Theory of Constraints (TOC) -Crash Course with Certification

This course, "Theory of Constraints and its Applications" is a full course on TOC fundamentals and its importance in improving performance of systems. It is based on the breakthrough philosophy of constraints management as introduced by Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt. The simple principle of finding a leverage in Organizations need a practical mechanism to be implemented in complex systems. TOC is that mechanism that helps us in finding and managing the leverage points (constraints) of a system to improve its results.  This is a complete course with all important applications that are currently helping Organizations across the globe to achieve great results. This course covers not only the theoretical aspect of TOC but also the practical application in real life.

In the first section, Give me a lever long enough, we will understand the fundamentals of TOC concepts. In this section we’ll understand what is systems thinking and why it is important in TOC world. We will also learn five focusing steps for applying TOC in any situation. A very interesting topic, quadrants of change will also be covered in this section.

In the second section which is titled as “An Idle resource is not a waste”, we will find out how TOC concepts are applied in operations. We will understand why the application for operations is called Drum-Buffer-Rope. We then see the evolution of flow applications from Henry Ford’s assembly lines, to Toyota productions and finally to theory of constraints.

In the third section that is Forecasts are misleading, we will discuss the TOC concepts to manage the flow of inventory. We will understand policies that lead to surpluses in shortages in a supply chain and we will conclude this section with understanding of Pull distribution, the complete TOC solution for SCM.

The forth section is titled as the later we start, the earlier we finish. This is a section on projects. In this section we will analyze why most of the projects get delayed in spite of detailed planning and how Critical chain project management can help us manage our projects better.

In fifth section which is titled as the sum of local optima is not global optimum, we’ll discuss throughput accounting. We will see that the traditional cost accounting, has been rooted in assumptions of past and that’s why its not effective in todays decision making. TOC measurements of Throughput, inventory and operating expenses, not only help us in decision making, but also provide a uniform measurement system across the departments.

The sixth section is titled as “thinking clearly is no ones monopoly muh-nop-uh-lee is dedicated to TOC thinking processes. In this section we will learn the logical cause and effect diagrams used in TOC world. These diagrams, also called the thinking processes . These help us in answering 3 questions of change, ie 'what to change', 'what to change to' and 'how to cause the change' in any situation.

In the last section, “TOC is one world is Focus”, we will be understanding the practical challenges in implementation of TOC. We will discuss how we fancy ourselves in being busy with various improvement projects without progressing towards the goal. We will also quickly understand what is happening in TOC world so that you can be better equipped for your future journey. 

At the end of each section, we will summarize the big ideas that we’ve learnt as key concepts. We’ll also have some questions for you, that will help you to implement the key concepts in real life.

Welcome to the course !