This text is intended for BA and MBA students in management and engineering who have already taken an introductory course in production and operations management. It covers basic principles of lean and demonstrates how to use lean tools with real-world case studies. Section 1 presents core concepts of continuous improvement, waste elimination, and customer-focused quality. Section 2 covers eight elements of lean production, such as small lot production, setup-time reduction, pull production systems, and workcells and cellular manufacturing. The last part of the text examines integrated planning and control in pull production and the supply chain. Chapter review questions and problems are included. Nicholas teaches operations management at Loyola University Chicago. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)