Using the theory of constraints thinking process tools to solve critical problems in the organization

Purpose: The article aims to practically use the tools of the Theory of Constraints thinking process to eliminate critical problems in a selected subsystem of an enterprise in the automotive industry and, based on practical experience, to determine the strengths and weaknesses resulting from their use as well as external opportunities and threats, to indicate appropriate remedial actions that will enable managers of any organization to use thinking tools effectively. Design/methodology/approach: The goals of the article were achieved through the practical application of selected thinking process tools from the Theory of Constraints to solve critical problems in the R&D department of the selected company from the automotive industry. Identifying the goals of the subsystem of the studied company, identifying key problems, solving an important conflict in the subsystem, determining ways to solve key problems, and practically applying one of the solutions using the whole TOC toolkits constituted the scope of the research. The research tools were the TOC thinking process tools, such as the Goal Tree, the Current Reality Tree, the Evaporating Cloud, the Future Reality Tree, the Prerequisite Tree, and the Transition Tree. An active SWOT analysis was used to indicate the strengths and weaknesses of thinking tools, based on the experience gained, and external opportunities and threats related to their use were identified. The research methodology was based on the use of qualitative analysis to develop thinking process tools through interviews and brainstorming with the key stakeholders of the studied organizational subsystem, interested in achieving specific goals for the analyzed subsystem and assessing the practical application of the thinking process tools. Findings: It has been proven that the use of the Theory of Constraints thought process tools allows you to effectively solve critical problems in the subsystem of an automotive company. Using the tools of the thought process, key problems were identified in the analyzed organizational subsystem and actions were proposed to eliminate them. It will also identify the strengths and weaknesses of these improvement tools, as well as the opportunities and threats associated with their use by the organization. Research findings indicate that TOC thinking process tools enable a systematic approach to solving complex problems. Thanks to these tools, the analyzed company can combat internal constraints that limit its effectiveness, efficiency and competitiveness on the market. The condition for the effective use of thinking process tools is support from management, employees' knowledge of how to use them, using individual tools at a given time, the most important ones in the context of problem-solving, and effectively struggling with the weaknesses of these tools. Research limitations/implications: The study concerned a single company from the automotive industry, which makes it impossible to generalize the results to the entire industry. The qualitative nature of the research methodology introduces subjectivity into the analysis. Future research will focus on conducting comparative studies to evaluate the effectiveness of thinking process tools in identifying the root cause of complex problems compared to other methods used to solve problems. Practical implications: The research results indicate the effectiveness of the Theory of Constraints thinking process tools in solving critical problems. Other organizations can use this approach to streamline their processes, eliminate difficult systemic constraints, and more effectively achieve business goals. Thanks to thinking tools, companies can identify the root causes of their problems and indicate ways to solve them. By involving managers and employees from the organization interested in achieving the established goals in the process of creating thinking process tools and using their knowledge and experience, it is easier to properly identify the root causes of critical problems and then implement appropriate remedial actions. The SWOT analysis, based on the research and experience obtained, establishes the conditions for the effective use of TOC thinking process tools by other enterprises. Originality/value: The article has cognitive and practical values. The research results can serve as a reference point, and benchmark for managers of various organizations in terms of the approach to eliminating critical problems in the organization and how to effectively use TOC thought process tools by empowering their strengths, eliminating their weaknesses, taking advantage of opportunities, and counteracting threats.