The Theory of Constraints gives anwers to many problems project teams are facing every day. Do you feel these statements apply to you:
- Projects do not normally meet their commitments
- The workload is always high and tends to increase
- Quality of work life is poor and employee burnout is high
- There are never enough resources to complete what needs to be done
What if we could improve on these issues, how much would your company gain?
Theory of Constraints
The Theory of Constraints is not something magical, it is based on the idea that within any organization the total output is limited by a constraint. This constraint can be internal (there are not enough resources available to complete a project) or external (the organization can produce more than the market will bear). If we can overcome the constraint, the output of the organazation will increase and a new constraint will arise. Your organization will continue to improve as long as new constraints are dealth with.
Theory of Constraints on Wikipedia: learn more
Critical Chain Project Management
When dealing with projects, the Theory of Constraints is implemented using the Critical Chain Project Management methodology. In this case the contraint of the system is named critical chain. A critical chain is like a critical path, however with resource contention (conflicts) taken into acount as well. Project performance can now be improved by focussing our attention on the critical chain and by protecting ourselves from Murphy's Law: "Things go wrong".
Critical Chain Project Management on Wikipedia: learn more
Dealing with uncertainty
Can uncertainty be eliminated? There are problems that can't be known until they are tripped over. There are interactions with other projects, there are differences between people and there are finacial crisisses. This we can't do much about. Better we learn to deal with uncertainty which, in terms of CCPM, can be done using buffers.
Lynx and the Theory of Constraints
Ready to make a start with Critical Chain Project Management? Download your free version of Lynx and start working on your first project today.
Success requires more than a good tool alone. Even though Lynx will help you setting up your first CCPM project, this is no guarantee to success. Substantial improvements do not come simply from buying software. Real improvements come from positive changes in how people work and interact: behavior change. We therefore advise you to read about this subject, visit seminairs, talk to collegues and/or visit our forums.