by Paul Simister
on July 25, 2018
In my review of the book
The Logical Thinking Process: An Executive Summary by H William Dettmer
posted on Amazon.co.uk, I gave it 4 Stars. This means that it is Good and Well Worth Reading.
Notice “An Executive Summary” in the title. This is very much an introduction to a topic brilliantly covered by the author’s much more extensive book, also called The Logical Thinking Process.
At the bottom of the page is a video by the author, explaining the differences between his process and that originally developed by Eli Goldratt.
Here is my book review.
Very useful overview of Goldratt’s thinking processes
The author has written an excellent book explaining how to use the Theory of Constraints Thinking Processes. However, if you learn a little, you can easily get scared off by the strange terminology in the original thinking like Evaporating Clouds and Current Reality Trees. [continue reading…]
by Paul Simister
on April 16, 2018
I am a big fan of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and how it can be applied throughout a business to improve results.
It started on the factory floor with the challenge of how jobs could be better scheduled to reduce lead times AND inventory levels. It has moved throughout the business. In the business novel It’s Not Luck, Eliyahu Goldratt introduced us to both TOC for marketing and the TOC thinking processes.
The person who has made most progress with TOC Marketing is Dr Lisa Lang and her work on Mafia Offers (those customers can’t afford to refuse). [continue reading…]
by Paul Simister
on October 17, 2017
The full title of this book by H William Dettmer is
“The Logical Thinking Process: A Systems Approach to Complex Problem Solving“.
In my review at Amazon.co.uk, I rate the book at the FIVE Stars level, this means that I consider it to be excellent.
Here is what I posted.
A clear explanation of TOC Thinking Processes
On the one hand, the Theory of Constraints Thinking Processes can be powerful tools for investigating the current situation and identifying vital ways to improve the system in ways to meet the goal. On the other hand, they can be daunting to prepare and/or to understand because of the acronyms, unusual terminology and complexity of both the diagrams and their underlying rules. [continue reading…]
by Paul Simister
on October 11, 2017
The Theory of Constraints (TOC), as originally developed by Eliyahu Goldratt and introduced to the world in the business novel “The Goal“, has produced some remarkable successes in big companies, showing huge improvements in the three main measurements:
- More Throughput (T) – this is effectively increasing sales less the direct cost of sales without any questionable apportionment of shared costs.
- Lower Operating Expenses (OE) – reducing the other costs of the business.
- Lower Inventory and Investments (I) – reducing the money tied up in the business whilst also improving due date performance and cutting lead times.
This has been achieved by focusing improvement efforts on the main constraint or the weakest link in the chain. Quite simply, this is where you can get the biggest bang for your buck.
Just to be clear, a constraint is something that stops you from reaching your goal. For example, consistent customer service problems may stop a business from reaching its goal to increase profit. [continue reading…]
by Paul Simister
on October 5, 2017
There isn’t an extended title with this book, it’s just
“The Choice“
written by Eli Goldratt and his daughter.
In my review at Amazon.co.uk, I rated this as a FIVE stars book, which means I think it is excellent.
Here is what I posted.
The most important Goldratt book? A look at the importance of inherent simplicity
I was reading the transcript of an interview with Eli Goldratt, the main author behind the Theory of Constraints and he described this as his most important book.
More important that The Goal?Before I read The Choice, I was sceptical but now I have read it, I can understand why Goldratt said it. [continue reading…]
by Paul Simister
on October 5, 2017
In my review of
Late Night Discussions on the Theory of Constraints
by Eliyahu Goldratt posted on Amazon.co.uk, I gave the book Three Stars, meaning Worthwhile.
Here is my book review.
Not The Place To Start Your Theory Of Constraints Experience
This is a series of conversations between two of the stars of The Goal, Alex, the plant manager and Jonah, the mysterious business guru. [continue reading…]
by Paul Simister
on October 2, 2017
The full title of the book written by Eliyahu Goldratt and with Ilan Eshkoli and Joe Brownleer is
“Isn’t It Obvious?: A Business Novel on Retailing Using the Theory of Constraints“.
In my review at Amazon.co.uk, I rated the book at the FOUR Stars level which means I think it is good to very good.
Here is what I wrote.
TOC in a retail setting with wider lessons
This is another business novel explaining the ideas behind the Theory Of Constraints. To make it a snappier read, Eli Goldratt worked with screenwriters who were well used to regularly revising their work.
It is based on a retail business in home textiles in the US. I can’t remember the exact numbers but there are about 100 stores organised into about 10 regions. [continue reading…]
by Paul Simister
on September 28, 2017
The full title of this book by Clarke Ching is
Six Lessons: My Sixty-Minute Masterclass with Eli Goldratt
In my review posted on Amazon.co.uk, I gave the book Three Stars, meaning Worthwhile.
Here is my book review.
Interesting interview
This is a transcript of an interview with Eliyahu Goldratt, drawing out lessons from “Isn’t It Obvious” which looked at retailing.
Inevitably given the format, it is a bit of a clunky read in places. People don’t tend to talk in as structured a way as they write. It starts by highlighting three lessons from the book and then goes on to find another three. [continue reading…]
by Paul Simister
on December 16, 2016
In my review of Eliyahu Goldratt’s book
The Race
on Amazon.co.uk, I gave it a rating of Four Stars. This means that it is good to very good.
Here is what I wrote.
The Goal told you what to do and why, The Race tells you how to do it
This is the companion book to The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement. If you loved your introduction to the Theory of Constraints when you read the novel, this is an obvious next step to put meat onto the bones of the ideas introduced. [continue reading…]
by Paul Simister
on November 25, 2016
I have identified a tightly defined business library of 12 great books suitable for entrepreneurs and business owners.
The list will keep developing as I find new books to include but I don’t want the list to exceed twelve books. I’ve read and reviewed hundreds of business books and you can discover the full list at Business Book Reviews including my ratings from 1 to 5 Stars.
Why 12? It’s a book a month and then, in the second year, I recommend you read them again.
If you need helping applying the ideas and your business is based in the UK, it may be time for a complimentary Business SOS.
The Twelve Best Business Books For Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
These are the twelve books I currently recommend most strongly. Below the list, I explain why the books are included. The links take you to reviews on this website and not to Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk.
- The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber – *****
- Getting Everything You Can Out Of All You’ve Got by Jay Abraham – *****
- The Genghis Khan Guide to Business by Brian Charles John Warnes – *****
- The Ultimate Sales Machine by Chet Holmes – *****
- Duct Tape Marketing by John Jantsch – *****
- The Brain Audit By Sean D’Souza – *****
- Blue Ocean Strategy by W Chan Kim and Renee A Mauborgne and Blue Ocean Shift by the same authors. – *****
- The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson – *****
- Profits Aren’t Everything They’re the Only Thing by George Cloutier – *****
- Forget the Urgent!: Rather Focus On The Important by Matias Birrell and Javier Arevalo – *****
- My provisional choice on the Inner Game (what the business owner thinks and feels) is Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. It’s been a hugely influential book and many entrepreneurs love it although it feels a bit old fashioned to me.
- A book about clearer thinking and better decision making. My provisional choice is Thinking Smarter by Michael Kallett.
You can get these from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
[continue reading…]
