TOCICO

This presentation discusses a little used tool in the theory of constraints thinking processes (TP), the intermediate objectives ((IO) map. Shortcomings of the future reality tree and evaporating cloud lead to the investigation of the use of the IO map to overcome these shortcomings. The presentation discusses the TP background, the role of a goal and necessary conditions, functions of the IO map, and a practical exercise. The original TP tools and their sequence in use was current reality tree (CRT), evaporating cloud (EC), future reality tree (FRT), prerequisite tree (PRT), and transition tree (TRT). While the CRT was the first and most critical step as this represented the identification of the core problem several problems existed: ponderous, too complex; too many undesirable effects and difficulty in reaching a single core problem. The process needs focus to avoid vague undesirable effects (UDEs) unrelated to the goal. The process should include: 1. Define the system in question; 2. Articulate the goal of the system; 3. Determine the critical success factors (a few instrumental terminal outcomes); 4. Define supporting necessary conditions (usually high-level, functional in nature). The IO map consists of a hierarchy from goal to critical success factors to necessary conditions to…. The benefits of an IO map are discussed. System boundaries are illustrated; span of control and sphere of influence are discussed. A simple IO map for a manufacturer is provided. The IO map may be used to identify the UDEs that should be used in the CRT. This will help eliminate trivial UDEs and simplify the CRT.