ABSTRACT
This chapter defines the five focusing steps of the Process Of OnGoing Improvement and relates them to constraints in academia- Identify the system constraint; Exploit the system constraint; Subordinate everything else to the constraint; Elevate the constraint and Do not let the inertia set in! The chapter brings together the theory of constraint (TOC) concepts in order to show how they can be used to solve systemic institutional problems. The theory of constraint with its thinking processes uncovers such bottom entries or constraints and by improving them, improves the whole institution. The chapter is important for administrators and leaders who want to make rapid continued progress in their institutions. TOC emphasizes that we should concentrate on the weakest link or constraint in the chain leading to the goal. The chapter discusses how institutions or departments can use TOC to carry out a program review or self-study.
