core principles and history of LEAN thinking
Be able to describe how LEAN differs from traditional systems
Recognize the types of waste LEAN seeks to eliminate
Demonstrate how LEAN supports continuous improvement and flow
Apply LEAN principles in manufacturing and office environments

Outline

Introduction – What is LEAN?

Welcome, Learning Objectives, and Course Overview
History of LEAN – From TPS to Today
Principles of LEAN Thinking
Knowledge Check

Module 1 – The Five Core Principles of LEAN

L1 – Value from the Customer’s Perspective
L2 – Identifying the Value Stream
L3 – Creating Flow
L4 – Establishing Pull
L5 – Pursuing Perfection
Knowledge Check
Applied Learning Activity

Module 2 – LEAN vs. Traditional Thinking

L1 – Batch vs. Flow
L2 – Command-and-Control vs. Empowered Teams
L3 – Firefighting vs. Problem Solving
Knowledge Check
Applied Learning Activity

Module 3 – LEAN Culture and Leadership

L1 – Respect for People and the Role of Leadership
L2 – Engaging Team Members in CI
L3 – Daily Management Systems and Visual Controls
Knowledge Check
Applied Learning Activity

Module 4 – The Eight Wastes and Their Impact

L1 – Overview of the 8 Wastes (DOWNTIME)
L2 – Recognizing Waste in Physical and Administrative Processes
L3 – Waste Elimination through Standardization and Flow
Knowledge Check
Applied Learning Activity

Conclusion – Putting It All Together

LEAN Principles Review
LEAN in Daily Practice
Culture Change and Next Steps

Files

Downloads

Course Guide [PDF]
Applied Learning Activities [PDF]

Learning Format

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

Support

Webinars and email:

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

Certificate

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.