The document discusses the Theory of Constraints and introduces a "Bottleneck Game" to illustrate its key concepts. The Theory of Constraints focuses on identifying the bottleneck, or constraint, that limits an organization's ability to achieve its goal. It then recommends exploiting the bottleneck to maximize its output, subordinating all other decisions to the bottleneck, and elevating the bottleneck by finding ways to increase its capacity. The game is designed to demonstrate how focusing on the bottleneck can increase an organization's throughput and profits.

1. Theory Of Constraints
“Bottleneck Game”
Jürgen De Smet
jurgen@agileminds.be
@JurgenLACoach
In/jurgendesmet

2. What do you know about “Theory Of Constraints”?
N A
o
t L
h O
i Little bit
T
n
g

3. Game Setup

4. Game Setup

5. Game Setup

6. Game Setup

7. Game Setup

8. Game Setup

9. Game Setup

10. Game Setup

11. Game Setup

12. Return Of Investment (ROI)
X Earnings (10)
Throughput
Investment Operational Expense
Net Profit = Throughput - Operational Expense
ROI = Net Profit / Investment

13. Theory Of Constraints – Focusing Stepts
0. What is the “Goal”?
1. Where is the “Bottleneck”?
2. “Exploit” the bottleneck

14. Theory Of Constraints – Focusing Stepts
0. What is the “Goal”?
1. Where is the “Bottleneck”?
2. “Exploit” the bottleneck
3. “Subordinate” every decision to the bottleneck.

15. Theory Of Constraints – Focusing Stepts
0. What is the “Goal”?
1. Where is the “Bottleneck”?
2. “Exploit” the bottleneck
3. “Subordinate” every decision to the bottleneck.
4. “Elevate” the bottleneck
5. Repeat
(6. Change the System)

16. What did you learn? What will you do differently?