About this Presentation
This presentation clarifies the significance of the TOC five focusing steps, before relating this approach both philosophically and theoretically to other operations management theory and improvement strategies. Firstly, I clarify how the theory of constraints (TOC) five step process underpins both the thinking processes and the established drum buffer rope, critical chain project management, and make to availability) applications (DBR, CCPM and MTA). The 5 steps will then be related to broader academic theory and strategies, clarifying the underlying paradigm shift and the significant theoretical contributions associated with TOC. This identifies both the operational depth and the cross functional breadth of the associated theory. The presentation will then turn to consider how the TOC applications both extend and compliment other theoretical approaches that have also addressed related paradigm shifts in operations management theory. This section will highlight how TOC thinking has both clarified and extended the work of authors, such as Deming (1993) and Ohno (1988), in the process of creating a broader and more generalized theory. The presentation concludes by providing an understanding of how the theory provides a basis for extending the applications into complex service-based environments with particular reference to health and social care.
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.
Instructor(s)
Roy Stratton
Professor Roy Stratton is an Associate Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Nottingham Trent University and has researched and implemented TOC related developments for over 30 years. He obtained his PhD at Nottingham Trent University and is currently on the Board of Theory of Constraints – International Certification Organization (TOC-ICO). His research is largely case and action research based focusing on flow management in complex environments covering supply chain, project and healthcare. His research appears in the IJOPM, IJPE, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management,
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.