Top Ten Books for Lean ++

In order to understand the concepts underlying Lean ++, the following top ten list provides the reader with the best underlying texts in each area. Items 1, 2, and 3 focus on Lean and the specialties of value stream mapping (VSM) and voice of the customer. Item 4 integrates Lean and Six Sigma and a bit of Theory of Constraints (TOC). This book really demonstrates how elements of each discipline are being included into one another. Items 5 and 6 are the heart of TOC written in a story format. Items 7 and 8 are more academic texts on TOC. Item 9 is the foundation of all requirement and resource planning systems. Item 10 opens the door on the world of sustainability.




To get a quick introduction read books 1 and 5.  Keep 4 for an optional reading and 9 and 10 for deeper insight.



1. Womack, James P. and Daniel T. Jones. Lean Thinking. New York, New York: Free Press, 2003

2. Rother, Mike and John Shook. Learning to See. Cambridge , Mass.: Lean Enterprise Institute, 2003

3. Barnard, William and Thomas F. Wallace. The Innovation Edge - Creating Strategic Breakthroughs Using the Voice of the Customer. New London, N. H.: Oliver Wight Ltd. Publications, 1995

4. George, Michael L.. Lean Six Sigma: Combining Six Sigma Quality with Lean Speed. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill, 2002

5. Goldratt, Eliyahu and Jeff Cox. The Goal. Great Barrington, Mass.: The North River Press, 1992

6. Goldratt, Eliyahu. It’s Not Luck. Great Barrington, Mass.: The North River Press, 1994

7. Schragenheim, Eli and H. William Dettmer. Manufacturing at Warp Speed: Optimizing Supply Chain Financial Performance. New York, New York: St. Lucie Press, 2001

8. Dettmer, H. William. The Logical Thinking Process: A Systems Approach to Complex Problem Solving. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: ASQ Quality Press, 2007

9. Orlicky, Joseph. Material Requirements Planning. New York, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1975

10. Dunphy, Dexter and Andrew Griffiths and Suzanne Benn. Organizational Change for Corporate Sustainability. Second Edition, New York, New York: Routledge, 2007