Texas A&M is somewhat isolated geographically so I am often unable to invite my students to visit an actual job site where lean is being implemented. Because of this, I have focused during the past few years on helping them build an understanding of lean theory. Although I have always shown photos of implementation of actual lean projects in class, the book is giving them a realistic understanding of the underpinnings of the types of management struggles they will likely face after graduation—and how lean tools can help them solve these challenges, even as young project managers.

One of my more experienced students immediately wrote me an email after having read the book, and excitedly thanked me for assigning the book in class. Thanks for making the book happen. It’s a great gift for new project managers—as well as for college-level educators of lean.