H. William Dettmer goes beyond the theory of constraints introduced by Eliyahu M. Goldratt in his best-selling books The Goal and It's Not Luck by describing the action steps that follow the theory. Loaded with application examples, these unique problem-solving tools will teach you how to analyze and arrive at a variety of solutions. Much of the content focuses on the author's understanding and interpretation of Goldratt's logical thinking processes. it clarifies the five focusing steps and teaches the mechanics of all the thinking tools.

This book is written in the attempt to deal with two major questions: what are the thinking processes that enable people to invent simple solutions to seemingly complicated situations? and, the question of how to use the psychological aspects to assist rather impair, the implementation of those solutions in a mode of an ongoing process.

Alex Rogo is a harried plant manager working ever more desperately to try and improve performance. His factory is rapidly heading for disaster. So is his marriage. He has ninety days to save his plant - or it will be closed by corporate HQ, with hundreds of job losses. It takes a chance meeting with a colleague from student days - Jonah - to help him break out of conventional ways of thinking to see what needs to be done. Described by Fortune as a 'guru to industry' and by Businessweek as a 'genius', Eliyahu M. Goldratt was an internationally recognized leader in the development of new business management concepts and systems. This 20th anniversary edition includes a series of detailed case study interviews by David Whitford, Editor at Large, Fortune Small Business, which explore how organizations around the world have been transformed by Eli Goldratt's ideas. The story of Alex's fight to save his plant contains a serious message for all managers in industry and explains the ideas which underline the Theory of Constraints (TOC) developed by Eli Goldratt. Written in a fast-paced thriller style, The Goal is the gripping novel which is transforming management thinking throughout the Western world. It is a book to recommend to your friends in industry - even to your bosses - but not to your competitors!

The basic principle of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) is the impossibility of running a balanced factory at 100 percent capacity. Variation in processing and material transfer times is the root cause of longer cycle times and higher inventories, which can hinder the ability to run a factory at full capacity. In Beyond the Theory of Constraints, William Levinson challenges this basic principle by stating that variation in processing and material transfer times comes from special or assignable causes that can be eliminated through traditional quality management techniques. Even random or common-cause variation can be suppressed through lean manufacturing methods. This compelling book: Gives a complete overview of the Theory of Constraints and its impact on engineering and managerial economics Illustrates the effect of variation in processing and material transfer times, and shows why this variation prevents achievement of 100 percent utilization Describes methods for reducing variation in processing and material transfer times Discusses methods for increasing productivity and reducing cycle times - these are useful for elevating the constraint (increasing its capacity) and reduce variation This book will teach business executives, managers, and technical professionals, including quality and manufacturing engineers, how to identify and remove variations and maximize capacity to achieve bottom-line results.

Aiming to change the paradigms of traditional management strategies, this work attempts to create an improved platform within the total quality management umbrella for supporting the profit motive by offering hands-on instructions for applying the theory of constraints in the manufacturing system. The book provides updated information in each area

The definitive guide to the theory of constraints In this authoritative volume, the world's top Theory of Constraints (TOC) experts reveal how to implement the ground-breaking management and improvement methodology developed by Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt. Theory of Constraints Handbook offers an in-depth examination of this revolutionary concept of bringing about global organization performance improvement by focusing on a few leverage points of the system. Clear explanations supplemented by examples and case studies define how the theory works, why it works, what issues are resolved, and what benefits accrue, and demonstrate how TOC can be applied to different industries and situations. Theory of Constraints Handbook covers: Critical Chain Project Management for realizing major improvements in delivering projects on time, to specification, and within budget Drum-Buffer-Rope (DBR), Buffer Management, and distribution for maximizing throughput and minimizing flow time Performance measures for applying Throughput Accounting to improve organizational performance Strategy, marketing, and sales techniques designed to increase sales closing rates and Throughput Thinking Processes for simple and complex environments TOC methods to ensure that services actions support escalating demand for services while retaining financial viability Integrating the TOC Thinking Processes, the Strategy and Tactic Tree, TOC measurements, the Five Focusing Steps of TOC, and Six Sigma as a system of tools for sustainable improvement

Businessmen and managers, consultancy clients, readers of the Goldratt novels, and workshop attendees often ask: What is this Theory of Constraints? How can it benefit me? How is it different from other management theories? Is there something I can read to quickly understand its fundamentals? This book is an answer to these questions. Using engaging language and offering many real-life examples, it provides an overview of the methods and tools of the Theory of Constraints: Drum-Buffer-Rope, Buffer Management, Throughput Accounting, Pull Distribution, Irresistible Offer, Corporate Strategy, and Viable Vision. You will learn how to recognize and use constraints, how to complete projects quickly and reliably, and how to gain a competitive lead and to turn it into profit.

There are, today, many good books on the Theory of Constraints, or "TOC". These books, however, generally focus on explaining the details of TOC. But subject matter knowledge alone is not enough, if you want to actually use TOC in business. You must also have a valid roadmap for implementing it. This book provides it. Throughout the book, you have the concrete and actionable voice of a successful TOC consultant leading you to understand how to implement TOC in a manufacturing organization. The book also provides examples of various charts, forms and procedures that you can use as patterns for the materials you will need in your implementations.

This book was written to assist professionals and students to become proactive in their own education, improve thinking, resolve personal and interpersonal conflicts, improve pedagogy, manage departmental affairs and guide administrative decisions. The text captures the practical experience of the authors with and formal training in TOC to address many of the issues facing today’s education stakeholders. The text is designed to teach methods for 1) "win-win" conflict resolution, 2) decision-making, 3) problem solving, and 4) analysis of systems using TOC’s powerful logic-based graphical Thinking Process tools. A creative thinker can identify, plan and achieve his or her goals just knowing the Thinking Process Tools.

Eli Goldratt is known by millions of readers worldwide as a scientist, educator and business guru. His Theory of Constraints (TOC) is taught at business schools and MBA programs around the globe. Government agencies and businesses, large and small, have adopted his methodologies. TOC has been successfully applied in almost every area of human endeavor, from industry to healthcare to education. And while Eli Goldratt is indeed a scientist, an educator and a business leader, he is first and foremost a philosopher; some say a genius. He is a thinker who provokes others to do the same. In The Choice, Goldratt once again presents his thought-provoking approach, this time through a conversation with his daughter, Efrat, as they discuss his fundamental system of beliefs. Through examples and discussions, Eli Goldratt helps us understand, holistically, how the interrelation of emotions, intuition and logic influences our ability to think clearly and problem solve when making personal and professional decisions. Can every conflict be removed? Is every situation exceedingly simple? (no matter how complex it initially looks) Can every situation be substantially improved? Is there always a win-win solution? Dr. Goldratt exhorts his readers to examine and reassess their lives and business practices by cultivating a different perspective and a clear new vision. This revised edition includes Efrat's Notes - these notes and logical maps are helpful tools that assist in visualizing and implementing the thoughts and ideas expressed throughout this book.