The Logical Thinking Process: A Systems Approach to Complex Problem Solving 2nd Edition

It's not easy to mix Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints into a business novel and get an interesting story and a good example of how to make them work together but this book does it. For someone who wants technical detail, or a great story, this is not the book for you. But if you want a general introduction to the blending of these approaches with a gentle entry into the topic, it's a nice way to get exposed to the mix of ideas in a story format. For many people it can be tricky to visualize how the 3 can be combined without tripping over the obvious differences. The story provides a nice example. The choice of a manufacturing company as the location is a good choice. It's easier to visualize the issues when there is a physical movement of product rather than a situation that has a non-physical constraint such as a policy.For practioners of these disciplines, this is a gentle read. I'd assume that the pros would want more in depth detail and implementation approaches. Yet these same pros might want their clients to read a book like this to get oriented to the ideas. I teach in the general area of business agility and novel solutions ot business performance and this book would be good background reading to students who have little business experience. I've used the book, Critical Chain, in the same way to introduce that project management approach to students.In summary, if you're new to these topics, then this is an easy way to get oriented, and the background story is entertaining. If you're a pro in these areas then this would be a lightweight book that covers material that you already know.

I have read the previous version first. It was a usual text book focusing on tools. There was study questions but no answers have been provided.This time it is an updated version. Tools have been explained in a context of actual case.We need to determine success factors first as a benchmark for continuous improvement: Intermediate Objective Map.Then we need to determine UDEs as identified gaps of actual and benchmark, search for root causes: Current Reality Tree.Then we need to identify hidden conflict behind the root cause: Evaporating Cloud.Then we need to brainstorm breakthrough ides and be aware that ideas are not solutions: Future Reality Tree.Then we need to plan our project to reach future state: Prerequisite Tree.This is the point I like: Author reveals from his experience that Transition Tree is not favoured by new comers.Actually having a more detailed PRT than expected and transforming it to Critical Chain Project Management rather than TRT is more useful.I do like the CD attached to the book and Thinking Process software. Fortunately CD content was enough to launch the software and have a tutaorial. Unfortunately given websites and links are not responding.There were case studies again and there were no solutions again :(

Many years ago I had the honor and fortune of having Bill Dettmer train me personally in the Theory of Constraints. I have owned my own company for 10 years and now needed to lay out our strategy for growth and survival. Where did I turn? Bill's books.Bill is the only one in the world that can break all of this down to simple, easy to understand principles. We are in the midst of doing our 1 year and beyond planning and when we do it we will be able to understand and uncover all of the unintended negative consequences and all the steps necessary to achieve our goals. You simply can't be without Bill's books and perhaps this is one of his best.

After reading The Logical Thinking Process, I am confident in my ability to help an organization find root causes of their problems and to find a direction for a solution while simultaneously anticipating obstacles and creating injections to prevent those obstacles from derailing their progress.William Dettmer has assembled all of the tools of the Logical Thinking Process in an easy to follow format, in a step by step sequence that can easily be adapted to any organization. I highly recommend this book to any one and everyone who honestly want to see improvement in their business, their organization, or their personal life.

First, let me start off by stating I am a certified Jonah and have read every book published by Goldratt and crew, the APICS, St. Lucie Press, and many of the published academic papers etc. I use TOC methods for change management professionally, so I know my way around the methods. I have this book a bad review a few weeks ago, but after some thought and consideration, I have changed it.If you have not read any of the APICS books and have only read The Goal or other Goldratt business novels, get this. It's a great book to have to navigate your way around the tools. The APICS books are a little academic, as is this, but this is all in one book as opposed to 5 or 6 separate ones.

This is an amazing book on problem solving using Theory of Constraint tools and thinking. This is perfect for someone who wants a more step by step, in depth approach to TOC implementation than what is available in the business novels. Anyone, in any role or industry, can benefit from this easy to follow guide. It is very much a text book format, 400 pgs, with small print, and lots of images.

A really great book for problem solving for a software engineer . thank you so much! ! ! ! !

I was looking for a problem solving method and I found clarity and logic applicable in all situations, of daily life, that need to be clarified in a logical manner.Excellent book and excellent surprise ! For me, one of my best reading in last past years.