Some Basic Principles from Theory of Constraints

If a system is performing as well as it can, not more than one of its component parts will be. If all parts are performing as well as they can, the system as whole will not be.

Systems thinking is preferable to analytical thinking in managing change and solving problems.

An optimal system solution deteriorates over time as the system’s environment changes. A process of ongoing improvement is required to update and maintain the efficacy of a solution.

Knowing what to change requires a thorough understanding of the system’s current reality, its goal, and the magnitude and direction of the difference between the two.

Most of the undesirable effects (UDEs) within a system are caused by a few core problems.

Core problems are almost never superficially apparent. They manifest themselves through a number of undesirable effects (UDEs) linked by a network of a cause-and-effect.

Elimination of individual UDEs gives a false sense of security while ignoring the underlying core problem. Solution which do this are likely to be short lived. Solution of a core problem simultaneously eliminates all resulting UDEs.

Core problems are usually perpeptuated by a conflict between opposing requirements or the prerequisites of these requirements. Solution of core problem requires challenging the assumptions underlying the conflict and eliminating at least one.

System constraints can be either physical or policy. Physical constraints are relatively easy to identify and relatively straightforward to break. Policy constraints are usually more difficult to identify and break, but they normally result in a larger degree of system improvement that the elimination of a physical constraint.

Inertia is the worst enemy of a process of ongoing improvement. Solutions tend to assume a mass of their own which resist further change.

Ideas are NOT solution.

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By H. William Dettmer - University of Southern California