Recommended Theory of Constraints Books

Page Three

For books by TOC-Lean Institute Principal Ted Hutchin,
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The Measurement Nightmare - Debra Smith

Companies that excel at on-time delivery, short cycle/leadtime, quality and fast response to the market gain a competitive edge - and have the ability to market based on these features. A proven approach to achieve this is by using TOC production scheduling and other techniques such as TQM. However, traditional cash accounting systems and financial or incentive measurements continue to be the biggest stumbling blocks to companies wishing to improve their financial performance using TOC tools. Agreement on the need for a measurement system that encourages local actions in line with bottom line results is common, but solutions have remained elusive. Whether a company is pursuing TOC, TQM or JIT, cost accounting is the common enemy.

Leading Throughput Accounting authority Debra Smith shows you how to resolve the conflicts, thereby gaining improved performance and a competitive advantage. Especially important are the day-to-day tools she has developed to ensure successful implementation.

Measurements for Effective Decision Making: A Guide for Manufacturing Companies - Mokshagundam L. Srikanth and Scott A. Robertson

The old measures don't measure up any more. New market realities are rewarding companies that develop a "balanced scorecard". These proactive competitors are creating new measures to link work behavior to the bottom line. Result: these companies now track - and improve - customer satisfaction and financial performance on a daily basis. This book shows managers how to structure measures to focus on activities and results in terms of cause and effect and emphasizes factors critical for success, such as operational and financial performance, the impact of constraints, capital investments, product cost and product mix issues, and more.

Thinking for a Change - Lisa J. Scheinkopf

This book is a "how to" manual on the practical use of the Theory of Constraints Thinking Processes. After an overview of TOC and the types of constraints that exist in any organisation, the reader is led through the step-by-step process of the two foundational thinking methods on which the Thinking Processes are based. The reader can then use the book as a field guide, learning the tools as needed, based on his or her own particular issues. The reader will gain a full understanding of the theory and practical application of these powerful processes, including when and when not to use each of the tools.

Manufacturer's Guide to Implementing the Theory of Constraints - Mark J. Woeppel

A detailed guide for implementing TOC in manufacturing organisations, this book contains a wealth of resource material, procedures and policies that will help you speed up the implementation process and avoid costly mistakes.
The author provides a complete implementation checklist, sample policies, and procedures documents that are included as boilerplates in the appendix. He explains the rationale behind the implementation process and includes real life "war stories" that illustrate it.

TOC - Self Learning Program (Complete Set of 8 Sessions)

Regardless of whether you are top-level management or a front line leader, the TOC-Self Learning Programs will provide you with invaluable knowledge and information you can put to work right away.
Sessions cover: Production, Finance & Measurements, Project Management & Engineering, Distribution & Supply Chain, Marketing, Sales & Buy-In, Managing People, and Strategy & Tactics.

Goldratt's Theory of Constraints: A Systems Approach to Continuous Improvement - H. William Dettmer

The author shows, step-by- step, how to effectively manage change in an organisational system, at any level, focusing on his understanding and interpretation of Goldratt´s logical Thinking Process. If you have read Goldratt's 'The Goal' and 'It's not Luck', then Dettmer's book will help to deepen your understanding, increase your skills and accelerate the pace of your TOC projects.

Managing Operations - James F. Cox III, John H. Blackstone, Jr. & John G. Schleier, Jr.

This is a book about Operations in the broad sense. Throughout the text we regularly step outside the boundaries of manufacturing to show the broad scope of Operations as it really is – a function that exists in almost every kind of business enterprise (for-profit and not-for-profit). The latest concepts in Operations Management are covered in depth and you will see how these concepts apply to services, engineering processes, paper work flows, distribution networks and the like, as well as to manufacturing.
A primary feature of the book is its focus on improvement and change management. It provides students with logical thinking tools for analyzing the current reality, the expected future reality and how to bring about change successfully. This does not just talk about change as a concept. It talks about how to do it.

Introduction to the Theory of Constraints (TOC) Management System - Thomas B. McMullen, Jr.

Easy to understand, delivered with a great sense of humour and packed with places to go for additional information, this book is an excellent introduction to the concepts and tools that comprise TOC. The book provides a compact source of information and "how to" instructions for those who are beginning their study and initial use of TOC and enables directors and executives of corporations, not-for profits, and other institutions to initiate and guide applications of TOC and its management system. It also highlights the TOC Management System's suitability for generating superior degrees of short-and long-term profitability, employment stability, and stakeholder loyalty.

Management Dilemmas: The TOC Approach to Problem Identification and Solutions - Eli Schragenheim

An incredible ability awaits managers who practice Theory of Constraints (TOC) techniques: they can take a problem, look beyond the less important details, and directly identify the source of trouble. The author offers an informative and enjoyable self-learning method, proving how TOC can be invaluable at a wide variety of workplaces. The book conveys TOC methods through "virtual experience" - stories of managers and the situations they need to resolve. Take note of the dilemmas they're facing. Think about how you would respond under those circumstances. Then, compare your reactions with Schragenheim's TOC-influenced analysis.

The Theory of Constraints: Practice & Research – Boaz Ronen

The Theory of Constraints (TOC) has spread as a leading managerial philosophy during the last two decades. Implemented properly, TOC leads to significant results in a relatively short time. However, contrary to the vast application of TOC in practice, TOC research published in refereed academic journals is lagging behind. This book makes the case that TOC should be proven as a continuity of previous research rather than a stand alone new concept. TOC practitioners should seek for academic examination for the validity of the tools and the understanding of the implementation process.