The Going Lean Fieldbook: A Practical Guide to Lean Transformation and Sustainable Success

By Stephen A. RUFFA

In Going Lean, author Stephen A. Ruffa introduced the groundbreaking principles of Lean Dynamics, revealing how leading companies go beyond chasing the most visible outcomes of lean to address the disconnects that cause operational waste to accumulate. Illustrated by compelling cases and clear examples, The Going Lean Fieldbook provides a logical structure and practical advice for applying lean principles throughout the organization. Useful as a stand-alone implementation guide and as a training resource, the book maps out a set path toward reaching a series of critical transformation levels, detailing the activities and the hazards that can derail the journey at each point along the way. Readers will learn how to promote stability, consistency, and innovation by first conducting a “dynamic value assessment” and attaining the buy-in that is critical to making business improvements work. Based on lessons of real-life firms from different industries that have successfully implemented lean methods, this is an in-the-trenches manual for anyone who wants to energize their organization.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AMACOM
• Release date: Dec 1, 2010
• ISBN: 9780814415702

Stephen A. RUFFA

Stephen A. Ruffa is an aerospace engineer, a researcher, and the originator of the concept of lean dynamics. His distinctive observations are framed by a quarter-century of background engaged in supporting many of the Defense Department’s dynamic needs – from the design, manufacture, test, and repair of cutting-edge aircraft, to projects ensuring the availability of critical supplies for wartime demand surges. His joint government-industry study of lean manufacturing tools and practices across seventeen aerospace producers, together with his experience with implementing business improvement initiatives and his research on today’s leading firms gives him the unique perspective that made this project possible. His works have been widely cited and recognized; his previous book, Breaking the Cost Barrier: A Proven Approach to Managing and Implementing Lean Manufacturing (John Wiley & Sons, 2000) was awarded the 2001 Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing Research. He can be contacted at [e-mail].