About this course: While scrum and XP were transforming the software development industry, there were another set of ideas (derived from lean manufacturing and Six Sigma) that started to influence software development methods. These ideas around Lean Software Development forms the foundation of number of agile methods. In this course, we will explore lean concepts and cover some of the common Lean methods and techniques like Kanban, Value Stream Mapping, etc. In this course, we will also learn techniques like Lean Startup and Design Thinking that can help team learn about user and market needs much faster and cheaper. As part of this course, you will also apply the knowledge gained in this course to fictional case studies. These projects will help you gain experience to confidently apply these techniques in real world. At the end of the course, you will be able to apply lean techniques / methods to software development. You will also be able to apply methods to learn about your users and market needs much faster and cheaper.

Who is this class for: This class is anyone who has 1-2 years of experience building software using Traditional and Agile methods and looking to learn about applying lean principles to software development

Created by: University of Minnesota

Taught by: Praveen Mittal, Adjunct Professor
College of Science and Engineering

Basic Info	Course 3 of 4 in the Software Development Lifecycle Specialization
Level	Beginner
Commitment	4 weeks of study with 3-4 hours /week
Language	English
How To Pass	Pass all graded assignments to complete the course.
User Ratings	4.0 stars Average User Rating 4.0See what learners said

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Lean Fundamentals

In this module, we will first learn about core lean principles from manufacturing. After that we will learn how you can apply these lean principles in software development. Finally we will learn about Lean Principles of software development in depth. At the end of this module, you will build the foundational knowledge around lean concepts.

8 videos, 5 readings, 1 practice quiz

Reading: Course Learning Plan
Video: What do we mean by Lean?
Reading: Video: Five Principles of Lean Manufacturing
Video: Lean for software development
Reading: Video: Lean vs. Agile
Practice Quiz: Lean Fundamentals
Reading: Video: Eliminate Waste
Video: Amplify Learning / Create Knowledge
Video: Defer Commitments
Video: Build Quality In
Reading: Lean Principle: Respect People
Video: Deliver Fast
Video: Optimize the whole

Graded: Lean Principles

WEEK 2

Kanban, Value Steam Mapping and Kaizen

In this module we will learn about Kanban and other Lean practices like Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen etc. You will gain the ability to participate effectively in using these tools and practices.

2 videos, 4 readings, 1 practice quiz

Reading: Lean Metrics : Tracking Flow Based Methods like Kanban
Practice Quiz: Kanban
Video: Value Stream Mapping
Reading: Video: Intro to Kaizen
Reading: Video: Kaizen Examples
Reading: Video: The 5 Whys

Graded: Value Stream Map

Graded: Kanban, Value Stream Mapping and Kaizen

WEEK 3

Lean Startup

In this lesson we will learn techniques like Lean Startup and Design Thinking that can help your team learn about user and market needs much faster.

3 videos, 1 reading

Video: Lean Startup (validated Learning and Build-measure-learn)
Video: Innovation Accounting
Reading: A Talk by Eric Ries on Lean Startup

Graded: Lean Startup

WEEK 4

Design Thinking

In this module, we will learn about a technique called "Learn Startup with Design Thinking". These techniques help the team learn about user needs. You will also get an opportunity to apply this technique on a fictional case study. At the end of this module, you will be able to uncover user needs using "Lean Startup with Design Thinking".

4 videos

Video: Lean Startup with Design Thinking
Video: Identifying and Classifying Assumptions
Video: Prototype and Test

Graded: Design Thinking

Graded: Applying Design Thinking

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How It Works

Coursework

Each course is like an interactive textbook, featuring pre-recorded videos, quizzes and projects.

Help from Your Peers

Connect with thousands of other learners and debate ideas, discuss course material, and get help mastering concepts.

Certificates

Earn official recognition for your work, and share your success with friends, colleagues, and employers.

Creators

University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

Pricing

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Ratings and Reviews

Rated 4 out of 5 of 22 ratings

T

Answers many of my questions from work

This is a great course! Videos are very explanatory and fast and the activities are interesting. I only missed a few examples before developing the projects. I really enjoyed the interaction with other students, in the form of correction of activities - this add a lot! the only problem is the delay in the correction of the activities, losing the term sometimes.

Excellent course for developers or managers that never had contact with Lean Software Development. Practical examples and very good exercices for a solid first learning.