The theory of constraints refers to the method in which someone can identify the most valuable factor that is in the way of achieving a goal. The theory also helps someone improve the constraint until it is no longer a factor that is hindering on the goal. There are five focusing steps of TOC. The first step is identifying the systems of constraints, second decide how to exploit this constraint, third subordinate everything else to exploit this constraint, four elevate the systems constraints, and lastly, five if any of the previous steps are broken repeat step 1, (Shutterstock.com, pg. 4-7, article). A few examples of TOC being used could be with a strategic plan. The development of a strategic plan communicates the goals and objectives wanted with the new plan/program. This information is communicated to employees, partners, stakeholders, etc. The effectiveness of the program is then monitored. The company I currently work for developed a new strategic plan for developing better communication and the quality of job completion, forcing employees and supervisors to work more directly. Theory of Constrains has a few benefits such as encouraging constant improvement, helps improve decision making, and has probability of increasing profitability. There could be more ways that the organization I work for uses TOC, but the company lacks in communication, therefore I am only aware of a few ways they use theory of constraints. I feel as though many people have used TOC without even knowing, for example, it is easy to determine what is keeping someone from achieving their goal, it could be small or large. Within education, the theory of constraints can be used to identify constraints in a learning process. Some of the constraints can be ineffective teaching methods, poor student engagements, etc. Educators can use these constraints and their results to improve the quality of their teaching as well as their effectiveness.

Can you help me under this better? I'm still confused about TOC and how it works.