

Loading... The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement (1984)by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
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No current Talk conversations about this book. A lot of clichés in the writing, but presenting flow and the theory of constraints in a fictional story works surprisingly well. For the most part I wanted to keep reading because of the story. The story also makes me remember the key points really well. The explanation is less clear in the end though, and the story could have been much shorter while still getting the points through. Some of the fiction elements may sound a tad outdated today, but this book is just as relevant now. The audiobook is particularly well-done. Theory of constraints This book helped define the genre of management books told as narrative fiction. It teaches management principles while allowing the reader to see what real management looks like in practice. This particular work even introduces a love story to the mix. This story tells the common tale of a generic manufacturing plant and a marriage in crisis. It’s in the ilk of a coming-of-age tale in which the main character Alex learns how to take the responsibility of turning around a failing plant. He gets counsel from Jonah who mentors Alex in his growth. Alex’s marriage also bounces back from separation. Alex learns how to think and how to manage. In the end, he succeeds in gaining autonomy and independence. Books like this are a good way to learn. While they educate, they also entertain. The process of filtering through the conflicting signals allow growth to happen more naturally – more along the lines of real life instead of just memorizing a textbook. In the 1980s (when this book was written), Goldratt pioneered this technique which can now be found across many management books. He borrows this technique from the famed Socratic method of teaching. Overall, this book succeeds in getting its point across with clarity and effectiveness. For those with business inclinations, it’s worth the time to observe how the genre of business fiction came about. no reviews | add a review
In celebration of thirty years since the first publication of Eliyahu Goldratt's essential business classic, HighBridge is proud to present an expanded audio edition of The Goal, featuring the original novel, plus case study reviews, and the author's highly regarded essay "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants." Also included is an audio archive exclusive featuring Eliyahu Goldratt in conversation about the significance--both personal and professional--of his breakthrough work. Alex Rogo is the manager of a failing manufacturing plant who receives an ultimatum from corporate headquarters: Turn the situation around in three months or the plant will be scrapped. With help from a mysterious mentor, Rogo discovers a revolutionary new way to do business--a way for people in any field of endeavor to increase productivity, profitability, and personal fulfillment. The story of Alex's fight to save his plant contains a serious message for all managers in industry and explains the ideas which underline the Theory of Constraints (TOC) developed by Dr. Goldratt. First published in 1984, The Goal has changed how America does business. No library descriptions found. |
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This book describes the experiences of a plant manager, Alex, whose plant is struggling and is facing shutdown. They panic, rush everything, and still they fall further behind. The efficiency numbers are good though and that is what matters. Or isn't it?
There are also a neglectad wife and two children in the book but they are mostly just sounding boards.
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