ABSTRACT
Lean (along with its variations, such as Six Sigma, theory of constraints, Lean Six Sigma, and
specialties in different industries like agile IT development, lean construction, lean healthcare,
lean finance, and lean government) has become a global movement. As with any management
movement, there are true believers, resisters, and those who get on the bandwagon but do not
care a lot one way or the other. There are a plethora of service providers through universities,
consulting firms of various sizes, and not-for profit organizations, and there is a book industry.
