About this Presentation
The nature of constraints has been a subject of many discussions over the last years; e.g., at a TOCICO webinar by Eli Schragenheim and on LinkedIn. All these discussions have come to a deadlock. There are very different perceptions and definitions of what a TOC “constraint” is and what it is not. The Constraint Matrix (CMX) framework is a serious attempt to bring theoretical as well as pragmatic clarity to this highly important question by suggesting a fresh answer. It is also intended to be a powerful communication tool to promote the understanding of the importance of constraining factors / leverage factors, especially for businesses. As TOC is based on hard sciences we should always search for inherent simplicity. CMX provides the currently lacking classification of different kinds of constraints. As a simple framework it captures the essence of “positive” and “negative” constraints in for-profit environments. Positive constraints are sources of high performance and results towards the system goal(s) (as defined by the system owners), while negative constraints have significant negative impact on performance and thus results. Strategic constraints focus on the competitive environment and tactic constraints on flow.
What Will You Learn
To help you get the most value from this session, we’ve highlighted a few key points. These takeaways capture the main ideas and practical insights from the presentation, making it easier for you to review, reflect, and apply what you’ve learned.
The speaker discusses the concept of constraints and presents a framework that includes strategic positive constraints (competitive advantage), strategic negative constraints (destructive policy constraint), tactical positive constraints (flow constraints), and tactical negative constraints (flow disruptors).
The speaker suggests that the current definition of TOC is limiting and proposes a broader view that includes a wider range of constraints.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of considering both positive and negative constraints when analyzing a system or organization.
Instructor(s)
Leo Lauramaa
Ms Alka Wadhwa
Alka Wadhwa is an experienced consultant and process improvement expert with over 24 years of expertise in the Theory of Constraints (TOC), Lean Six Sigma, and organizational performance optimization. She has successfully led projects in healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing, driving significant improvements such as a 67% boost in hospital operations and a 140% increase in outpatient visits.
Previously, Alka Wadhwa spent 17+ years at GE Global Research Center, where she led initiatives to enhance various GE businesses through advanced technologies, process redesign, and system optimization. Founder of Better Solutions Consulting, LLC, she specializes in using TOC, Six Sigma, and data analytics to streamline operations and build high-performance teams.
Her work has earned her multiple accolades, including the Empire State Award of Excellence in healthcare.
Dr Gary Wadhwa
Dr. Gary Wadhwa is a Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with extensive experience in the field. He completed his Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery training at Montefiore Hospital, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY, and has served as an Attending at prestigious institutions like St. Peters Hospitals, Ellis Hospital, and Beth Israel Hospital in NY. With a career spanning over two decades, he was the former CEO and President of a group specialty practice in NY from 1994 to 2015. Dr. Wadhwa holds an MBA from UT at Knoxville, TN, and has undergone additional training in System Dynamics at MIT, Health System Management at Harvard Business School, and Entrepreneurship and healthcare innovations at Columbia Business School. Committed to expanding access to Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery care, he is currently engaged in a meaningful project to provide healthcare services to underserved populations in inner city and rural areas through non-profit Community Health Centers.