Lean is a project management methodology that emphasizes rapid iteration in the product development process and the elimination of waste. This systematic approach to business is rooted in the lean manufacturing techniques developed at Toyota in post-war Japan, and the“Toyota Production System” was critically important in enabling the efficiency gains that transformed that company into one of the world’s largest automakers.

This philosophy has since been adapted to the needs of companies all over the world and across a wide range of industries. In manufacturing, the “Six Sigma” approach has emerged to apply a lean approach to process improvement, seeking to use statistics and data analysis to minimize variation in output to six standard deviations (or sigmas) from the control. And in software development, agile methods use lean-derived approaches like “just enough” planning to quickly prototype and bring products to market that meet user needs.

Because lean methods have been harnessed by many industries seeking to improve their efficiency and gain a competitive advantage, a background in this methodology can be a gateway to a wide range of careers. Industries that employ lean and lean Six Sigma include manufacturing, construction, mining, design, and agriculture, and typical roles using these skills are found in project management, operations management, and supply chain management.

A background in lean and “lean agile” development is also an asset to career paths in tech. Because lean and agile methodologies seek to empower individual team members to make decisions in the product development cycle, it is as important for software developers to be familiar with these processes as it is for product managers. And, with a median annual salary of $107,510 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers today are often paid as much as management roles in other industries.

Certainly. Whether you want to apply lean methods to supply chain management or mobile app development, Coursera can give you the opportunity to learn online with a flexible schedule and lower costs than on-campus students. For example, you can learn Six Sigma methodology through a multiple course Specialization through the University of Georgia, or lean software development through the University of Minnesota. You can also learn about lean from leading companies like Atlassian and Boston Consulting Group.