Abstract:
This paper builds on the original five focusing steps as defined by Goldratt and Cox (1992) as one of the constructs of
the theory of constraints (TOC). The shortcomings identified are the sequential nature suggested by the five seemingly
sequential steps, the lack of clarity relating to decisions that allows moving to next or previous steps, the assumed
inapplicability of the five steps to dealing with market- and non-physical constraints (such as policy and behavioural
constraints) and the lack of clarity surrounding an ideal constraint location. Deductive reasoning is applied to existing
literature to arrive at conceptual solutions to the identified problems. The paper transforms the five focusing steps into a
decision map which still includes all five steps, but allowing appropriate decision points to guide application of this
process. It expands the applicability of the five focusing steps to both market and non-physical constraints, as well as
presenting a logical argument why the best possible constraint location is ‘the size of the market chosen to be served
well’. Finally, further clarity is provided why exploiting and subordinating to the constraint is necessary before constraint
elevation should take place.
