What is theory of constraint thinking Process?
Despite its origins as a manufacturing approach (Goldratt & Cox, The Goal: A process of Ongoing Improvement, 1992), Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints (TOC) methodology is now regarded as a systems methodology with strong foundations in the hard sciences (Mabin, 1999). Through its tools for convergent thinking and synthesis, the “Thinking processes”, which underpin the entire TOC methodology, help identify and manage constraints and guide continuous improvement and change in organizations (Dettmer H. , 1998).
The process of change requires the identification and acceptance of core issues; the goal and the means to the goal. The “TOC Thinking Processes” as they were called, were introduced by Dr. Goldratt in a business novel, It’s Not Luck (Goldratt, Its not Luck, 1994) and when used enable the process of ongoing improvement in any organization.
This comprehensive set of logical tools can be used for exploration, solution development and solution implementation for individuals, groups or organizations. Each tool has a purpose and nearly all tools can be used independently (Cox & Spencer, 1998). Since these thinking tools are designed to address successive “layers of resistance” and enable communication, it expedites securing “buy in” of groups. While CRT (current reality tree) represents the undesirable effects of the current situation, the FRT (the future reality tree), NBR(negative branch) help people plan and understand the possible results of their actions. The PRT(Perquisite tree) and TRT (transition tree) are designed to build collective buy in and aid in the Implementation phase. The logical constructs of these tools or diagrams are the necessary condition logic, the sufficient cause logic and the strict logic rules that are used to validate cause-effect relationships which are modelled with these tools (Dettmer W. , 2006).
A summary of these tools, the questions they help answer and the associated logical constructs used is presented in the table below.
Read more about TOC thinking process and the Thinking process tools here: https://www.vectorconsulting.in/...
References
Cox, J. I., & Spencer, M. (1998). The TOC handbook. Boca Raton,FL: St. Lucie press.
Dettmer, H. (1998). Retrieved March 12, 2015, from Constraint Theory A Logic-Based Approach to System Improvement: http://www.goalsys.com/books/doc...
Dettmer, W. (2006). The logical Thinking Process: A system approach to complex problem solving. Milwaukee, Wisconsin: ASQ Quality Press.
Goldratt, E., & Cox, J. (1992). The Goal: A process of Ongoing Improvement. Great Barrington,MA: North Niver Press Publishing Corporation.
Mabin, V. (1999). Glodratts “Theory of Constraints” Thinking Process: A systems methodology linking soft with Hard. Retrieved March 18, 2015, from System Dynamics: Home
Mohanty, S. (2013). Vector Consulting Group. Retrieved March 22, 2015, from Theory of Constraints: “Vector Consulting Group- Management Consulting Firm
