Book: Practicing Lean by Mark Graban

Description: Join us for a discussion about Mark Graban's book, Practicing Lean: Learning How to Learn How to Get Better...Better. We'll share our thoughts and key learning points, and develop ideas for turning our insights into action. As a bonus, Mark Graban has offered us some time at the conference to ask him questions and get our books signed.

Date 1 and Pre-work: July 14, 4 - 5pm, read Chapters 1-8 before event 1

Date 2 and Pre-work: July 28, 4 - 5pm, read Chapter 9 to The End before event 2

Discussion Leader: Ruth Archer

Ruth Archer is the Director of Continuous Improvement at Michigan Technological University, where she manages the continuous improvement activities for the university. At Michigan Tech, Ruth is responsible for training people on Lean thinking and integrating continuous improvement into the day-to-day activities of students, faculty, and staff. In addition, she teaches courses on Lean principles, teamwork, and communication. Ruth is also the president of the Superior Leadership Institute, where she coaches others for leadership excellence and creates and delivers training on Lean and continuous improvement, leadership development, and managerial skills. Ruth has a BS in Electrical Engineering, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in business administration with a specialization in organizational psychology. Before working at Michigan Tech, she served in the United States Air Force. She held multiple positions, including aircraft mechanic, test equipment designer, aircraft electromagnetic signature collector, radar modeler, and current and future radar engineer. Ruth is the chairperson for the Americas Division of the Lean Higher Education Global Steering Committee and an examiner for Michigan Performance Excellence (MIPEx).