Logical Thinking Process: A Systems Approach to Complex Problem Solving

A major rewrite of Dettmer's classic Goldratt's Theory of Constraints, this new edition presents a whole new approach to building and applying logic trees. The logical thinking process referred to in the title is nothing less than a broadly applicable, systems-level approach to policy analysis. Dettmer has streamlined the process of constructing the logic trees while simultaneously ensuring that the results are more logically sound and closer representations of reality than ever before. He explains an easier, more logically sound way to integrate Current Reality Trees with Evaporating Clouds. His new version of the thinking process "retires" the Transition Tree in favor of the marriage of a more detailed Prerequisite Tree and critical chain project management. This book contains new examples of logic trees from a variety of real-world applications. Most of the diagrams and illustrations are new and improved. Explanations and procedures for constructing the logic trees are considerably simplified. Completely new to this edition is a unique graphical software application - Transformation Logic Trees, designed primarily to create thinking process logic trees and only secondarily for other flowcharting uses. Provided on the accompanying CD-ROM is a full-function, unrestricted copy of version 1.0 for new and experienced users of the thinking process alike to use in building their logic trees. Appendix J in the book provides more information on how to install and use the software.

H. William "Bill" Dettmer is Senior Partner at Goal Systems International, a consortium of management professionals with more than 120 years of combined experience. He has twenty-three years' experience in military operations, logistics, strategic planning, operational planning, training, large-scale systems deployment, project management, and contracting. Since 1996, Dettmer has applied the thinking process in commercial companies, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations throughout the U.S., South America, Europe, Japan, Korea, and Australia. He is author of Goldratt's Theory of Constraints (ASQ Quality Press, 1997), Breaking the Constraints to World-Class Performance (ASQ Quality Press, 1998), Strategic Navigation (ASQ Quality Press, 2003), and Brainpower Networking Using the Crawford Slip Method (Trafford Publishing, 2003), as well as co-author (with Eli Schragenheim) of Manufacturing at Warp Speed (CRC St. Lucie Press, 2000).