About this Presentation
This presentation provides an overview of the content of the theory of constraints fundamentals examination. The four major parts and problem areas within each part are discussed. Part A – TOC Fundamentals includes: Problem A1 – Which system is more complex?; Problem A2 – How definition of complex and problem impact TOC approach?; Problem A3 – What is the 5 Focusing Steps; and Problem A4 – Apply 5 Focusing Steps to Managing Operations or Projects. Part B – TOC Thinking Processes includes: Problem B1 – UDE's, Conflicts and Injections; Problem B2 – Negative Branches; and Problem B3 – Obstacles, IO’s and PRT. Part C – TOC Logistical Applications includes: Problem C1 –Supply Chain Logistics; Problem C2 – Finance; and Problem C3 – Project Management. Part D - Holistic Analysis includes: Problem D1 – Case Study: Developing a Viable Vision.
What Will You Learn
To help you get the most value from this session, we’ve highlighted a few key points. These takeaways capture the main ideas and practical insights from the presentation, making it easier for you to review, reflect, and apply what you’ve learned.
This workshop gives attendees a structured map of the TOC fundamentals body of knowledge, helping them see how the major concepts fit together instead of treating them as isolated tools or terms.
A major takeaway is that the fundamentals exam spans far more than introductory ideas. It covers the 5 Focusing Steps, Thinking Processes, logistical applications, and holistic analysis, making it a broad review of how TOC works as a complete management framework.
The session is especially useful because it breaks the material into clear problem areas, including system complexity, the definition of a problem, UDEs, conflicts, injections, negative branches, obstacles, IOs, and practical applications in supply chain, finance, and project management.
Rather than being just a test-prep session, the workshop appears to help participants connect TOC theory to application. The inclusion of a holistic case study around developing a Viable Vision suggests that attendees are being prepared to think across the full system, not just memorize concepts.
Instructor(s)
Dr Alan Barnard
Dr. Alan Barnard is a leading decision scientist and Theory of Constraints (TOC) expert with almost 20 years of experience working directly with Dr. Eli Goldratt, the creator of TOC. As the CEO of Goldratt Research Labs (USA), Alan focuses on using advanced technologies and decision sciences to develop Apps and Decision Support methods, enabling organizations to achieve more with less time. Under his leadership, Goldratt Research Labs has collaborated on innovation and research projects with renowned Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, Cargill, BHP, Tata Steel, Amazon, and others, along with public sector organizations like Utah Governor's Office and UN WFP. Alan has held prominent roles in various organizations, including past-President of the South African Supply Chain Society SAPICS and past-President of TOCICO. His significant contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards, including inclusion in the 2020 Marquis Who's Who Global Listing, membership in the Forbes Technology Council, and the TOCICO Lifetime Achievement Award. He is an accomplished author and frequent presenter on Decision Making in a Complex World and Theory of Constraints at international conferences. Alan's latest book, "The Bottleneck - How to resolve our attention crisis," is currently in progress. As the chief architect of the award-winning HARMONY Decision Maker, Change Simulator, and Change Maker series of Decision Support Apps, Alan continues to shape the landscape of decision science and TOC. Please let me know if you need any further information or details.