Books The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement) By Eliyahu M. Goldratt (Author) by Eliyahu M. Goldratt (Author)

"The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement" by Eliyahu M. Goldratt is a groundbreaking business novel that introduces the Theory of Constraints (TOC) as a way to improve organizational performance and profitability.

Summary:

The story follows Alex Rogo, a plant manager facing the imminent closure of his factory due to poor operational results.

Alex receives help from his old physics professor, Jonah, who uses the Socratic method to guide him in identifying the core issues limiting productivity.

The central insight is that the goal of any business is to make money, and every activity should contribute to this goal.

Goldratt defines productivity in terms of increasing throughput (rate of money generation), reducing inventory, and lowering operating expenses.

The Theory of Constraints focuses on identifying the system’s bottleneck (constraint) that limits output and systematically managing it.

By improving the bottleneck, the entire system’s performance improves, and continuous measurement and adjustment become a process of ongoing improvement.

Alex and his team apply these principles to their plant, resulting in improved delivery times, reduced backlogs, and regained profitability.

The book also explores the balance between work challenges and personal life, showing how success allows Alex to restore his family relationships.

"The Goal" blends narrative storytelling with practical business lessons, making complex management theories accessible and actionable.