What makes a supply chain lean? How do you introduce lean principles and tools across the enterprise and beyond to suppliers and customers? Why are so many of today's supply chain models inefficient? Penn State University's executive education course on "Applying Lean Principles Across the Supply Chain" is designed to answer these and other questions.

The course will introduce participants to ways of applying lean thinking to supply chain challenges. The program, which focuses on those lean principles, tools, and strategies that managers can use to create greater speed and efficiency in their supply chain operations, will also address ways to get trading partners to buy into and participate in lean supply chain initiatives.

The course includes a simulation exercise that demonstrates the power of an effective lean system. In the exercise, participant teams assume the role of a prime contractor and three subcontractors working to complete a 36-month government contract to build and deliver 15 F35V strike fighter aircraft.

The university will offer the course on Feb. 23-27, June 8-12, and Oct. 26-30 on its campus in State College, Pa. For more information, visit www.smeal.psu.edu/psep/lsc.html.