Guide on Lean Principles

Lean Principles are a critical part of the PMI-ACP adaptive planning course.

What it is: Lean Principles stem from a management philosophy derived mainly from the Toyota Production System often considered synonymous with 'Lean Manufacturing'. In the context of project management, Lean Principles are about learning to optimize efficiency and minimize waste in the process.

Why it is important: Understanding Lean Principles helps project managers to deliver while using the least resources. Utilizing these principles, managers can identify what is truly important, prioritize tasks, eliminate process waste, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

How it works: Lean uses a system of techniques and tools to identify and eliminate waste. The goal is to increase customer value by improving process flow and concentrating on the key aspects that bring value.

Answering Questions on an exam: When answering questions on Lean Principles during exams, you must understand the five key principles of Lean: identify value, map the value stream, create flow, establish pull, and seek perfection.

Exam Tips: Remember the five principles and know what each one implies. Be prepared to apply these principles to academic project scenarios, and be able to recognize and eliminate waste. Understanding how these principles fit into the wider Agile Philosophy may also be very helpful.