Course Overview
This professional development program in Lean Project Management Training is designed for senior management accountable for delivery of programs and projects, active project managers seeking to break cycles of failure, project managers wanting to integrate Lean into project management, new project managers needing early exposure to Lean methods, sponsors, champions, product owners, business managers, project team members, change and organizational development staff, human resources personnel, team members wishing to deepen project management knowledge, and other professionals interested in Lean and project management fundamentals across manufacturing, services, construction, IT, and commercial contexts. Lean project management applies five core principles including define value, map value stream, create flow, establish pull, and pursue perfection so teams systematically remove non value activities such as delays and rework and over processing, with organizations using tools like value stream mapping, Kanban, and PDCA delivering more value with the same resources, shortening lead times, and reducing costs while improving quality and customer satisfaction.
The curriculum covers introduction to Lean including definition, uses, benefits, Lean Thinking principles, need for continuous improvement, overview of the five core principles, and simple links between Lean and reduced cycle time, cost, and defects. It addresses Lean thinking as journey and culture with lean organizations, lean employees, functional lean mindset, alignment for continuous improvement, and gemba walks, Lean process and concepts including Six Sigma DMAIC, Design for Six Sigma DMADV, roles in Lean project management, Kaizen, 5S, and basic DMAIC, getting started with Lean projects including selecting projects, overview of methodology, key tools, and screening by value and effort, defining projects through goals, problem statements, scope, business cases, milestones, and charters, Lean tools such as SIPOC, Voice of Customer, Critical to Quality, Kano, process mapping, value stream analysis, quality at source, pull, poka yoke, FMEA, control plans, planning work and risks, building high performing teams, tracking progress with indicators, standups, dashboards, using Gantt charts, and wrapping up projects with documentation, control plans, handover, lessons learned, and transition and knowledge transfer.
Why This Course Is Required?
Leaner delivery operations and waste reduction are critical where Lean project management uses five core principles to project environments so teams remove non value activities like delays, rework, and over processing, and organizations applying value stream mapping, Kanban, and PDCA deliver more value with the same resources while shortening lead times and reducing project costs and improving quality and satisfaction. Widespread adoption and strategic value demand Lean project management expertise because Lean Six Sigma adoption data show roughly 53 percent of Fortune 500 and up to 82 percent of Fortune 100 companies use Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma with estimated savings over 400 billion dollars, illustrating that integrating lean and Six Sigma into projects and processes is now mainstream strategy for reducing defects, improving efficiency, and driving sustained performance.
Lean project management professionals must master fundamentals including defining value from the customer perspective, mapping value streams, creating flow, establishing pull, and pursuing perfection, understand waste elimination frameworks including value stream mapping, identification of non value activities, PDCA cycles, and Kaizen events, and apply continuous improvement and quality methods including 5S, SIPOC, Voice of Customer, Critical to Quality metrics, poka yoke, and FMEA so organizations gain better delivery performance, cost reduction, quality, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage.
Research shows training is crucial, with guidance explaining Lean projects maximize customer defined value while minimizing waste through steps such as identifying value, mapping value streams, creating flow, establishing pull, and pursuing perfection, and stressing Lean is cultural and managerial shift needing ongoing training, clear metrics, experimentation, and collaboration, while value stream mapping lets teams see all steps and expose delays, duplication, and complexity and then redesign flows. Overviews of Lean Six Sigma note high adoption levels and savings above 400 billion dollars and explain the approach blends waste reduction with defect and variation control to form strong continuous improvement framework applied in services and knowledge work, making skills such as value stream mapping, Kaizen events, and DMAIC or DMADV highly valued for project leaders.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion, participants will have demonstrated mastery of:
- Applying the principles of Lean thinking to design and implement projects that deliver lasting, sustainable business value
- Using a Lean Project Management framework to deliver successful projects in their specific organizational environments
- Understanding the roles, functions, and responsibilities of various project roles within the organization
- Recognizing how to spot and avoid common errors when reviewing existing project management methodologies
- Building the skill set and capabilities required for successful project managers to utilize processes, tools, technology, and resources efficiently
- Developing the confidence and ability to measure, track, and enhance organizational efficiency and growth through the introduction of Lean
- Gaining the perspective and foresight needed to pre‑empt challenges, risks, and hindrances and address these before they hamper project progress
- Explain Lean’s five core principles and relate them to reducing cycle time, cost, and defects in project delivery.
- Map value streams, identify non‑value‑adding activities, and redesign workflows using tools such as value stream mapping, Kanban, 5S, Kaizen, PDCA, and DMAIC.
- Define clear problem statements, scopes, business cases, and charters so Lean projects are tightly aligned with customer value and organizational strategy.
- Plan and track Lean projects using SIPOC, Voice of the Customer, CTQ metrics, risk assessment, visual dashboards, stand‑ups, and simple Gantt timelines.
- Lead and coach teams to build a continuous‑improvement culture that systematically removes waste and sustains efficiency gains over time.
Master lean project management excellence and drive waste elimination success. Enroll today to become a Certified Lean Project Management Professional!
Training Methodology
This collaborative Lean Project Management Training program comprises the following training methods:
The training framework includes:
- Lectures
- Seminars and presentations
- Group discussions
- Assignments
- Case studies and functional exercises
- Workshops developing value stream maps and Kanban boards
- Hands-on exercises practicing 5S and DMAIC and PDCA cycles
- Practical demonstrations with waste identification scenarios and continuous improvement projects
This immersive approach fosters practical skill development and real-world application of lean project management principles through comprehensive coverage of lean principles, waste elimination, and continuous improvement with emphasis on measurable customer value and operational efficiency.
This program follows the Do-Review-Learn-Apply model with experienced instructors ensuring industry-relevant content through practical case studies and lean project management examples, creating a structured learning journey that transforms traditional project management approaches into professional excellence.
Who Should Attend?
This Lean Project Management Training Course is designed for:
- Senior management of organisation accountable and responsible for delivery of Programs and Projects and Initiatives
- Active Project Managers looking to advance skills or refine approach to break cycle of failure
- Project Managers who want to learn about Lean and integrate Lean into Project Management
- New project managers who will benefit from early exposure to Lean Project Management methodology
- Project Sponsors and Project Champions and Product Owners and Business managers
- Project team members and Change Management staff and Organisational development staff and Human resources personnel
- Team members who wish to learn and deepen their project management knowledge
- Any professional who would like to know more about Lean and Project Management fundamentals
- Operations managers
- Process improvement specialists
- Quality managers
- Professionals seeking lean project management certification
Organizational Benefits
Organizations implementing lean project management training will benefit through:
- Significantly enhanced delivery operations and waste reduction through comprehensive training delivering measurable returns where lean project management applies five core principles including define value and map value stream and create flow and establish pull and pursue perfection to project environments so teams systematically eliminate non-value-adding activities such as delays and rework and over-processing with organizations implementing lean practices using tools like value stream mapping and Kanban and PDCA cycles delivering more value with same resources and shortening lead times and reducing project costs while improving quality and customer satisfaction exactly what training teaches
- Better strategic positioning and cost savings through widespread adoption with research on Lean Six Sigma adoption showing 53 percent of Fortune 500 companies use Six Sigma and up to 82 percent of those in Fortune 100 embrace methodology with estimated savings of more than $400 billion over several decades with these figures illustrating how integrating lean and Six Sigma principles into project and process management has become mainstream strategy for reducing defects and improving efficiency and driving sustained performance across large organizations aligning with course focus on lean and customer-oriented delivery and risk reduction as organizational benefits highlighted in training
- Improved waste elimination and flow optimization through value stream mapping helping teams visualize every step in delivering product or service and expose delays and duplicate work and unnecessary complexity and then redesign processes so work flows smoothly with systematic elimination of non-value-adding activities meaning organizations deliver more value with same resources while reducing project costs and enhancing quality and customer satisfaction validating course content
- Strengthened competitive advantage through comprehensive understanding of lean five principles, value stream mapping, DMAIC and DMADV, and continuous improvement culture that enable superior lean project management excellence
Studies show that organizations implementing comprehensive lean project management training achieve significantly enhanced delivery outcomes as research confirms five core principles systematically eliminate non-value-adding activities, better organizational outcomes through Lean Six Sigma evidence demonstrating 53 percent Fortune 500 and 82 percent Fortune 100 adoption with over $400 billion savings, and improved competitive positioning as lean practices deliver more value with same resources while organizations benefit from experienced and trained professionals to effectively manage Projects, informal training of other employees on working Lean and Project management tools and techniques for greater Project efficiency, contextualize and assimilate practical understanding of application of lean project management, enhancement in current processes through increased organisational efficiency, organisation’s focus on lean and customer-oriented delivery and ability to handle changing market needs, leaner Project delivery operations leading to reduced project costs and resources, low risks of Project failures due to better risk assessment and management, culture of continuous improvement, and achieving improved synergy within Project teams elevating employee morale and increasing productivity.
Empower your organization with lean project management expertise. Enroll your team today and see the transformation in delivery efficiency and waste reduction!
Personal Benefits
Professionals implementing lean project management training will benefit through:
- Deeper deep understanding of lean project management frameworks and tools through lean project management guidance emphasizing successful implementation requires not only knowing tools like 5S and Kaizen and value stream mapping and Kanban but also understanding how to apply them iteratively to projects to continuously remove waste and enhance customer value with professionals who master these tools can design and run projects delivering usable value earlier and improving quality and building reputation for delivering faster and leaner and more predictable outcomes than traditional approaches
- Enhanced positioning as high-impact improvement-oriented project leader through adoption data on Lean Six Sigma showing organizations view lean skills as strategic capability for driving efficiency and quality with Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies realizing substantial financial benefits from these methods with professionals who can integrate lean principles into project management including eliminating waste and optimizing flow and aligning projects to customer value being well positioned to take on critical program responsibilities and lead change initiatives and differentiate themselves in competitive project leadership roles
- Stronger cultural transformation and continuous improvement capability through Productive.io guide stressing lean is not one-time toolkit but cultural and managerial shift requiring ongoing training and clear metrics and experimentation and collaboration with professionals learning to build culture where all team members empowered to spot waste and suggest improvements using gemba walks and PDCA cycles
- Advanced expertise in value stream mapping, waste identification, and flow optimization
- Enhanced career prospects and marketability in lean project management, process improvement, operations management, and quality management sectors with professionals gaining skills in continuous improvement, customer value delivery, and strategic leadership
- Ability to gain knowledge and detailed understanding of framework of Lean Project Management
- Skills to develop awareness of advanced Lean Project Management techniques and concepts
- Knowledge to increase ability and capability to not only introduce Lean Project Management but also successfully deliver it
- Capability to outshine other Project Managers through implementation of Projects in faster and leaner and cost-efficient manner
- Understanding to develop greater capability and skill and experience to undertake critical roles and responsibilities related to Program management fostering career growth and progression
- Expertise to enhance perspective and foresight to foresee challenges and hindrances and act upon these to prevent adverse effects
- Proficiency for sense of achievement in continuously delivering Projects faster and cheaper and of high quality
- Skills to engage in constructive discussions about topic resulting in improved organisational capacity and overall communication
- Knowledge to work hands-on on case studies to gain fine skills needed to effectively utilize Lean Project Management
Course Outline
The course covers the following areas to develop deep expertise in Lean Project Management:
Module 1: Introduction – Lean Defined
- Introduction to Lean
- Lean uses and benefits
- Principles of Lean Thinking
- The need for continuous improvement
- Overview of Lean’s five core principles: define value from customer perspective, map the value stream, create flow, use pull, and pursue perfection
- Simple connection between Lean principles and reducing cycle time, cost and defects in projects
Module 2: Lean Thinking
- The lean journey
- The lean organisation culture
- Lean employees
- The lean mindset in functional areas
- Alignment for continuous improvement
- Building a culture where all team members are empowered to spot waste and suggest improvements
- Using “gemba walks” (visiting the actual work) to understand problems firsthand instead of relying on reports
Module 3: Lean Process and Concepts
- Six Sigma – DMAIC
- Design for Six Sigma – DMADV
- Roles in Lean Project Management
- Choosing the right methodology
- The lean event, Kaizen
- 5S
- Brief introduction to DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) as a structured improvement method
- Explaining 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) for organizing workspace and reducing waste
Module 4: Getting Started with Lean Projects
- How to identify a project
- Overview of project management methodology
- Key Tools for managing projects
- Managing projects effectively – key tips and tricks
- Screening projects upfront using value and effort criteria before committing resources
Module 5: Defining the Project
- Goals and objectives of the Project
- Define Problem Statement
- Define the project scope
- Define Business Case
- Define Key Milestones
- Develop and Sign-off Project Charter
- Ensuring the problem statement is clear and linked to a real customer or business need before designing solutions
- Using a simple business case to document why the project is worth doing and what value it will create
Module 6: Lean Tools in Project Management
- Process stakeholders and SIPOC
- Voice of the Customer
- Critical to Quality metrics
- Kano model and Its Implications
- Process mapping
- Value stream analysis
- Process reengineering
- Variation
- Quality at the source
- The pull approach
- Error-proofing or poka-yoke
- FMEA: Failure modes and effects analysis
- Process control and the control plan
- Using SIPOC (Supplier, Input, Process, Output, Customer) to map the project’s scope and stakeholders
- Applying Voice of the Customer (VoC) to translate customer needs into project requirements
- Using value stream mapping to visualize current and future state and identify waste removal opportunities
Module 7: Planning the Project
- Identify the work / Key workstreams
- Estimate time and cost
- Put the project tasks in sequence
- Project Critical Path and its significance
- Build your team
- Assign resources to tasks
- Identify risks
- Add contingency time to the schedule
- Approve the project plan
- Breaking work into small increments (user stories or tasks) so progress can be tracked weekly
- Building a schedule with realistic estimates and buffers instead of purely optimistic timelines
Module 8: Building High Performing Teams Overview
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator for project teams
- The DiSC personality profile
- StrengthsFinder assessment
- Emotional intelligence for project teams
- Tuckman Team-Development Model
- Situational project leadership
- The Five Dysfunctions of a Team
- Manage projects in matrix organisations
- Using personality assessments early so team members understand how each person thinks and communicates
- Applying Tuckman’s model (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing) to manage team dynamics proactively
Module 9: Tracking Progress
- Setup Performance Indicators
- How to monitor project progress
- Get status updates
- Evaluate progress
- Get back on track
- Handle changes
- Establishing simple, visible dashboards that show actual progress against planned targets
- Using daily standups (15 min) to surface blockers and keep the team aligned
- Responding quickly to changes by evaluating scope, time and cost impacts before approving
Module 10: Gantt Chart Overview
- How to create a Gantt chart
- Why Gantt charts
- Set up of Excel Gantt chart
- Add resources to your Gantt
- Add time and cost to your Gantt
- Using Gantt charts to communicate timelines to stakeholders while reserving Kanban boards for daily team work
Module 11: Wrapping Up the Project
- Develop Documentation
- Develop control Plan
- Handover and sign-off
- Lessons Learned
- Tie up loose ends
- Capturing formal lessons learned from the team and stakeholders to improve future projects
- Creating transition and knowledge transfer plans so the delivered solution is maintained and evolves
Real World Examples
Productive.io – lean project management focused on value and waste reduction
Implementation: Productive.io describes Lean project management as maximizing customer value and minimizing waste through five steps including identifying value, mapping the value stream, creating flow, establishing pull, and pursuing perfection, and emphasizes Lean as ongoing cultural and managerial shift requiring continuous training, measurement, and experimentation. It highlights how value stream mapping helps teams visualize every step in delivering a product or service, reveal delays, duplicate work, and unnecessary complexity, and then redesign processes so work flows more smoothly across project delivery.
Results: The guidance shows that identifying value begins with understanding internal or external stakeholders, and value stream mapping is central because without visualization teams cannot reliably see flaws or improve quality, while visual maps expose waste systematically. It explains that reworking plans to remove identified waste supports flow by eliminating bottlenecks through breaking down development stages and using milestones, and pull systems including just in time concepts start work only when there is real demand, thereby reducing overproduction and excess inventory, with PDCA cycles supporting continuous improvement and turning Lean into ongoing practice rather than a one time toolset.
Viima – Lean Six Sigma adoption across Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies
Implementation: Viima’s Lean Six Sigma overview notes that about 53 percent of Fortune 500 firms and up to 82 percent of Fortune 100 organizations use Six Sigma or Lean Six Sigma, with studies estimating combined savings above 400 billion dollars, and explains how Lean Six Sigma merges lean waste reduction with Six Sigma defect and variation control into a continuous improvement approach used in manufacturing, services, and knowledge work. It stresses that Lean Six Sigma helps companies focus on what matters most for production performance and client satisfaction and that adoption levels vary by industry, leaving space for further training and deployment.
Results: The overview reports some industries show universal or near universal adoption and others lag, but overall data indicate these methods have produced massive savings including an estimate of over 427 billion dollars, with corporate wide deployments often saving around 2 percent of total revenue annually, demonstrating strong return on investment. It also cites findings that Lean Six Sigma can generate significantly higher project savings than other improvement programs and that only small proportion of process steps add value while most represent waste, confirming that combining lean and Six Sigma provides powerful means to cut waste and defects, improve efficiency, and create strong business cases for Lean project management skills.
Be inspired by leading lean project management achievements. Register now to build the skills your organization needs for waste elimination and continuous improvement excellence!
