A fully dramatized version of the practical guide to business in fictional form offers an ensemble cast, accompanied by sound effects and music...
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Dec 17, 2009
Nathaniel
rated it: 
The best process improvement novel I've seen, this classic work explains the all-important Theory of Constraints through real life examples and a surprisingly good story. Most books of this nature are exceptionally unrealistic, but this one manages to keep the reader engaged, which is key for an instructional text like this.
The book's lessons have some practicality in normal, everyday life, but its greatest utility is for those involved in process improvement in industries such as m More...
The book's lessons have some practicality in normal, everyday life, but its greatest utility is for those involved in process improvement in industries such as m More...
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Mar 30, 2011
Meryl
rated it: 
Herbie oh Herbie the bottleneck
I was forced to read this book for a business school course in operations management. I'll admit it was better than reading a 270 page textbook, but not by much. This "novel" by Eliyahu Goldratt is a poorly written and disguised book meant to teach all little first year b-school students about the joys of inventory management, bottlenecks, and throughputs. It is a thinly veiled, overly dramatic book which follows a plant manager, his love life, and More...
I was forced to read this book for a business school course in operations management. I'll admit it was better than reading a 270 page textbook, but not by much. This "novel" by Eliyahu Goldratt is a poorly written and disguised book meant to teach all little first year b-school students about the joys of inventory management, bottlenecks, and throughputs. It is a thinly veiled, overly dramatic book which follows a plant manager, his love life, and More...
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Dec 03, 2008
Darcy
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Goldratt introduces the Theory of Constraints via this entertaining novel. I think this book is excellent if you are new to Operations. And I think the approach of telling a story rather reading a traditional text book is a good format.
It demonstrates why many traditional measurements and common intuition is wrong. The book revisits what the goal of a business should be and what is important to measure and control to achieve that goal. Through examples in the main character's p More...
It demonstrates why many traditional measurements and common intuition is wrong. The book revisits what the goal of a business should be and what is important to measure and control to achieve that goal. Through examples in the main character's p More...
Jan 12, 2012
TarasProkopyuk
rated it:
Автор в данной книге показывает отличный пример распространённых ошибок в бизнесе и в жизни человека. Он пытается донести до каждого, что готовые решения не всегда верны, что к желаемому результату человек должен прийти путём собственных умозаключений.
Автор также даёт понять, что в гонке за эффективностью и за снижением затрат компании часто приносят себе вред и в итоге начинают меньше зарабатывать. Показывает, что таким образом возможно сделать бизнес убыточным, а следовательно даёт поним More...
Автор также даёт понять, что в гонке за эффективностью и за снижением затрат компании часто приносят себе вред и в итоге начинают меньше зарабатывать. Показывает, что таким образом возможно сделать бизнес убыточным, а следовательно даёт поним More...
Jul 09, 2011
This is a terrible novel and a great business book. That's a little unfair, it's better to think of it as a novel which exists only to illustrate Goldratt's Theory of Constraints which sounds a little dry. So for my third attempt I'll say this is a book about a man fighting to turn a factory around from being overwhelmed with uncompleted orders and quality problems to a successful, thriving business. It's good fun and a great little read.
At the same time it takes a very simple ins More...
At the same time it takes a very simple ins More...
Nov 01, 2010
Guy
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This was assigned reading when I was unwillingly 'volunteered' into an efficiency examination cadre in a small department in a biggish corporation. I approached this book with dread because I expected that I would be reading typical flowcharted MBA B.S. But I was surprised to see that Goldratt articulated and clarified some of the perceptions I've had about the business practices employed by my employer, a multi-billion dollar telecom company.
What Goodreads reviewers have commented o More...
What Goodreads reviewers have commented o More...
Jul 01, 2010
Big
rated it:
د. إلياهو قولدرات ، فيزيائي تحول إلى عالم إدارة الأعمال ، حصل على بكالوريوس العلوم من جامعة تل أبيب ، وعلى ماجستيرالعلوم و الدكتوراة في الفلسفة من جامعة بارإيلان ، و الجامعتان في إسرائيل. ويتضح من اعتماره الطاقية اليهودية دائما أنه متعصب ، و هو صاحب نظرية القيود التي سيأتي شرحها.
طبعا لا تنخرشون ، صورته في الكتاب قبل خمسة و عشرين عاما! :^).
قصة الكتاب:
بطل القصة هو Alex Rogo ، وهو مدير مصنع للإنتاج ضمن شركة ضخمة تسمى UniCo ، و يدفعك قولدرات في روايته هذه إلى More...
طبعا لا تنخرشون ، صورته في الكتاب قبل خمسة و عشرين عاما! :^).
قصة الكتاب:
بطل القصة هو Alex Rogo ، وهو مدير مصنع للإنتاج ضمن شركة ضخمة تسمى UniCo ، و يدفعك قولدرات في روايته هذه إلى More...
Oct 08, 2009
Lance Greenfield
rated it:
This is THE book that will improve your business
I have lost count of the number of people to whom I have recommended this book. Whatever area of management you find yourself in, and at every level from business studies student to CEO and CFO, you are bound to pick up something useful from "The Goal."
The story follows the complex life of Alex Rogo as he works at one problem after another. With the help of his old friend, Jonah, he identifies and solves problem af More...
I have lost count of the number of people to whom I have recommended this book. Whatever area of management you find yourself in, and at every level from business studies student to CEO and CFO, you are bound to pick up something useful from "The Goal."
The story follows the complex life of Alex Rogo as he works at one problem after another. With the help of his old friend, Jonah, he identifies and solves problem af More...
Oct 26, 2010
Abigail
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So I had to read this for my Project Management class, and was pleasantly surprised. The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt is a fictionalized account of one man's struggle to improve his company through the introduction of constraints management. Alex Rogo is a plant manager of a UniCo manufacturing factory, and is given a deadline of three months to improve operations. He begins engaging in a series of educational talks with his former Physics professor, Jonah. With Jonah's help, Rogo discovers
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Nov 07, 2011
Jim
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This is an engrossing read and an ambitious attempt to give pointers on how to run a business with a combination of clear thinking and straightforward analysis. Anyone involved in business often can't see the wood from the trees because the trees are generally falling on top of them. Standing back, and seeing things from a new perspective, is a luxury when every time you try and do it, you step in something smelly. In this book, which reads like a novel, a plant manager drowning in complexity wh
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Feb 04, 2011
Glenn
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I started this book last night and couldn't put it down. Suddenly it was 2am. This is one of those business books that aim to teach you something by telling you a story. As a novel, it's not all that interesting - "The sweeping tale of a middle manager in middle America, trying to save his marriage...and his factory!" Or something like that. But, as an introduction to the concepts and application of the Theory of Constraints, it's fascinating. This is one of those books that will, if y
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Jun 02, 2011
Matthew
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Fundamental. A must read. Rather than focusing on a component that appears to be the problem, this book, built upon what must obviously be general systems thinking, teaches the ideas of observing a system to understand a component constraint to improve system performance. Written in an easy to read, comprehensible story form that anyone can understand. And while many people may perceive the Theory of Constraints to be manufacturing focused, it is not. Abstract the principles to other supply and
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Oct 16, 2011
Amanda
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Book #58 of 2011
Actually had to read this for class, but I read it front to back so...
This was better than a lot of "business books" which, although I find business itself interesting... I find books about business usually put me to sleep. Or give me a headache. But this was written as a narrative, so there was just enough interest that I could read the beast of a book in a few days time. So, the information was presented in an interesting way, for the most p More...
Actually had to read this for class, but I read it front to back so...
This was better than a lot of "business books" which, although I find business itself interesting... I find books about business usually put me to sleep. Or give me a headache. But this was written as a narrative, so there was just enough interest that I could read the beast of a book in a few days time. So, the information was presented in an interesting way, for the most p More...
Nov 13, 2010
Rosanne
rated it:
This is one of Kelly's textbooks for his MBA. I picked it up, and I started reading. I would probably give it a 3 1/2 star rating. I liked it because I could understand the business world. It made sense to me even though I don't have any business background. The main character has 3 months to turn a manufacturing plant around, or the plant will be closed. It was interesting to see and understand how he did it. His marriage and family life is in turmoil also. The one thing I did not like
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Jul 23, 2010
Jasmine
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Good read if you're interested in an introduction to the theory of constraints in an entertaining way. He does a great job of explaining the ideas behind TOC, though the story he weaves is quite predictable. In fact, you have to get towards the end to really appreciate the ideas behind TOC. The idea that "common-practice is not always common-sense" was interesting and the fact that most of the time we're stuck in common-practice because challenging and thinking about our assumptions is
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Jun 08, 2010
Khuram
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One of the best management science books i have ever come across. It really helped me to understand how i've been limiting by profit reaping ability in my own business.
Of course, implementation and correction is a completely different matter, at least its given me a great insight.
I really like the fact that its written in story form, and i certainly do feel that if it wasnt written as a normal business book, i may not have learned so much or enough.
Its a must read f More...
Of course, implementation and correction is a completely different matter, at least its given me a great insight.
I really like the fact that its written in story form, and i certainly do feel that if it wasnt written as a normal business book, i may not have learned so much or enough.
Its a must read f More...
Nov 21, 2009
Mike
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I read this book after a recommendation from an accounting professor at Utah State, and I've got to admit, I think this is one of the better business books I've read. Ha, I surprise myself in making this admission, but I really couldn't put it down.
The style is engaging and although it's a bit dated in terms of technology (these days you would deal with an inbox of email not telephone slips), the underlying business ideas of increasing efficiency/effectiveness and the challenges mos More...
The style is engaging and although it's a bit dated in terms of technology (these days you would deal with an inbox of email not telephone slips), the underlying business ideas of increasing efficiency/effectiveness and the challenges mos More...
Jul 13, 2011
Reggie
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A fascinating book that focuses on continuous improvement in both a manufacturing setting and the organizational setting. This is a business book written as a novel. Goldratt does a great job helping us understand how constraints impact a system, any system. One of my favorite quotes was on the process of ongoing improvement:
"The process of ongoing improvement doesn't mean you're improving all the time. The rate of improvement will vary. What it means is that everybody knows exactly o More...
"The process of ongoing improvement doesn't mean you're improving all the time. The rate of improvement will vary. What it means is that everybody knows exactly o More...
Mar 17, 2011
Jacob
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I quite enjoyed this book. That is saying a lot for me. I am no fan of business books, especially ones that try and make it into a real life story. It reminds me of watching a fast paced action movie that a director tries to weave a romance into--doesn't usually work. That being said, Mr. Goldratt does manage a decent job of integrating a plant manager's personal life with his work life. His points were very good although I think this is a best case scenario book where the plant manager is
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Aug 09, 2011
Finally got around to reading this classic work on theory of constraints. So glad I did and I certainly get what all the buzz has been. What a fantastic approach to teaching theory of constraints. A novel! I really can't provide any additional insight beyond what has been already written about this classic. It is especially rewarding to read this as we see the work of people like Gary Hamel's The Future of Management and those in software development that are taking these concepts forward.
Got my More...
Got my More...
Jan 01, 2009
Robin
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I started reading this book a few years ago, but, like so many, got 3/4 through it, put it down and haven't picked it up again. Amazing novel with business implications talking about he process of ongoing improvement and we are only as strong as our weakest link. Uses great scenarios of hiking, bottlenecks in manufacturing, etc. Can easily see how to apply this to any work setting. That's probably why I never finished it! I could see how it applies and started using it. I plan on reading this on
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Nov 18, 2010
Albionsq
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The book focuses on one message; you gotta read it to find that out. One of the early popular books on the application of Systems thinking to management / manufacturing. The message is still very applicable the setting is somewhat anachronistic considering the modern world.
If you enjoy fiction too; you might like to read it completely; it does a good job of selling its message, by contrasting the implication of using its insights in a live real management setting; both on the profess More...
If you enjoy fiction too; you might like to read it completely; it does a good job of selling its message, by contrasting the implication of using its insights in a live real management setting; both on the profess More...
Oct 29, 2009
Bill
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I had to read this for work. Well, I guess I didn't have to, but they suggested it, so I thought it best to read it. It was actually pretty decent for a business book.
Most of the ides presented in The Goal seem like common sense, but apparently the manufacturing industry in the U.S. was pretty out of whack until the mid-Eighties or so.
I definitely recommend this if you're involved with any kind of production process. And not just manufacturing. The ideas can be applie More...
Most of the ides presented in The Goal seem like common sense, but apparently the manufacturing industry in the U.S. was pretty out of whack until the mid-Eighties or so.
I definitely recommend this if you're involved with any kind of production process. And not just manufacturing. The ideas can be applie More...
Dec 21, 2009
Rob
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Still a must read for employees and supervisors of all levels. The TOC concept is presented very clearly through practical example. The reader is taken through the logical progression so that the concepts are understood without penetrating deeply into terms that are difficult to understand if you are from a non-manufacturing field.
I will soon get his follow-on book "It's Not Luck" to see the thought processes behind the practical scenario presented in this novel.
American More...
I will soon get his follow-on book "It's Not Luck" to see the thought processes behind the practical scenario presented in this novel.
American More...
Nov 10, 2011
Kyle
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This book is painful. Not because of the business lessons--there's some good material buried in the awful novel coating. I'm not particularly interested in ops management, but this book does teach some valuable lessons in the area.
however, the characters have no personalities, the love story is forced and awkward, and the writing is horrendous. Though there are some good things at the core, it's not worth wading through the moat of sewage surrounding them. Unless your professor requi More...
however, the characters have no personalities, the love story is forced and awkward, and the writing is horrendous. Though there are some good things at the core, it's not worth wading through the moat of sewage surrounding them. Unless your professor requi More...
Jan 25, 2012
Jeff
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This is a really good book. It is a business book but it is written as a story which makes it much easier to understand and follow. I think this book was so good because the ideas discussed are things I have worked on over my career but now I know why. It made a lot of sense to me.
The story follows Al Rogo who is a plant manager for this big manufacturing company in a mid-west town. He shows up to work one day and his boss is there and is really mad that a certain order is late More...
The story follows Al Rogo who is a plant manager for this big manufacturing company in a mid-west town. He shows up to work one day and his boss is there and is really mad that a certain order is late More...
Aug 07, 2011
I think I basically resisted this book for its smell, that is a combination of my prejudices about the patronising business parable genre (consider managers gifting their laid off employees with "Who moved my Cheese?" and also in short, the cover, the scent of "I made millions with my easy technique and if you buy my 5 CD box set, I will show you how!". This is partly reflected in overblown language, for example, the "Theory" of Constraints.
Well. I gue More...
Well. I gue More...
Jan 28, 2008
Donald
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This book changed my professional life. It was and is one of the most counter-intuitive theories about process that I had ever seen. THE GOAL introduced radical organizational change based upon five propositions identified as the theory of constraints ( TOC ). Goldratt's thinking has since been absorbed into Lean Manufacturing theory, which has taken Toyota'a manufacturing model of reducing waste, measuring variation in critical areas (six sigma) with an emphasis on customer satisfaction.
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Nov 29, 2007
Karina
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This is a required reading for one of the courses I'm taking now (Operations Management), and despite the assurances of the teacher and one of the classmates who already read it, who said it was highly readable, novel-type book, I was skeptical. I'm not liking this Operations Management class.
But they were so right! It became fast-paced soon, and I didn't want to put it down to go to bed. I lay awake for a while thinking about the concepts too. Warning: possible spoilers and technica More...
But they were so right! It became fast-paced soon, and I didn't want to put it down to go to bed. I lay awake for a while thinking about the concepts too. Warning: possible spoilers and technica More...
Feb 08, 2008
Derrick
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Originally given to me by my former employer, this book sat around and collected dust until I decided to give it a shot months ago. It's a fictional tale narrated in 1st person by a plant manager, who has 3 months to turn things around before his plant is closed due to poor performance.
The Goal takes you through a step by step, "scientific method" approach to looking into the issues causing processing problems in a high volume production environment, ultimately resulting in More...
The Goal takes you through a step by step, "scientific method" approach to looking into the issues causing processing problems in a high volume production environment, ultimately resulting in More...
