The Goal cover art

The Goal

A Process of Ongoing Improvement - 30th Anniversary Edition

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The Goal

By: Eliyahu M. Goldratt, Jeff Cox
Narrated by: uncredited
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About this listen

In this intriguing business novel, which illustrates state-of-the-art economic theory, Alex Rogo is a UniCo plant manager whose factory and marriage are failing. To revitalize the plant, he follows piecemeal advice from an elusive former college professor who teaches, for example, that reduction in the efficiency of some plant operations may make the entire operation more productive. Alex's attempts to find the path to profitability and to engage his employees in the struggle involve the listener; and thankfully the authors' economic models, including a game with matchsticks and bowls, are easy to understand. Although some characters are as anonymous as the goods manufactured in the factory, others ring true. In addition, the tender story of Alex and his wife's separation and reconciliation makes a touching contrast to the rest of the book. Recommended for anyone with an interest in the state of the American economy.

©1984 Original material © 1984, Revised 1986, 1992, 2004, 2014 Goldratt1 Ltd. "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" © 2008 Eliyahu M. Goldratt. (P)2014 (p) 2014 Goldratt1 Ltd. Management Management & Leadership Organisational Behavior Workplace & Organisational Behavior Business Marriage Thought-Provoking Leadership Process Improvement

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All stars
Most relevant  
This is one of those books that will stay with me for the rest of my working life. Whilst the story is based on a manufacturing plant, and how their focus on efficiency was ironically killing their profits, it also has so many overlaps into a whole host of different industries. Since I've read it I always ask myself ' What is the goal here?' whenever I am in a new project or even a business meeting, is it just to complete a project to time and cost? What is the bigger picture, how does this feed into the overall goal of the organisation? One part that really resonated with me was when two workers were idle next to a machine, and their supervisor had them start moving boxes from one side of the factory to the other - for what purpose? Just to they can be 'perceived' to be busy rather than contributing to the goal of the plant. It made me realise that we need to have flex when it comes to capacity, and this is just as true in knowledge work as it is in manufacturing.

The narration is first rate and the voice acting was immersive and sympathetically executed. Is this a must read? Absolutely, few books have had the impact this has on my perspective of management.

An Excellent Listen

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excellent book with lot of new insights on manufacturing and business . very nicely narrated made is interesting to go through

excellent book

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I think I lost some respect for "The Phoenix Project" while reading this book, because now I see where all the ideas came from. Even the novel plot is very similar.

Although the book is focused on manufacturing, it will be helpful in almost any industry. It shows very fundamental ideas about production process with a use of the Socratic method (great idea!).

The novel is well written and sinks you into it's world. I swallowed it in less than a week. It's amazing that each character has their own voice :)

"The Phoenix Project" original source

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Process driven logic and I loved the delivery method. Some parts were a bit far out, like the character winning a discussion with his wife and her apologising 🤣

But this book has a lot of actionable ideas. Understanding stock as both an asset and a liability was the best take away for me.

Super

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A great step on my long journey, I only wish it was closer to my first.

Thought inspiring

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Multiple voice actors + sound effects is a rare treat in a business book.

Fascinating story of turning around a factory's process and profits. The software world has adopted much of this so it's interesting to hear the original thinking.

Amazing performance and audio production!

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Really enjoyable book for business & manufacturing
Great voices to narrate & funny & interesting
Highly recommended
Thank you

Excellent

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Great story to tell the process and thinking around process and production line technology. The story is similar to other lean based theory

Great analysis and insights into how to attain lean thinking

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When I pressed play and realized I'm into a narrative style book, I mentally groaned. But the story is engaging, the voice acting is high quality, I have to sometimes stop myself from keeping on going so that I can process what I'm supposed to learn from the story.

Absolutely must AND fun read what else do you need?

Amazing fun and information delivery

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loved that it was incredibly practical but think the written version would be more useful in the long run given the ideas and formulas shared which really need to be seen and worked through. worth reading, and listening, me thinks

good insights

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