Book Review: Lean Enterprise Value: Insights from MIT'S Lean Aerospace Initiative. Earll Murman et al.; Palgrave, Basingstoke, ISBN 0-333-97697-5

This most recent MIT-inspired book is largely based upon the results of a concerted investigation into the state of the US aerospace industry, the "Lean Aerospace Initiative" (LAI). The LAI was launched in 1993 and involved some 47 partners representing the "who's who" of the US aerospace establishment. They include government organizations and industry, encompassing both prime contractors and suppliers from aircraft, defence and space sectors. Even labour organizations and some learned institutions were invited to participate. Two small parallel efforts were initiated in the UK and in Sweden. The 13 notable authors, representing decades of leadership, teaching and implementation experience, provide deep insights into the policies and strategies governing the US aerospace complex.