This ebook presents a snap shot of where we are with respect to the practice of lean. It presents seven papers, i.e. five standard and two reflective practice papers, which cover a diverse terrain. The ebook covers traditional topics such as lean manufacturing and shows, that in some parts of the globe - for example the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), lean is still making new converts in manufacturing. But it also shows that lean is colonising other territories, such as the service sector and the public sector, in both developed and emerging economies. As befits the mission of the journal some of the papers focus on the ongoing dilemma of how to measure the performance of lean. This ebook also covers more recent developments where lean's longevity is enhanced by combination with other process improvement initiatives, such as six sigma. Finally it also touches on what might have been - and may still be - by reflecting on one of the so-far missed opportunities of lean.