ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the reader with some familiarity on various applications of lean to IT. It's important to have a basic understanding of fundamental concepts and areas of practice in order to stay grounded in principles that really provide lasting results. In 2001, a group of software developers introduced the Agile Manifesto to evangelize short cycles of productivity, giving end users frequent releases of usable software with the express purpose of moving away from traditional overburdening bureaucratic development practices. Kanban is a tool originally developed more than 50 years ago to support the Toyota Production System Just-in-Time method of making only what is needed, when it is needed, and in the precise amount needed. Lean Startup is a beautiful example of the Plan-Do-Check-Adjust learning cycle that lies at the root of lean thinking. Most project managers have formed their understanding of project management practice through on-the-job experience and some form of formal education and/or certification.
