If you are responsible for a problem and make recommendations on possible solutions, you might be asked whether you went and looked at the situation … - Jeffrey K. Liker

the only thing that adds value in any type of process — be it in manufacturing, marketing, or a development process — is the physical or information transformation of that product, service, or activity into something the customer wants.

The vision for Lean, I believe, should be achieving operational excellence based on a clearly defined value system and a way of engaging people in Continuous Improvement. The goals can generally be summarized as Safety, Morale, Quality, Cost, and Productivity.

More important than the actual improvements that individuals contribute, the true value of continuous improvement is in creating an atmosphere of continuous learning and an environment that not only accepts, but actually embraces change. Such an environment can only be created where there is respect for people — hence