1. Explain the different views of lean in this case. What might Professor Warren include in his more extensive training program?
2. What elements of lean would be most useful to the DC manager and his staff?
3. Are the manager’s views of lean realistic? What is the best he can hope to achieve in the time allotted?
4. What might be some drawbacks in approaching lean implementation in this way? What might be some advantages? Does warehouse work lend itself to lean?

“We are interested in lean training for our distribution center workers. Can you provide that for us, Professor Warren?” the (DC) manager inquired.
“Yes, we have training material on lean systems and would be happy to facilitate a series of workshops for you and your employees. We usually start with a week of manager or supervisor training and then move on to front-line employee workshops one day a week for about two months. As your workers gain experience participating in improvement teams, we would return for day-long workshops once a month for six months after that. The entire process takes about a year, after which time your facility would have its own lean trainers certified to . . .”