Theory of Constraints, Lean, and Six Sigma Improvement Methodology : Making the Case for Integration

Many leaders and managers have led improvement initiatives in a variety of different industry sectors. Most believe that when they begin these efforts, they already have the tools they need in their improvement "backpack." Using these tools, they make substantial improvements to processes in a wide array of industry segments. As time passes, however, most realize that there is a missing link in their arsenal of tools for improvement. The author of this book faced this same predicament and he discovered what the missing link was in his improvement tool kit: Theory of Constraints (TOC). Once he learned the details of TOC, his ability to make major improvements jettisoned upward to levels he had not seen before. TOC is the common denominator in all the case studies presented in this book.%u3000

This book opens with a chapter on what Theory of Constraints is and why it works so well in improvement efforts. The second and third chapters cover the important points related to Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma as well as key points related to variability. Chapter 4 demonstrates how to effectively combine these three components to achieve maximum improvement and the corresponding enhancement to your company’s profitability. The remainder of this book is composed of true case studies from different industry segments, using this integrated improvement methodology.%u3000

Essentially, this book lays the foundation for what most practitioners are just beginning to understand—this integrated improvement methodology is superior to the three components used in isolation from each other. This book presents a step-by-step method of how to combine the Theory of Constraints, Lean, and Six Sigma, and then demonstrates its effectiveness in a very diverse array of industries.

Preface
About the Author

Chapter 1 : What is This Thing Called the Theory of Constraints?
Chapter 2 : What is This Thing Called Lean Manufacturing
Chapter 3 : What is This Thing Called Six Sigma
Chapter 4 : How to Integrate Lean, Six Sigma, and the Theory of Constraints
Chapter 5 : Better Way to Measure a System’s Success
Chapter 6 : TOC’s Distribution and Replenish Model
Chapter 7 : A Case Study on the Theory of Constraints
Chapter 8 : A Case Study on Helicopter Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul
Chapter 9 : Healthcare Case Study
Chapter 10 : Case Study on a Medical Device Manufacturer
Chapter 11 : Case Study on Engine Overhaul
Chapter 12 : A Case Study on Project Management
Chapter 13 : Mafia Offers and Viable Vision

Index