Integrating the Lean Enterprise
MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics offers this graduate-level look at how lean principles apply across an entire manufacturing enterprise rather than a single shop floor. The course examines the people, technology, process, and management dimensions of lean production in a unified framework, covering product development, production systems, and the extended supply chain. Analysis tools for evaluating lean transformations are introduced alongside discussion of future trends in manufacturing strategy. A team project anchors the subject, requiring students to apply integration concepts to a real enterprise scenario. Materials available through MIT OpenCourseWare include readings, lecture notes, and project guidelines, free to access under a Creative Commons license with no certificate offered. The course suits students or professionals wanting a systems-level view of lean manufacturing beyond shop-floor techniques.