ABSTRACT
The thinking process (TP) tools required are the Prerequisite Tree (PrT), a project plan, and the Transition Tree (TrT). This chapter discusses how to plan a project once we have developed a PrT. The PrT, the project plan, and various TrTs answer the question of theory of constraints (TOC): How to cause the change. In order to achieve goals that at first glance seem unreachable, one needs to use the PrT, also known as the Ambitious Target Tree. The TrT gives a detailed step-by-step action plan without logical gaps. The difference between a project plan and an action plan is the amount of detail. In order to develop a more complete Ambitious Target Tree (ATT), however, we need to add in some details or missing steps. The chapter illustrates how the Prt can be used to implement a Future Reality Tree in order to help a department reduce student attrition.
