Editing Theory of constraints (section)

==Thinking processes==
{{main|Thinking processes (theory of constraints)}}
The thinking processes are a set of tools to help managers walk through the steps of initiating and implementing a project. When used in a logical flow, they help walk through a [[wikt:buy-in|buy-in]] process:
# Gain agreement on the problem
# Gain agreement on the direction for a solution
# Gain agreement that the solution solves the problem
# Agree to overcome any potential negative ramifications
# Agree to overcome any obstacles to implementation

TOC practitioners sometimes refer to these in the negative as working through ''layers of resistance'' to a change.

Recently, the ''[[Current reality tree (theory of constraints)|current reality tree]]'' (CRT) and ''future reality tree'' (FRT) have been applied to an argumentative academic paper.<ref>See the annex of: Vidal, C. 2008.[https://arxiv.org/abs/0803.1087 The Future of Scientific Simulations: from Artificial Life to Artificial Cosmogenesis]. In Death And Anti-Death, ed. Charles Tandy, 6: Thirty Years After Kurt Gödel (1906–1978) pp. 285-318. Ria University Press.)</ref>

Despite its origins as a manufacturing approach (Goldratt & Cox, The Goal: A process of Ongoing Improvement, 1992), Goldratt's Theory of Constraints (TOC) methodology is now regarded as a systems methodology with strong foundations in the hard sciences (Mabin, 1999). Through its tools for convergent thinking and synthesis, the "Thinking processes", which underpin the entire TOC methodology, help identify and manage constraints and guide continuous improvement and change in organizations (Dettmer H., 1998).

The process of change requires the identification and acceptance of core issues; the goal and the means to the goal. This comprehensive set of logical tools can be used for exploration, solution development and solution implementation for individuals, groups or organizations. Each tool has a purpose and nearly all tools can be used independently (Cox & Spencer, 1998). Since these thinking tools are designed to address successive "layers of resistance" and enable communication, it expedites securing "buy in" of groups. While CRT (current reality tree) represents the undesirable effects of the current situation, the FRT (the future reality tree), NBR (negative branch) help people plan and understand the possible results of their actions. The PRT (prerequisite tree) and TRT (transition tree) are designed to build collective buy in and aid in the Implementation phase. The logical constructs of these tools or diagrams are the necessary condition logic, the sufficient cause logic and the strict logic rules that are used to validate cause-effect relationships which are modelled with these tools (Dettmer W., 2006).

A summary of these tools, the questions they help answer and the associated logical constructs used is presented in the table below.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!  !! Sufficient thinking<br/>("If… then")
 !Necessary thinking<br/>("In order to…we must")
|-
! What to change?
| [[Current reality tree (theory of constraints)|Current reality tree]] ||
|-
! What to change to?
| Future Reality Tree
[[Negative Branch Reservations]]
 || [[Evaporating cloud]]
|-
! '''How to change?'''
| Transition Tree || Prerequisite Tree
|}

===TOC thinking process tools===
Use of these tools are based on the fundamental beliefs of TOC that organizations a) are inherently simple (interdependencies exist in organizations) b) desire inherent harmony (win – win solutions are possible) c) are inherently good (people are good) and have inherent potential (people and organizations have potential to do better) (Goldratt E., 2009). In the book "Through the clouds to solutions" Jelena Fedurko (Fedurko, 2013) states that the major areas for application of TP tools as:
* To create and enhance thinking and learning skills
* To make better decisions
* To develop responsibility for one's own actions through understanding their consequences
* To handle conflicts with more confidence and win-win outcomes
* To correct behavior with undesirable consequences
* Assist in evaluating conditions for achieving a desired outcome
* To assist in peer mediation
* To assist in relationship between subordinates and bosses{{citation needed|date=July 2016}}