Theory of Constraints [Paperback]

Eliyahu M. Goldratt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1999

Theory of Constraints walks you through the crucial stages of a continuous program: the five steps of focusing; the process of change; how to prove effect-cause-effect; and how to invent simple solutions to complex problems. Equally important, the author reveals the devastating impact that an organization's psychology can have on the process of improvements. Theory of Constraints is a crucial document for understanding what it takes to achieve manufacturing breakthroughs.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

One of the world's most sought after business leaders - author and educator, Dr. Eli Goldratt. Eli Goldratt had been described by Fortune Magazine as a "guru to industry" and by Business Week as a "genius." His charismatic, stimulating, yet sometimes unconventional style has captured the attention of audiences throughout the world. Eli is a true thinker who provokes others to think.

Eli Goldratt is the creator of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and is the author of 8 books, including the business best sellers The Goal, It's Not Luck, and Critical Chain. Goldratt's Theory of Constraints is used by thousands of companies, and is taught in hundreds of colleges, universities, and business schools. His books have sold over 3 million copies and have been translated into 23 languages. Goldratt's fascinating work as an author, educator and business pioneer had resulted in the promulgation of TOC into many facets of society and has transformed management thinking throughout the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: North River Pr; 1 edition (December 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0884271668
• ISBN-13: 978-0884271666
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Eli Goldratt is an educator, author, scientist, philosopher, and business leader. But he is, first and foremost, a thinker who provokes others to think. Often characterized as unconventional, stimulating, and "a slayer of sacred cows," Dr. Goldratt exhorts his audience to examine and reassess their business practices with a fresh, new vision.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Tel Aviv University and his Masters of Science, and Doctorate of Philosophy from Bar-Ilan University. In addition to his pioneering work in Business Management and education, he holds patents in a number of areas ranging from medical devices to drip irrigation to temperature sensors

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars This book is a rip-off!, June 30, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: What is This Thing Called Theory of Constraints and How Should It Be Implemented? (Hardcover)

I was actually angry after dropping twenty dollars on this incoherent brochure for the Goldratt institute's seminars. The book is written in such a way that it actually manages to avoid any substantive discussion of the implementation of the Theory of Constraints - instead describing how a Goldratt trained specialist has the skills to make it work. Imagine buying a book on how to change the oil on your car - then discovering the book reads, "First take your car to our Jiffy Lube center, Next watch our Jiffy Lube expert as he expertly lubes your car in a jiffy, lastly return home in your car." If you want to actually understand the Theory of Constraints beyond Goldratts excellent novels - pick up H. William Dettmer's book "Goldratt's Theory of Constraints." It is everything that this book should have been and more. I cannot stress enough how clearly and lucidly Dettmer explains all of the diagrams and "Thinking Tools" that Goldratt litters through his novels. Armed with Dettmer's book and Goldratt's novels you will be in good shape to apply the concepts to any situation

78 of 86 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Seminar Teaser, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: What is This Thing Called Theory of Constraints and How Should It Be Implemented? (Hardcover)

In this short offering (128 pages), we are treated to no less than 31 reprinted pages from previous books or Journal articles. The "new" material is pretty much limited to gushing worship of the Socratic teaching methods, a couple of lists of improvement process rules of thumb, and an analytical technique called "Evaporating Clouds" that can only be described as vaporous.

If you hunger for more, there are plenty of pitches for various seminars on Socratic teaching and cloud evaporation, conducted by the local branch of the Goldratt Institute (with a handy listing of these branches located in the book).

The Goal was helpful and well done. The successor is not worthy.

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars From the shop floor, TOC rises to solve your real problems., January 26, 1999

By 

Thomas Gaasenbeek (Burlington, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What is This Thing Called Theory of Constraints and How Should It Be Implemented? (Hardcover)

Goldratt writes about his Theory of Constraints - and how it is far more than just a shop floor "bottleneck" optimization program. TOC is really about making decisions in this fast-paced, ever-changing world. A "Jonah" knows that quick fixes lead to "chasing one's tail". Insight comes from recognizing that "Current Reality Trees" can be made that get at the root of your problems ("Undesirable Effects"). What are the assumptions that keep you in the rat race? How can you affect breakthrough gains in "Throughput", without much "Inventory" and keeping a lid on "Operating Expenses". Goldratt offers a surprising clear "thinking process" that is applicable to all areas of our lives. Objectivity and a clear head prove that "cost accounting" and "local optima" are short sighted. TOC is a breath of fresh air that all managers should read - especially those at the top. Join the counter-revolution in management theories. Check out "It's Not Luck" next, and then "Critical Chain" in the series...