The Lean-Agile Way

Review: Robert Youngs MSc PM, LEED AP? October 8, 2024

The Lean-Agile Way: Can we combine Lean, Agile, and Value Stream Management into a single, organized approach?

The new book "The Lean-Agile Way," published by Packt in August 2024, presents a comprehensive perspective on the lean-agile philosophy and value stream management (VSM). Written by seasoned practitioners Cecil ‘Gary’ Rupp, Richard Knaster, Steve Pereira, and Al Shalloway, it effectively distils their collective expertise in software, system development, value stream, and team development into a unified philosophy.

The philosophy of 'lean,' a term coined by Toyota engineer Taiichi Ohno in the 1980s, places emphasis on customer value while minimizing waste. On the other hand, the 'agile manifesto,' which was crafted by 17 software professionals in 2001 in Snowbird, Utah, promotes the idea of making small but rapid deliveries to meet evolving requirements and ensure customer satisfaction. The fusion of these philosophies gave rise to what we now know as lean-agile. This concept can be traced back to a discussion by Prof. Christopher and Prof. Towill, who addressed the amalgamation of these philosophies in their 2001 paper titled 'An Integrated Model for the Design of Agile Supply Chains.' The book 'The Lean-Agile Way' provides a comprehensive understanding of this evolution, from its philosophical roots to its current form, ensuring the audience feels knowledgeable and informed.

The concept of lean agile, although not new, has been fully integrated into a structured framework called “The House of Lean Agile.” This framework is based on fundamental principles that uphold the pillars of respect, optimization, and continuous improvement. These principles, in turn, support the main goal of maximizing value and quality, minimizing waste and costs and optimizing speed and feedback. The book highlights the practical application of the E9 VSM methodology, which involves enhancing workflow examination, identifying bottlenecks, and assessing value creation. It also promotes collaboration across teams and encourages informed decision-making and meaningful improvements in line with Lean-Agile principles.

Furthermore, the book introduces Basic Lean-Agile Solutions Teams (BLAST), which harmonize lean efficiency with agile adaptability, and the Business Agility System for the Enterprise (BASE), which emphasizes the ability to adapt and innovate swiftly. Detailed chapters are dedicated to both BLAST and BASE, providing insight into their mechanics within a lean-agile setting, accompanied by a?compelling rationale. I highly recommend a thorough reading of these chapters for a comprehensive understanding.

In the concluding section of the book, emphasis is placed on the practical application of the acquired knowledge through the adept management of lean agile and value system processes. The real-world examples and case studies presented were not only valuable but also offered a comprehensive understanding of implementing lean-agile methodologies and VSM through the use of BLAST and BASE, making the audience feel informed and prepared for real-world implementation.

The book emphasizes the application of Lean-Agile principles not only in the software industry but also in the?manufacturing and service sectors. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a competitive advantage. The methods detailed in the book are insightful and adaptable to the specific needs of any organization, regardless of its size. By integrating the lean principle of waste reduction with the agility to implement changes, organizations can effectively enhance client satisfaction. The book caters to a wide audience, from novices to senior executives. It is praised for its well-crafted content and abundance of easily understandable diagrams, especially those illustrating models such as "The House of Lean-Agile." I strongly suggest this book to anyone aiming to gain a comprehensive understanding of Lean-Agile interactions and Value System Management, helping to determine its suitability for their organization.