Question

Name the five steps of the Theory of Constraints, and explain the purpose of each one. What is the most important step and why?

Answer 1

The Theory of Constraint is a methodology to determine the limiting factor(constraint) in achieving goals and to overcome those limitations. The five focusing steps are as follows:

1. Identify - Purpose is to identify the constraint that is a limiting factor in achieving goals.

2. Exploit - Purpose is to make quick improvements to overcome the constraint using the existing resources.

3. Subordinate - Purpose is to review all activities in the process to determine if they are in line with and support the needs of the constraint.

4. Elevate - If the constraint still exists, certain actions must be done to eliminate that constraint. Actions are continued at this step until the constraint is broken.

5. Repeat - The Five Focusing Steps are a continuous improving cycle. Therefore, if one constraint is resolved, another constraint must be immediately addressed.

Identifying the constraint is the most important step because only after identifying the constraint, it can be resolved.