Thinking Processes (Theory of Constraints)

The thinking processes in Eliyahu M. Goldratt's theory of constraints are the five methods to enable the focused improvement of any cognitive system (especially business system).

The purpose of the thinking processes is to help answer questions essential to achieving focused improvement:

Sometimes two other questions are considered as well:

and:

A more thorough rationale is presented in What is this thing called Theory of Constraints and how should it be implemented.

A more thorough work, mapping the use and evolution of the Thinking Processes, was conducted by Mabin et al.

The primary thinking processes, as codified by Goldratt and others:

Some observers note that these processes are not fundamentally very different from some other management change models such as PDCA "Plan-Do-Check-Act" (aka "Plan-Do-Study-Act") or "Survey-Assess-Decide-Implement-Evaluate", but the way they can be used is clearer and more straightforward.

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