2013 TOCICO International Conference

The five fears and the human potential

Goldratt cites 3 fears: Complexity, Unknown, & Conflicts, which hinder focus. This presentation examines 5 fundamental fears that distort human potential and performance, which can be overcome with improved behaviors. (246 characters)

Three layers of logic or never say I know when it comes to thinking

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TOC thinking processes (TP) can fail despite sound logic. This presentation explores two assumption layers beyond causality underpinning cause-and-effect thinking, offering examples and examining consequences for TP tools.

Overcoming limiting assumptions using the change matrix cloud

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The paper provides an overview of 4 new innovations for applying the scientific method's two steps (facing inconsistencies and challenging assumptions) to solve problems, including the change matrix cloud and 4 methods for conflict resolution.

Strategy & tactics tree of a local non-profit organization promoting TOC

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ToC France, a non-profit promoting the TOC body of knowledge, wrote an S&T tree to guide startup activities. The tree helps clarify member thinking, but challenges included member unfamiliarity and preference for quick results.

Using the load control mechanism as a focusing tool for sales and marketing

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The RRR S&T uses load control to set safe due dates, ensuring reliable fulfillment. Load control also buffers against demand fluctuations and connects to sales focus to optimize results, providing a consistent view of throughput.

IEE CCPM implementation (case study)

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Post-2008 crisis, IEE used CCPM to manage more projects under cost pressure in the automotive industry. Projects often weren't on time, resulting in validation tests finishing after SOP and late changes.

'Mine to market' - Throughput focused mining

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Theory of Constraints (TOC) is a management philosophy focused on identifying and leveraging constraints. This presentation explores TOC's application at Iluka Resources, a mineral sands company, to increase throughput and asset utilization.

Milk run replenishment in Cyprus

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The case study details the design and implementation of a TOC replenishment solution following the 2008 merger of the two biggest dairies in Cyprus. The project created a new supply chain servicing over 2500 customers daily.

TOC CCPM: Turning the invisible into visible for decisions

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In multi-project environments, achieving success requires harmonizing many dimensions, some continuous, some discrete. Understanding these dimensions is key to improving decision-making, especially when conflicts arise during CCPM implementation.

Take the risk out of innovation

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Innovation is risky. Tools like the 6 questions on technology and the 4 quadrants of resistance help reduce risk. The text suggests integrating TOC tools with Eric Ries’s ‘The Lean Start-Up’ process for early new product evaluation.

Supply chain logistics workshop (German)

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The session explains pull systems like Drum-Buffer-Rope (DBR), Simplified DBR (SDBR), and Make to Availability (MTA), which utilize Buffer Management (BM) to resolve supply chain issues in both make-to-order and make-to-stock environments.

Application of TOC in the 'live animal farming' industry

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TOC solutions are not widely used in live animal farming due to complexity. When the five focusing steps failed for chicken farms, authors developed TOC-based solutions using thinking processes, which succeeded in cow and calf farming.

CUSUM chart application in CCPM buffer management

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Workshop on buffer management in TOC CCPM. Topics include fever charts, identifying task over-consumption difficulties, and introducing statistical process control (SPC) of buffers using Shewhart charts (burn rate, PBCR) and CUSUM charts.

Developing local operational indicators and money buffers

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This master class addresses two questions for TOC logistical solutions: 1) what measurements (Local Operational Indicators - LOI's) motivate alignment with company goals, and 2) how money buffers finance expected actions.

Lessons learned in implementing MTA / DTA (Encore)

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The TOC supply chain solution uses MTA for manufacturers and DTA for distribution. Moving from MTO/MTS to MTA offers growth potential. Operating based on forecasts causes major UDEs: shortages and surpluses.

What is the theory of constraints basics workshop

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TOC is a holistic management philosophy by Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt, based on the principle that complex systems are limited by a very small number of variables, perhaps only one (a constraint). Goldratt described TOC with one word: 'focus'.

Looking into UDE clouds – How to get them right

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The UDE cloud, a challenging system problem-solving cloud type, guides managers' thinking for performance improvement. Key processes include identifying UDEs, building, consolidating, revealing/challenging assumptions, and finding solutions.

Finance and measures basics workshop

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Workshop on Theory of Constraints (TOC) finance and measures, presented by Rocco Surace. It covers the five focusing steps, applying them to a product mix problem, and illustrating throughput, inventory, and operating expense measures.

The role of SOPs to secure the Viable Vision change process

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A TOC SOP IMPLEMENTATION MANUAL was built using the S&T tree to guide the process, focusing management attention, ensuring continuous flow, and simplifying the implementation for stability, growth, and continuous improvement.

Using TOC to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of state government

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Global economic troubles highlight the need for efficient government. This presentation discusses challenges in applying Theory of Constraints (TOC) in government and explores novel techniques with US state examples.

Implementing TOC in a cash-constrained organization (Encore)

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TOC implementation is challenging for cash-constrained organizations, but their survival risk helps overcome initial resistance. A 13-week process to resolve the cash constraint has been developed from 12 years of experience in India.

System productivity

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Organizations require a single, clear, and intuitive measure for overall system productivity, going beyond individual metrics. This measure should simply indicate if the organization is advancing, stagnant, or declining.

Retail the TOC way: Introduction

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Rami Goldratt discusses applying flow concepts to retail, focusing on not replenishing based on demand pull. Topics cover managing assortments, new product introduction, liquidation, dynamic range management, and short product-life cycles.

Technology breakthrough by operational breakthrough (Mazda)

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Facing financial struggles and a dilemma between employment and innovation, Mazda used TOC’s CCPM to develop 'SKYACTIV,' cutting car development time in half, improving efficiency, and leading to increased sales and profitability.

Managing complex organizations: A simplified approach

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Traditional management often uses conflicting local performance measures. Large companies should encourage element performance that impacts global performance. Modifying TDD and IDD can achieve both local and global effectiveness.

Project and multi-projects management basics workshop

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Workshop introduces project management using Theory of Constraints (TOC) principles. Key topics include projects, interdependency, variability, the core conflict, CCPM scheduling, and buffer management. Prepares for TOCICO basics CCPM exam.

Simplified critical chain project management: Visual project management

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90% of organizations doing projects don't use project management tools due to complexity. Visual Project Management (a simplified CCPM approach) offers simpler reporting and buffer management, helping users become better project managers.

Complex systems, TOC and the search for inherent simplicity (Encore)

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The Cynefin Model assists in choosing the right improvement method, like Theory of Constraints (TOC). TOC is effective for managing complex systems and finding simple, breakthrough solutions, as indicated by the model.

Fire the consultants to get the green curve and the red curve

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The red/green curve is updated to 3.0 (green=stability, red=growth). Conventional consulting's focus on green 1.0 led to failed TOC implementations. A policy buffer promotes employee-driven change and sustainable growth.

V.I.P. Mortgage, Inc.: A case study

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V.I.P. Mortgage grew from 50 to over 260 employees between 2010 and 2012, achieving $1B+ in loan volume using TOC. The TOC solution influenced every system, proving its worth as an organization growth theory.

Increasing flow into customer´s world

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Traditional PUSH methods lead to a long supply chain. Theory of Constraints (TOC) distribution accelerates flow and reduces lead time, but faces challenges with transition, supplier persuasion, and customer communication.

Turning buffer management on its ear -- Why our project buffers are providing the wrong signals

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This session covers improving project management buffer methods for reliability. It explains why current critical chain buffer management can give erroneous signals and details necessary changes to derive and implement better signals.

Throughput accounting, transfer pricing, and the international fiscal environment

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Addressing transfer pricing issues with throughput accounting in a multinational company required a simplified solution: a French cost center was redefined as a profit center to prevent cost allocation.

Our quest on making TOC the main way of managing the country (opening plenary session)

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Nerius applied TOC in the Lithuanian government after being forced to read The Goal. He and friends started a popular blog, then proposed "To be happy people" as a country goal. TOC projects in Guarantee Funds and healthcare were successful.

Implementation of CCPM in the pharmaceutical industry

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Dr. Reddy's implemented Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) starting in 2008 with Goldratt Consulting to manage product development, address project issues like non-availability of resources, and improve due date performance/cycle time.

Using TOC-TP to convert operational risk assessment into competitive advantage for financial services firms

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Learn to use operational risk assessment and the change matrix conflict cloud to identify the root cause of a financial firm's risk profile, challenge assumptions, and align conflict resolution with the firm's value proposition.

Holistic government transformation management by TOC with proof of concept case study in Miyazaki Prefecture

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TOC's systemic thinking can manage government. Facing ineffective management and scandals in Japan, this presentation shows TOC's application, like a case study in Miyazaki Prefecture, to bring more value to taxpayers.

The development of TOC applications for the service sector

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Alex Knight highlights 9 points where standard TOC applications for manufacturing are not valid or require a different approach in the service environment, emphasizing breakthroughs derived purely from underlying theory.

5 major marketing mistakes

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Five common mistakes: not selecting a target market, measuring the wrong things, focusing on product over outcome, failing to generate leads, and using push marketing instead of pull marketing.

Finance and measures basics workshop (German)

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Workshop on TOC finance and measures. Covers fundamentals, five focusing steps applied to product mix, illustrating throughput, inventory, and operating expense. Includes solving decision-making scenarios with TOC concepts.

Strategy and tactics basics workshop (German)

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Dr. Eli Goldratt's Strategic & Tactics (S&T) tree is a vital TOC thinking process for defining, validating, communicating, and implementing holistic strategies. This workshop introduces S&T trees for communicating changes and addressing disharmony.

The Thinking Processes Basics Workshop

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TOC's Thinking Processes (TP) are problem-solving tools developed by Dr. Goldratt. The workshop overviews TP tools, logic rules, and diagrams (like the Current Reality Tree) used to answer the key questions of change.

'TOC + lean + six sigma' or TLS. What is it? Is it a threat or an opportunity for TOC?

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TLS combines TOC, Lean, and Six Sigma, seeking to integrate the best aspects of each for industrial improvement. The text explores its implications, incompatibilities, case studies, and its role for the TOC movement. Authored by Philip Marris.

Holistic management in a pharmaceutical company

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Senju Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., facing long drug launches and large inventory, adopted holistic management with TOC in 2012. This led to shorter R&D timelines, lower stock, and better staff growth and coordination.

Extreme makeover - Government Edition - Increasing our Government's capacity to do more Good (plenary session)

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Facing an economic crisis, the government struggles with high demand and limited resources. This presentation offers an "extreme makeover" plan with tools to perform vital functions faster, at less cost, and with better quality.

Q&A: Overcoming the myths that keep government from radically improving and the change agent's guide to radical improvement

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Ken compared government processes to "plumbing" with many short, connected pipes across departments, leading to long, highly variable lead times for government services. This highlights the need for system improvement.

The honeymoon is over – When cost reduction moves into the house of throughput

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TeledyneDalsa applied TOC since 2009. This presentation addresses challenges from local cost reductions that negatively impacted TOC benefits. It covers efforts to realign improvements and lessons in gaining system-wide buy-in.

Managing the long tail problem in distribution and retail

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Learn additional Theory of Constraints (TOC) distribution components for complex environments with many SKUs/small customers. Focus on effective implementation without complicating replenishment, aggregation, or creating high inventory.

The journey starts with chaos: The organizational maturity model for projects management environments

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CC implementation objectives in PM focus on complexity beyond time & pushing TOC knowledge. Questions cover organizational maturity/entropy, implementation efforts, and adhering to the suggested stage sequence.

Agile + critical chain = Agile enterprise

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A two-phase approach makes agile methods compatible with critical chain project management (CCPM) using TOC thinking and drum-buffer-rope ideas. This allows for lightweight steering of sub-projects, continuous flow, and improved throughput/lead time.

Godrej Security Solutions: Another Viable Vision from India

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Godrej Security Solutions, a 50+ year market leader, implemented TOC across its supply chain. In two years, the company doubled output, nearly tripled profits, and doubled profitability, aiming for a Viable Vision.

Get rid of feeding buffers

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The author suggests eliminating problematic and confusing feeding buffers in the Critical Chain (CC) approach. By estimating merge bias and determining task gating without explicit buffers, more robust CC schedules can be achieved.

Project and multiproject workshop (German)

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This course introduces project management using the Theory of Constraints (TOC), focusing on CCPM scheduling and buffer management for single and multi-project environments. It prepares students for the TOCICO basics CCPM exam.

The TOC thinking processes workshop (German)

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TOC's Thinking Processes (TP) is a codified problem-solving/decision-making approach using tools like the Current Reality Tree. TP logic addresses the key questions of change: why, what, to what, how to cause, and how to sustain.

Building a decisive competitive edge in the microfinance segment in Mexico

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Mas Kapital, a Mexican Microfinance company, adopted the TOC philosophy in 2010 to stabilize operations. They identified loan submission analysis as the major constraint and focused on reducing credit risk and optimizing sales force.

The link between the S&T trees and the traditional TP analysis: A rigorous approach

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The text focuses on building and validating a logically consistent Strategy and Tactics (S&T) tree. This involves linking S&T entities to Thinking Processes (TP) and using 'categories of legitimate reservations' for enhanced logical consistency.

SRL (self-regulated learning): The inner GPS for life long learning

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A training program uses Theory of Constraints (TOC) philosophy to transform teachers into "learning coaches." These coaches mentor students in self-regulation and peer-to-peer teaching to meet modern educational demands.

Giving back simplicity to business (Releasing management attention capacity by transforming an ERP entirely to the world of TOC)

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Plastigomez SA, a TOC company, needed reliable information to manage executive attention, leading them to develop an ERP project using the simple and robust TOC OpenERP system, customized by TOCware Solutions SA.

Solving the pofessional services dilemma

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Ballistix's US experience shows their model is viable for sole practitioners. A 12-step plan is provided to replicate their success, including identifying services, designing a value proposition, converting clients, and using marketing strategies.

Introducing the Superzouf method for service organizations

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Long lead times in service processes, often due to step-specific SLAs, cause low throughput & customer satisfaction. Introducing 'Superzouf' (global SLA and reduced WIP) cut lead times by 80%+ and improved customer satisfaction.

Learning from ONE event

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The "Learning from one event" methodology, by Eli Schragenheim and Dr. Avner Passal, investigates single events to identify flawed organizational paradigms, update them, and implement changes.

Implementing the process of high level decision making - A case study

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Eli Schragenheim and Vector Consulting Group demonstrate a proposed process using an expanded form of throughput accounting via a case study with JK Files (India) Limited, a company producing files and drills.

SAP and TOC - A match made in Heaven?

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Despite low success rates in IT projects, this paper explores how Theory of Constraints (TOC) and the NBNS/TOC-based 'ValueERP' process, developed by Dr. Alan Barnard, can unlock more value faster from SAP implementations.

A process to build strategy and tactic trees using a SWOT analysis

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A proposed process to build a Strategy and Tactics (S&T) tree starts with a SWOT analysis. The SWOT output sets assumptions for the S&T tree levels, which use designated titles. The S&T output is summarized in a strategy map.

Buffer management in context (Encore)

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Presentation on buffer management's conceptual origins in TOC for MTO, ETO, and MTA manufacturing and the service sector. It links the concept to Shewhart (1931) and Ohno (1978), discussing its extension for 'lean' developments.

TOC - The process of on-going improvement?

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The presentation details the significance of the TOC five focusing steps, linking them to DBR, CCPM, and MTA. It connects TOC to broader operations management theory (Deming, Ohno) and applies it to complex service environments like healthcare.

The supply chain solutions of TOC basics workshop

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DBR, SDBR, MTA, and replenishment are TOC applications that offer a coherent theoretical development for managing flow in MTO and MTS supply chains. Buffer management (BM) is a key signaling system across these methods.

12 questions: Standardizing the generic current reality branch

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The 12-questions process, evolving from over a decade of TOC TP experience, is proposed as a universal Current Reality Branch (CRB) meta-structure to answer the 6 D’s (Discomforts, Dilemmas, Doubts, Difficulties, Direction, Decisions).

Velocity-based buffer management (VBBM): A new buffer management practice to maximize the flow of the system in complex (as defined by the Cynefin Framework) environments

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To address gaps in Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) in complex environments like software development, "Velocity-based buffer management" (VBBM) was developed. The presentation shares experimental knowledge on performing VBBM.

Unlocking the secrets of critical chain success and sustainability

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Workshop focuses on preventing failure and ensuring long-term sustainability in critical chain and TOC implementations. Key areas: preparatory steps, S&T trees, cultural change, and three simple questions for phenomenal success.

TOC demand-pull saves Colovos from liquidation

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Colovos, rejected by banks for defaulting, had a cash shortage due to inventory tie-up. A turnaround plan reduced inventory by over 50% ($3M from $6.1M), releasing cash and securing refinancing despite initial bank reluctance.

Critical chain: Adding the 3rd dimension upgrade workshop

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Project management techniques evolved from the Gantt chart (1920s) to the critical path concept (1930s) and PERT (1950s). Computer use grew in the 1960s, leading to software tools. The critical chain technique was introduced in 1997.

TOC tools in early years: How to teach TOC tools to children who can't write

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We teach TOC thinking processes (TP) to young children (age 5-9) using a package that develops natural abilities for smart thinking and wise decisions, challenging the idea that smartness training must wait for reading/writing.

TOC tapped to accelerate Gulf of Mexico cleanup

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Pinnacle Strategies helped BP rapidly improve the supply chain availability of essential materials like boom, skimmers, and absorbents after the Deepwater Horizon well explosion. They also led decontamination efforts across five states.

Sourcing – An unresolved issue

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B2B collaboration is hard due to adversarial goals. A proposed tech tool allows clients and suppliers to share structured info, fostering collaboration without compromising goals, leading to greater effectiveness and supply chain improvement.