Guide to Lean in Agile Project Management

What is Lean?
Lean is a methodology in project management that emphasizes minimizing waste while maximizing productivity. Originating from Toyota's production system in the 1940s, Lean has gained popularity in the software development and IT industry.

Why is Lean important?
Lean optimizes the production process and increases value for the customer. It helps organizations to see wastes in their systems, learn about customer needs, and improve their processes.

How does Lean work?
Lean works on five principles: value, value stream, flow, pull, and perfection. It operates to eliminate non-value-adding activities and maximize customer value.

Exam tips: Answering questions on Lean
Understanding the Lean principles: In an exam, ensure you understand Lean's principles and their applications. Be able to explain how each principle contributes to waste minimization and value maximization.
Application of Lean: You may be asked to identify how Lean can be applied in a given scenario. Here, outline the potential wastes and how Lean principles can help eradicate these.
Link with Agile: Since Lean has been used in Agile, understand the synergy between them and be prepared to discuss how they complement each other in a project management context.

Remember, Lean is not just about theoretical knowledge but also about understanding its practical implications in project management.