[If you haven’t read the original version of The Goal – it’s a better book. Here’s a chapter-by-chapter video summary, and a <60 second summary too.]

Marc is back in his executive MBA course with Professor Richard Silver. The class discusses many topics, Marc observes that local optimization is a trap – in the same way that Jonah pointed out this issue to Alex Rogo in Chapter 8 of The Goal. The fact that rework is a waste of resources and an indicator of other problems is discussed. Rick introduces the concept of synchronization which is the homework assignment.

Best Writing, Quotes

“I have tried talking with my bosses about implementing triage and reducing the bad multitasking and I hit a brick wall.” Charlie, the construction guy, in class to Professor Silver Page 109

“These local efforts are not only useless, they are harmful.” Marc says to the class on Page 109

“Think about it, management attention is the number one constraint in most organizations. We better use it where it counts.” Professor Rick Silver to the executive MBA class on Page 110

“Having to redo the same tasks is clearly a waste of time and resources, and by definition it unnecessarily clogs the flow.” Charlie to the class, Page 111

“But if there is an issue with the way we operate that makes us repeat certain tasks on an ongoing basis, it is definitely an obstacle to our flow that we should pinpoint and handle.” Rick to the class, Page 111

“Is it because they start to work too early before the scope of the project is finalized, is the goal of the project ill-defined, or is it something else?” Rick to the class, Page 112

“Be aware that rework is [not just] an obstacle to flow on its own, but often it is a result of other obstacles.” Rick, Page 112

“If we improvise on a constant basis in important tasks, then it is most likely an obstacle to our flow.” Rick Page 112

“Having standard templates for their projects will significantly reduce the time it takes to write proposals.” Marc thinks to himself on Page 113

“For your homework, choose a project that just such a prominent task in it and figure out the needed synchronization.” Rick to the class, page 114

“Or choose another project that has nothing to do with your line of work.” Rick shuts down a student who claims they have no such synchronization issues, Page 116