Stephen A RuffaStephen A. Ruffa is an aerospace engineer, a researcher, and the originator of the concept of lean dynamics. His distinctive observations are framed by a quarter-century of background engaged in supporting many of the Defense Department's dynamic nees - from the design, manufacture, test, and repair of cutting-edge aircraft, to projects ensuring the availability of critical supplies for wartime demand surges. His joint government-industry study of lean manufacturing tools and practices across seventeen aerospace producers, together with his experience with implementing business improvement initiatives and his research on today's leading firms gives him the unique perspective that made this project possible. His works have been widely cited and recognized; his previous book, Breaking the Cost Barrier: A Proven Approach to Managing and Implementing Lean Manufacturing (John Wiley & Sons, 2000) was awarded the 2001 Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing Research. He can be contacted at sruffa@goinglean.net. Read More Read Less