Theory of Contraints
TOC
Meet the Speakers
The TOC Innovation Summit brings together practitioners, thought leaders, and bold implementers from around the world. These are the people challenging assumptions, testing limits, and using TOC to deliver real-world results across industries.
Conference Speakers
SPEAKER Miguel Abuhab is a mechanical engineer, graduated from ITA - Aeronautics Institute of Technology. In 1999, he founded NeoGrid, a provider of Supply Chain Management (SCM) software solutions, which has become a leading provider in Brazil, listed on stock market in December 2020. Currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board.
Since 2003, Abuhab has worked on its Tax Simplification Plan for Brazil - Abuhab Model of VAT Collection - which served as the basis for the Tax Reform Report approved in December. In 2019, he presented his Plan to the CCJ - Constitution, and Justice Commission, which amends the National Tax System. About the subject, he wrote books which addresses tax reform to unlock Brazil and sustain growth and social inclusion.
Abuhab is an advocate of Eliyahu Goldratt’s ideas, incorporates in his business expertise the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and ideas related to the supply chain He also works strongly in social responsibility projects, focused on education. The TOCfE (TOC for Education) program, sponsored by the Miguel Abuhab Institute (IMA), has trained 200 volunteer teachers in 20 public and private schools in Joinville, serving more than 5,000 children.
Since 2003, Abuhab has worked on its Tax Simplification Plan for Brazil - Abuhab Model of VAT Collection - which served as the basis for the Tax Reform Report approved in December. In 2019, he presented his Plan to the CCJ - Constitution, and Justice Commission, which amends the National Tax System. About the subject, he wrote books which addresses tax reform to unlock Brazil and sustain growth and social inclusion.
Abuhab is an advocate of Eliyahu Goldratt’s ideas, incorporates in his business expertise the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and ideas related to the supply chain He also works strongly in social responsibility projects, focused on education. The TOCfE (TOC for Education) program, sponsored by the Miguel Abuhab Institute (IMA), has trained 200 volunteer teachers in 20 public and private schools in Joinville, serving more than 5,000 children.
Miguel Abuhab
Neogrid
Session Title:
Reimagining Immigrant Talent Development Through TOC: A Fresh Approach to Breaking Advancement Constraints
Presentation Summary This presentation introduces a TOC-based approach to addressing systemic barriers identified through research with immigrant professionals and Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders. Rather than focusing broadly on skills and knowledge, this session uses TOC methodology to pinpoint and address the most limiting factors affecting talent utilization and advancement.
Key applications include:
Using Current Reality Trees to map specific constraints documented in the research, revealing root causes rather than symptoms
Applying Conflict Resolution Diagrams to surface and resolve tensions between organizational norms and the unique perspectives of global professionals
Designing targeted interventions with Future Reality Trees that lead to predictable, measurable outcomes
Using Throughput Accounting to quantify the business impact of removing these constraints
Case studies drawn from ERG initiatives are reframed through TOC analysis to demonstrate how this approach can enhance existing practices and support more strategic decisions. Attendees will gain a practical framework for applying TOC thinking to talent and employee engagement strategies.
Speaker Bio Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset, a strategic consulting firm helping organizations optimize the impact of their global talent pool through innovative, data-driven development strategies and inclusive approaches. She is also the founder of Immigrants in Corporate Inc., a 501(c)(3) professional development organization and nonprofit community dedicated to supporting the advancement of immigrant professionals.
As the bestselling author of Thriving in Intersectionality: Immigrants, Belonging, and Corporate America, Dr. Adeyemo combines research with practical experience—guiding Employee Resource Groups across Fortune 500 companies and leading a community of immigrant professionals. With over 16 years of corporate leadership experience, she brings a data-driven approach to identifying and removing constraints that limit full talent utilization.
An impactful keynote speaker, Dr. Adeyemo has helped organizations achieve significant improvements in talent retention, leadership pipeline diversity, and global market adaptability through her sessions.
Reimagining Immigrant Talent Development Through TOC: A Fresh Approach to Breaking Advancement Constraints
Presentation Summary This presentation introduces a TOC-based approach to addressing systemic barriers identified through research with immigrant professionals and Employee Resource Group (ERG) leaders. Rather than focusing broadly on skills and knowledge, this session uses TOC methodology to pinpoint and address the most limiting factors affecting talent utilization and advancement.
Key applications include:
Using Current Reality Trees to map specific constraints documented in the research, revealing root causes rather than symptoms
Applying Conflict Resolution Diagrams to surface and resolve tensions between organizational norms and the unique perspectives of global professionals
Designing targeted interventions with Future Reality Trees that lead to predictable, measurable outcomes
Using Throughput Accounting to quantify the business impact of removing these constraints
Case studies drawn from ERG initiatives are reframed through TOC analysis to demonstrate how this approach can enhance existing practices and support more strategic decisions. Attendees will gain a practical framework for applying TOC thinking to talent and employee engagement strategies.
Speaker Bio Dr. Lola Adeyemo is the CEO of EQImindset, a strategic consulting firm helping organizations optimize the impact of their global talent pool through innovative, data-driven development strategies and inclusive approaches. She is also the founder of Immigrants in Corporate Inc., a 501(c)(3) professional development organization and nonprofit community dedicated to supporting the advancement of immigrant professionals.
As the bestselling author of Thriving in Intersectionality: Immigrants, Belonging, and Corporate America, Dr. Adeyemo combines research with practical experience—guiding Employee Resource Groups across Fortune 500 companies and leading a community of immigrant professionals. With over 16 years of corporate leadership experience, she brings a data-driven approach to identifying and removing constraints that limit full talent utilization.
An impactful keynote speaker, Dr. Adeyemo has helped organizations achieve significant improvements in talent retention, leadership pipeline diversity, and global market adaptability through her sessions.
Dr. Lola Adeyemo
Immigrants in Corporate Inc.
Session Title:
Activating TOC with ChatGPT: A Hands-On Lab for AI-Augmented Project Flow Session
Presentation Summary This interactive workshop gives attendees practical, hands-on experience using generative AI—specifically ChatGPT—to accelerate flow, reduce bottlenecks, and improve project performance using TOC principles. Participants will learn how to structure effective prompts to support TOC logic streams like critical chain planning, buffer management, stakeholder buy-in, and decision tree design. Drawing from real-world enterprise examples in healthcare, infrastructure, and supply chain, the session walks participants through live use cases and equips them with prompt templates they can adapt immediately to their own projects. You’ll leave this session with: A structured approach to building AI prompts for TOC use cases A repeatable format for using ChatGPT to simulate and resolve flow constraints Tools to bridge the gap between technical experts and project leaders in multi-project environments This lab is built for action—attendees will be able to co-create, test, and refine AI-driven TOC tools they can bring back to their teams.
Speaker Bio Kristian Bainey is a senior IT professional with over 15 years of experience across public, private, and academic sectors. He holds advanced degrees in information systems and multiple certifications, including PMP, Agile/SCRUM, Prosci, ITIL, and AI. As CEO of K-PIC Systems and a part-time lecturer, he specializes in applying generative AI and data science to project management. Bainey is the bestselling author of AI-Driven Project Management (Wiley, 2024), has led groundbreaking AI implementations in healthcare, and co-authored PMI’s AI Essentials for Project Professionals. A recognized global speaker, he’s contributed to the first generative AI PMI course and developed AI-focused curricula currently in use at NAIT.
Activating TOC with ChatGPT: A Hands-On Lab for AI-Augmented Project Flow Session
Presentation Summary This interactive workshop gives attendees practical, hands-on experience using generative AI—specifically ChatGPT—to accelerate flow, reduce bottlenecks, and improve project performance using TOC principles. Participants will learn how to structure effective prompts to support TOC logic streams like critical chain planning, buffer management, stakeholder buy-in, and decision tree design. Drawing from real-world enterprise examples in healthcare, infrastructure, and supply chain, the session walks participants through live use cases and equips them with prompt templates they can adapt immediately to their own projects. You’ll leave this session with: A structured approach to building AI prompts for TOC use cases A repeatable format for using ChatGPT to simulate and resolve flow constraints Tools to bridge the gap between technical experts and project leaders in multi-project environments This lab is built for action—attendees will be able to co-create, test, and refine AI-driven TOC tools they can bring back to their teams.
Speaker Bio Kristian Bainey is a senior IT professional with over 15 years of experience across public, private, and academic sectors. He holds advanced degrees in information systems and multiple certifications, including PMP, Agile/SCRUM, Prosci, ITIL, and AI. As CEO of K-PIC Systems and a part-time lecturer, he specializes in applying generative AI and data science to project management. Bainey is the bestselling author of AI-Driven Project Management (Wiley, 2024), has led groundbreaking AI implementations in healthcare, and co-authored PMI’s AI Essentials for Project Professionals. A recognized global speaker, he’s contributed to the first generative AI PMI course and developed AI-focused curricula currently in use at NAIT.
Kristian Bainey
K PIC Systems Inc
Session Title:
Coming Soon!
Presentation Summary Despite decades of proven results across industries, the Theory of Constraints (TOC) remains far from mainstream. This session explores the paradox: why TOC is so difficult to “sell” to decision-makers and why many implementations stall, even within organizations that initiate them. The discussion will examine commonly cited barriers along with a less-discussed but critical factor—TOC’s own uniqueness—and how that may inadvertently limit its adoption. Structured around three key phases—consideration, acceptance, and persistence—this session offers a clear view of the obstacles and a practical way forward to support faster, broader, and more sustainable TOC growth.
Speaker Bio Humberto R. Baptista is a strategic thinker, innovator, and synergist, serving as CEO of Vectis Solutions. A recipient of the TOCICO Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), he has spent decades shaping how organizations think, decide, and perform. Humberto has served as a strategic advisor to Neogrid, a member of the TOCICO Board of Directors, and a senior figure in the Goldratt Group. He has led major Viable Vision transformations across sectors—from consumer goods and retail to manufacturing, services, and large-scale projects—delivering tangible, systemic breakthroughs. As a global educator, he has trained hundreds of TOC Viable Vision Application Experts and Project Leaders. Humberto is the creator of the Comprehensive Management methodology, designed to connect local actions with global consequences in real-world business systems. His current focus includes Comprehensive Management, TOC principles, S&T-based implementations, advanced TOC finance, and applying TOC to complex domains such as retail, government, healthcare, and education.
Coming Soon!
Presentation Summary Despite decades of proven results across industries, the Theory of Constraints (TOC) remains far from mainstream. This session explores the paradox: why TOC is so difficult to “sell” to decision-makers and why many implementations stall, even within organizations that initiate them. The discussion will examine commonly cited barriers along with a less-discussed but critical factor—TOC’s own uniqueness—and how that may inadvertently limit its adoption. Structured around three key phases—consideration, acceptance, and persistence—this session offers a clear view of the obstacles and a practical way forward to support faster, broader, and more sustainable TOC growth.
Speaker Bio Humberto R. Baptista is a strategic thinker, innovator, and synergist, serving as CEO of Vectis Solutions. A recipient of the TOCICO Lifetime Achievement Award (2019), he has spent decades shaping how organizations think, decide, and perform. Humberto has served as a strategic advisor to Neogrid, a member of the TOCICO Board of Directors, and a senior figure in the Goldratt Group. He has led major Viable Vision transformations across sectors—from consumer goods and retail to manufacturing, services, and large-scale projects—delivering tangible, systemic breakthroughs. As a global educator, he has trained hundreds of TOC Viable Vision Application Experts and Project Leaders. Humberto is the creator of the Comprehensive Management methodology, designed to connect local actions with global consequences in real-world business systems. His current focus includes Comprehensive Management, TOC principles, S&T-based implementations, advanced TOC finance, and applying TOC to complex domains such as retail, government, healthcare, and education.
Humberto Baptista
Vectis Solutions
Workshop:
How to Find and Focus on the ONE Thing Within Projects
Presentation Summary Details Coming Soon!
Speaker BioDr. Alan Barnard is a leading decision scientist and Theory of Constraints (TOC) expert with almost 20 years of experience working directly with Dr. Eli Goldratt, the creator of TOC. As the CEO of Goldratt Research Labs (USA), Alan focuses on using advanced technologies and decision sciences to develop Apps and Decision Support methods, enabling organizations to achieve more with less time. Under his leadership, Goldratt Research Labs has collaborated on innovation and research projects with renowned Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, Cargill, BHP, Tata Steel, Amazon, and others, along with public sector organizations like Utah Governor's Office and UN WFP. Alan has held prominent roles in various organizations, including past-President of the South African Supply Chain Society SAPICS and past-President of TOCICO. His significant contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards, including inclusion in the 2020 Marquis Who's Who Global Listing, membership in the Forbes Technology Council, and the TOCICO Lifetime Achievement Award. He is an accomplished author and frequent presenter on Decision Making in a Complex World and Theory of Constraints at international conferences. Alan's latest book,
How to Find and Focus on the ONE Thing Within Projects
Presentation Summary Details Coming Soon!
Speaker BioDr. Alan Barnard is a leading decision scientist and Theory of Constraints (TOC) expert with almost 20 years of experience working directly with Dr. Eli Goldratt, the creator of TOC. As the CEO of Goldratt Research Labs (USA), Alan focuses on using advanced technologies and decision sciences to develop Apps and Decision Support methods, enabling organizations to achieve more with less time. Under his leadership, Goldratt Research Labs has collaborated on innovation and research projects with renowned Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, Cargill, BHP, Tata Steel, Amazon, and others, along with public sector organizations like Utah Governor's Office and UN WFP. Alan has held prominent roles in various organizations, including past-President of the South African Supply Chain Society SAPICS and past-President of TOCICO. His significant contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards, including inclusion in the 2020 Marquis Who's Who Global Listing, membership in the Forbes Technology Council, and the TOCICO Lifetime Achievement Award. He is an accomplished author and frequent presenter on Decision Making in a Complex World and Theory of Constraints at international conferences. Alan's latest book,
Dr. Alan Barnard
Goldratt Research Labs
Session Title:
Crash Course in Critical Thinking - Introduction to the Thinking Processes
Presentation Summary This workshop is for anyone new to the Theory of Constraints Thinking Processes. This is an area of TOC that sometimes misses the limelight of DBR and CCPM; however, it can be considered both more broad-reaching and more important for organizations and individuals.
There are three key areas the workshop will cover:
Learners will be given an introduction and overview of the Thinking Process toolset, providing context for all the various tools and their purpose—leaving with a map of how the tools fit together and what the purpose of each tool is.
The why of the Thinking Processes. We all know how to think already, right? So why are these tools so important to learn and apply effectively?
Learning the fundamental logic structures by applying them to real-world situations—leaving with the skills to use the basics in everyday life and enough understanding to build on these skills by learning more of the TP toolset.
Speaker Bio Peter is the head instructor of the Black Belt in Thinking (Thinking Process training course). Even after a decade of teaching others how to use these critical thinking tools, he is still endlessly fascinated by the innovative ways people think and learn. Whether they are leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, or individuals, Peter’s passion is seeing—and helping—people create real solutions to what they thought were “unbreakable” problems.
Crash Course in Critical Thinking - Introduction to the Thinking Processes
Presentation Summary This workshop is for anyone new to the Theory of Constraints Thinking Processes. This is an area of TOC that sometimes misses the limelight of DBR and CCPM; however, it can be considered both more broad-reaching and more important for organizations and individuals.
There are three key areas the workshop will cover:
Learners will be given an introduction and overview of the Thinking Process toolset, providing context for all the various tools and their purpose—leaving with a map of how the tools fit together and what the purpose of each tool is.
The why of the Thinking Processes. We all know how to think already, right? So why are these tools so important to learn and apply effectively?
Learning the fundamental logic structures by applying them to real-world situations—leaving with the skills to use the basics in everyday life and enough understanding to build on these skills by learning more of the TP toolset.
Speaker Bio Peter is the head instructor of the Black Belt in Thinking (Thinking Process training course). Even after a decade of teaching others how to use these critical thinking tools, he is still endlessly fascinated by the innovative ways people think and learn. Whether they are leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, or individuals, Peter’s passion is seeing—and helping—people create real solutions to what they thought were “unbreakable” problems.
Peter Cronin
Black Belt in Thinking
Session Title:
AI-Powered TOC: Accelerating Thinking Processes & Managing AI Task Tokenization
Presentation Summary This session explores how AI agents dramatically accelerate the TOC Thinking Processes, demonstrating their use in refining verbalization, root cause analysis, and solution guidance. It also highlights the critical need for expertise to efficiently manage AI task consumption ("tokenization") and avoid unnecessary costs, marking the shift to AI-driven Service-as-Software.
Speaker Bio Gilsiley Henrique Darú provides supply chain consulting and optimization for major companies such as HAVAN (Retail – Supply Chain), HVLE (Railway Optimization in Germany), and Malwee (Fashion – Production Planning). He leads the AI and Supply Chain Innovation Lab at Neogrid Software, a leader in supply chain integration.
With over 20 years of experience at firms including Datasul, WEG, and Malwee, he applies artificial intelligence and innovative solutions to transform corporate environments. At Neogrid, Gilsiley leads a team creating cutting-edge supply chain management solutions, leveraging his expertise in data analysis and AI to turn data into valuable insights and enhance client operational efficiency.
A Ph.D. candidate in Computational Mathematics (UFPR) and holding master’s degrees in Data Science (USP) and Numerical Methods (UFPR), Gilsiley also holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Data Processing (UDESC), along with postgraduate qualifications in Data Science (SENAI) and Software Engineering (PUC-PR).
An enthusiast of the Theory of Constraints and optimization in industrial planning, he helps companies find focus and improve flow using TOC Thinking Processes alongside optimization tools such as Operations Research, Discrete and Continuous Simulation, and Agent-Based Modeling, with strong expertise in logistics and business planning.
Academically, he shares his knowledge as a postgraduate professor in AI and Deep Learning. Gilsiley values collaboration and the continuous development of advanced analytical skills in all his initiatives.
AI-Powered TOC: Accelerating Thinking Processes & Managing AI Task Tokenization
Presentation Summary This session explores how AI agents dramatically accelerate the TOC Thinking Processes, demonstrating their use in refining verbalization, root cause analysis, and solution guidance. It also highlights the critical need for expertise to efficiently manage AI task consumption ("tokenization") and avoid unnecessary costs, marking the shift to AI-driven Service-as-Software.
Speaker Bio Gilsiley Henrique Darú provides supply chain consulting and optimization for major companies such as HAVAN (Retail – Supply Chain), HVLE (Railway Optimization in Germany), and Malwee (Fashion – Production Planning). He leads the AI and Supply Chain Innovation Lab at Neogrid Software, a leader in supply chain integration.
With over 20 years of experience at firms including Datasul, WEG, and Malwee, he applies artificial intelligence and innovative solutions to transform corporate environments. At Neogrid, Gilsiley leads a team creating cutting-edge supply chain management solutions, leveraging his expertise in data analysis and AI to turn data into valuable insights and enhance client operational efficiency.
A Ph.D. candidate in Computational Mathematics (UFPR) and holding master’s degrees in Data Science (USP) and Numerical Methods (UFPR), Gilsiley also holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Data Processing (UDESC), along with postgraduate qualifications in Data Science (SENAI) and Software Engineering (PUC-PR).
An enthusiast of the Theory of Constraints and optimization in industrial planning, he helps companies find focus and improve flow using TOC Thinking Processes alongside optimization tools such as Operations Research, Discrete and Continuous Simulation, and Agent-Based Modeling, with strong expertise in logistics and business planning.
Academically, he shares his knowledge as a postgraduate professor in AI and Deep Learning. Gilsiley values collaboration and the continuous development of advanced analytical skills in all his initiatives.
Gilsiley Darú
Neogrid
Session Title:
Systemic Alignment as a Catalyst for Enterprise and Societal Transformation: A Case Study from Comstock Inc.
Presentation Summary A compelling case study from Comstock Inc., revealing how a holistic, systemic application of Theory of Constraints and the Theory of Profound Knowledge transformed its strategic planning, execution, and organizational development into a repeatable engine of globally impactful innovation. CEO Corrado DeGasperis explores how alignment, empathy, reliability and constraint-based management systems enable transformative results.
Speaker Bio Corrado De Gasperis is Executive Chairman and CEO of Comstock Inc., where he leads innovation in global systems deployment for clean energy solutions. With over 30 years of leadership in industrial-scale materials and advanced manufacturing, he has guided Comstock to develop two breakthrough, commercial ready technologies operating at or near TRL 7: an organosolv-based process that more than doubles known, practical renewable fuel yields from waste wood (140 gallons per dry ton versus the 60-gallon industry average), and a solar panel recycling system that achieves 100% reuse of recovered materials—aluminum, glass, and silver-rich tailings—without harmful emissions.
A champion of systemic thinking, De Gasperis integrates Theory of Constraints methodologies to drive innovation and commercialization. At GrafTech International, his leadership generated hundreds of patents and five consecutive R&D 100 awards, including technologies including next generation thermal spreaders for advanced electronics and graphite electrodes that resolved the costly down times in electric arc steel recycling.
He founded Comstock’s Odyssey Leadership Program, which has trained over 60 emerging professionals in systemic strategic planning, execution, conflict resolution and purposeful, sustainable innovations. These participants lead real-world projects in decarbonization and electrification, with many joining Comstock or other clean energy leaders.
An experienced speaker, De Gasperis delivered the TEDx Talk “Capitalism Lost: The Systemic Road to Discovery” and frequently engages audiences—from executives to students—on integrating sustainability, innovation, and systems thinking. Comstock’s systemic approach has led to integrated alliances with companies, laboratories and universities, including collaborations with Hexas Biomass Inc., RenFuel K2B AB, Marathon Petroleum Inc., the National Renewable Energy Lab (“NREL”) and MIT, all systemically advancing clean technologies at scale.
Systemic Alignment as a Catalyst for Enterprise and Societal Transformation: A Case Study from Comstock Inc.
Presentation Summary A compelling case study from Comstock Inc., revealing how a holistic, systemic application of Theory of Constraints and the Theory of Profound Knowledge transformed its strategic planning, execution, and organizational development into a repeatable engine of globally impactful innovation. CEO Corrado DeGasperis explores how alignment, empathy, reliability and constraint-based management systems enable transformative results.
Speaker Bio Corrado De Gasperis is Executive Chairman and CEO of Comstock Inc., where he leads innovation in global systems deployment for clean energy solutions. With over 30 years of leadership in industrial-scale materials and advanced manufacturing, he has guided Comstock to develop two breakthrough, commercial ready technologies operating at or near TRL 7: an organosolv-based process that more than doubles known, practical renewable fuel yields from waste wood (140 gallons per dry ton versus the 60-gallon industry average), and a solar panel recycling system that achieves 100% reuse of recovered materials—aluminum, glass, and silver-rich tailings—without harmful emissions.
A champion of systemic thinking, De Gasperis integrates Theory of Constraints methodologies to drive innovation and commercialization. At GrafTech International, his leadership generated hundreds of patents and five consecutive R&D 100 awards, including technologies including next generation thermal spreaders for advanced electronics and graphite electrodes that resolved the costly down times in electric arc steel recycling.
He founded Comstock’s Odyssey Leadership Program, which has trained over 60 emerging professionals in systemic strategic planning, execution, conflict resolution and purposeful, sustainable innovations. These participants lead real-world projects in decarbonization and electrification, with many joining Comstock or other clean energy leaders.
An experienced speaker, De Gasperis delivered the TEDx Talk “Capitalism Lost: The Systemic Road to Discovery” and frequently engages audiences—from executives to students—on integrating sustainability, innovation, and systems thinking. Comstock’s systemic approach has led to integrated alliances with companies, laboratories and universities, including collaborations with Hexas Biomass Inc., RenFuel K2B AB, Marathon Petroleum Inc., the National Renewable Energy Lab (“NREL”) and MIT, all systemically advancing clean technologies at scale.
Corrado De Gasperis
Comstock Inc.
Session Title:
How to fix your ER (& Hospital) using TOC + Lean
Presentation Summary This session will describe the factors causing the 38-year-old problem of ED overcrowding to persist. TOC is the solution to the problem, as it finds the constraint—which, in hospitals and emergency departments, is a staffed bed. This presentation will show how using buffer management can help alert staff and management when to focus on constraint management and find hidden opportunities to exploit the constraint.
Topics covered will include:
How to fix your ER (& Hospital) using TOC + Lean
Presentation Summary This session will describe the factors causing the 38-year-old problem of ED overcrowding to persist. TOC is the solution to the problem, as it finds the constraint—which, in hospitals and emergency departments, is a staffed bed. This presentation will show how using buffer management can help alert staff and management when to focus on constraint management and find hidden opportunities to exploit the constraint.
Topics covered will include:
- Understanding how measuring, monitoring, and alerting when buffers are increasing can help manage downstream constraints
- How to use live data to drive prescriptive actions
- How fun and easy TOC is
Speaker Bio Dr. Dreyer is a board-certified Emergency Physician residing in Columbus, Ohio. For more than 20 years, Dr. Dreyer practiced at two high volume ERs and was director of ER quality. In 2003, Dr. Dreyer pivoted roles to facilitate quality initiatives at all 5 Mount Carmel Emergency Departments. Dr. Dreyer believes that patient health is directly correlated to the health of the operational system that delivers care. He is Six Sigma and Lean certified, is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality and the graduate of the Physician Executive MBA Program (PEMBA) at the University of Tennessee. As a Healthcare Optimization Professional, Dr. Dreyer has been transforming Emergency Department operations since 2001. As a result of his leadership, ED’s have annually realized millions to their bottom line. In 2015, he formed The Dreyer Group, a healthcare services and software company that employs proprietary systems, processes, tools, and software, designed to improve hospital operations to deliver best in class quality, satisfaction, and revenue. Dr. Dreyer formed CarePulse, a patented software analytics platform.
Dr. Jeffrey R. Dreyer
CarePulse
Session Title:
Utilizing Theory of Constraints and System Dynamics with AI to enhance PTSD research collaboration
Presentation Summary This session presents a solution that combines AI-enhanced Theory of Constraints and System Dynamics modeling for organizations seeking deeper system understanding and aiming to overcome complex, persistent problems in healthcare.
This session will highlight:
Strengths and limitations of AI for enhancing systems thinking
How TOC and System Dynamics offer complementary system understanding
A deeper understanding of how PTSD is shaped by personal, social, and system-level variables
The impact of visual models on social construction
Speaker Bio Don Greer is a methodologist and facilitator focused on enhancing organizational performance by addressing challenges within sociotechnical systems. He applies systems thinking and dynamic modeling to diagnose root causes and design interventions, as demonstrated in his work on U.S. Air Force program disconnects and developing a buffalo herd management model that illuminated complex interdependencies. His expertise lies in translating these insights into actionable strategies, facilitating collaboration, and guiding organizations through the implementation of robust solutions to achieve breakthrough results.
Utilizing Theory of Constraints and System Dynamics with AI to enhance PTSD research collaboration
Presentation Summary This session presents a solution that combines AI-enhanced Theory of Constraints and System Dynamics modeling for organizations seeking deeper system understanding and aiming to overcome complex, persistent problems in healthcare.
This session will highlight:
Strengths and limitations of AI for enhancing systems thinking
How TOC and System Dynamics offer complementary system understanding
A deeper understanding of how PTSD is shaped by personal, social, and system-level variables
The impact of visual models on social construction
Speaker Bio Don Greer is a methodologist and facilitator focused on enhancing organizational performance by addressing challenges within sociotechnical systems. He applies systems thinking and dynamic modeling to diagnose root causes and design interventions, as demonstrated in his work on U.S. Air Force program disconnects and developing a buffalo herd management model that illuminated complex interdependencies. His expertise lies in translating these insights into actionable strategies, facilitating collaboration, and guiding organizations through the implementation of robust solutions to achieve breakthrough results.
Don Greer
Details Coming Soon!
Sanjeev Gupta
Realization
Reducing Patient Falls Through Constraints Management and HRO: A Path to Sustainable and Scalable Improvement
Presentation Summary Details Coming Soon!
Speaker Bio Dr. Baha Inozu is the cofounder and CEO of Sharp Focus, Inc., and a faculty member at the University of Southern California. He has collaborated with more than forty organizations to improve performance and reliability across a range of sectors. Internationally recognized for his expertise in system reliability and performance improvement, Dr. Inozu specializes in integrating leading methodologies to achieve high-impact outcomes. He currently supports the SafeMTS project as a Subject Matter Expert and contributes to the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) for the U.S. Navy.
His research centers on identifying and applying best practices from high-risk industries to advance safety and reliability. He is the co-author of High Reliability for a Highly Unreliable World. Previously, he served as CEO of NOVACES and as Chairman of the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of New Orleans.
Presentation Summary Details Coming Soon!
Speaker Bio Dr. Baha Inozu is the cofounder and CEO of Sharp Focus, Inc., and a faculty member at the University of Southern California. He has collaborated with more than forty organizations to improve performance and reliability across a range of sectors. Internationally recognized for his expertise in system reliability and performance improvement, Dr. Inozu specializes in integrating leading methodologies to achieve high-impact outcomes. He currently supports the SafeMTS project as a Subject Matter Expert and contributes to the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) for the U.S. Navy.
His research centers on identifying and applying best practices from high-risk industries to advance safety and reliability. He is the co-author of High Reliability for a Highly Unreliable World. Previously, he served as CEO of NOVACES and as Chairman of the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at the University of New Orleans.
Bahadir Inozu, Ph.D
Sharp Focus, Inc.
Democratizing TOC Thinking Processes via Generative AI and AI Agents
Presentation Summary This session presents research focused on making the TOC Thinking Processes (TP) accessible to everyone through generative AI. Building on last year’s prototype—which used Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and prompt chaining to help non-experts quickly create UDEs and CRTs—three major enhancements were introduced this year: a dialogue-based interface for sequential question-answer interaction, an AI agent that incorporates industry-specific knowledge, and a system reconstruction as a GPT app for broader deployment. These upgrades further reduce the entry barrier to TP and support faster, more inclusive problem-solving.
Attendees will:
Learn how to use generative AI agents to construct UDEs and CRTs
Apply RAG-based techniques to support root-cause analysis
Explore interactive dialogue systems to guide non-experts through TP
Gain insight into integrating AI tools into organizational problem-solving frameworks
Speaker Bio Takashi is the co-founder and CEO of Progressive Flow Japan Ltd. with Yaniv Dinur, the former chairman of TOCICO.
As one of only a few TOCICO certified practitioners in Japan, Takashi is known as one of Japan's leading TOC consultants. For over 17 years, he has been involved in industries and management fields such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, construction, construction machinery, IT, games, electricity, glass, housing, and R&D etc. He has led numerous consulting projects across a wide range of fields.
Before becoming a TOC consultant, he utilized EQ, also known as Emotional Intelligence. He was also part of an OD/HR consulting firm, where he provided deep insight into organizational development, cultural change, and talent development.
He believes there is no conflict between improving corporate performance and the growth and well-being of individual employees.
TOCICO Certified Practitioner
TOCICO Registered Jonah
TOCPA Japan Faculty
Presentation Summary This session presents research focused on making the TOC Thinking Processes (TP) accessible to everyone through generative AI. Building on last year’s prototype—which used Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and prompt chaining to help non-experts quickly create UDEs and CRTs—three major enhancements were introduced this year: a dialogue-based interface for sequential question-answer interaction, an AI agent that incorporates industry-specific knowledge, and a system reconstruction as a GPT app for broader deployment. These upgrades further reduce the entry barrier to TP and support faster, more inclusive problem-solving.
Attendees will:
Learn how to use generative AI agents to construct UDEs and CRTs
Apply RAG-based techniques to support root-cause analysis
Explore interactive dialogue systems to guide non-experts through TP
Gain insight into integrating AI tools into organizational problem-solving frameworks
Speaker Bio Takashi is the co-founder and CEO of Progressive Flow Japan Ltd. with Yaniv Dinur, the former chairman of TOCICO.
As one of only a few TOCICO certified practitioners in Japan, Takashi is known as one of Japan's leading TOC consultants. For over 17 years, he has been involved in industries and management fields such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, construction, construction machinery, IT, games, electricity, glass, housing, and R&D etc. He has led numerous consulting projects across a wide range of fields.
Before becoming a TOC consultant, he utilized EQ, also known as Emotional Intelligence. He was also part of an OD/HR consulting firm, where he provided deep insight into organizational development, cultural change, and talent development.
He believes there is no conflict between improving corporate performance and the growth and well-being of individual employees.
TOCICO Certified Practitioner
TOCICO Registered Jonah
TOCPA Japan Faculty
Takashi Kudo
Progressive Flow Japan Ltd.
Utilizing Theory of Constraints and System Dynamics with AI to enhance PTSD research collaboration
Presentation Summary
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is significantly underdiagnosed, with an estimated 14% prevalence in the general population but only 2% captured in medical claims. This session presents an interdisciplinary research effort that integrates Theory of Constraints (TOC) and System Dynamics (SD), enhanced by artificial intelligence, to model and address the systemic barriers contributing to this gap.
Through the development of Current and Future Reality Trees and an AI-supported system dynamics model, the team explored both structural and individual-level challenges—revealing unintended consequences and identifying scalable interventions. The presentation will highlight how visual model socialization supported stakeholder alignment and how combining TOC, SD, and AI provides a replicable approach to tackling complex healthcare issues.
Key takeaways include:
Strengths and limitations of AI in systems thinking
Complementary insights from TOC and System Dynamics
How interacting personal, social, and health system factors impact PTSD
The role of visual models in building shared understanding
Speaker Bio Christophe G. Lambert, Ph.D., is a Professor of Medicine and Division Chief of Translational Informatics at the University of New Mexico. He is also the founder, past CEO and current Chairman of Golden Helix, a Bozeman-based bioinformatics company. Throughout his career, he has applied systems thinking to the challenging problems affecting life sciences and healthcare research, with numerous articles and presentations diagnosing systemic problems and prescribing the change management required for improvement. As a lifetime TOCICO member, certified in the Theory of Constraints (TOC) Fundamentals (2004) and Thinking Processes (2006), he applied TOC within his own company for a decade, and currently applies it to problems in mental and organizational health. Originally from Canada, Dr. Lambert received his bachelor’s degree from Montana State University, and a PhD in computer science from Duke University.
Presentation Summary
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is significantly underdiagnosed, with an estimated 14% prevalence in the general population but only 2% captured in medical claims. This session presents an interdisciplinary research effort that integrates Theory of Constraints (TOC) and System Dynamics (SD), enhanced by artificial intelligence, to model and address the systemic barriers contributing to this gap.
Through the development of Current and Future Reality Trees and an AI-supported system dynamics model, the team explored both structural and individual-level challenges—revealing unintended consequences and identifying scalable interventions. The presentation will highlight how visual model socialization supported stakeholder alignment and how combining TOC, SD, and AI provides a replicable approach to tackling complex healthcare issues.
Key takeaways include:
Strengths and limitations of AI in systems thinking
Complementary insights from TOC and System Dynamics
How interacting personal, social, and health system factors impact PTSD
The role of visual models in building shared understanding
Speaker Bio Christophe G. Lambert, Ph.D., is a Professor of Medicine and Division Chief of Translational Informatics at the University of New Mexico. He is also the founder, past CEO and current Chairman of Golden Helix, a Bozeman-based bioinformatics company. Throughout his career, he has applied systems thinking to the challenging problems affecting life sciences and healthcare research, with numerous articles and presentations diagnosing systemic problems and prescribing the change management required for improvement. As a lifetime TOCICO member, certified in the Theory of Constraints (TOC) Fundamentals (2004) and Thinking Processes (2006), he applied TOC within his own company for a decade, and currently applies it to problems in mental and organizational health. Originally from Canada, Dr. Lambert received his bachelor’s degree from Montana State University, and a PhD in computer science from Duke University.
Christophe Lambert
Governing for Quality of Life: Resolving Chronic Conflicts through TOC Thinking
Presentation Summary Assuming that the general goal of government is to improve quality of life—now and in the future—this session examines the persistent constraints that prevent governments from reliably achieving that aim. Operating in environments shaped by limited resources, volatility, uncertainty, competing priorities, and ideological divides, governments face systemic tensions that go beyond day-to-day challenges.
Drawing on the work of government thought leaders who have applied the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to public systems—Kristen Cox, Alan Barnard, and Rami Goldratt—this session uses TOC tools, especially the Evaporating Cloud and the concept of oscillating conflicts, to surface recurring constraints across tactical (service), operational (agency), and strategic (political) levels. Conflict categories, including budget-related tensions, will be explored with a focus on identifying underlying assumptions and proposing injections to dissolve them.
By examining one or two chronic conflicts in depth, this session aims to strengthen the conceptual foundation for applying TOC to governance, clarify systemic constraints, and contribute to a path of deliberate and measurable societal improvement.
Speaker Bio Alfredo is the Co-Founder of ReEngine Consulting and a PhD candidate at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He has been a military commander, diplomat, and assistant professor of history at West Point Military Academy. He has held positions at the federal, state, and city level as a public executive and an improvement expert. He has worked to improve procurement and contract management at all those levels of government and in universities.
Presentation Summary Assuming that the general goal of government is to improve quality of life—now and in the future—this session examines the persistent constraints that prevent governments from reliably achieving that aim. Operating in environments shaped by limited resources, volatility, uncertainty, competing priorities, and ideological divides, governments face systemic tensions that go beyond day-to-day challenges.
Drawing on the work of government thought leaders who have applied the Theory of Constraints (TOC) to public systems—Kristen Cox, Alan Barnard, and Rami Goldratt—this session uses TOC tools, especially the Evaporating Cloud and the concept of oscillating conflicts, to surface recurring constraints across tactical (service), operational (agency), and strategic (political) levels. Conflict categories, including budget-related tensions, will be explored with a focus on identifying underlying assumptions and proposing injections to dissolve them.
By examining one or two chronic conflicts in depth, this session aims to strengthen the conceptual foundation for applying TOC to governance, clarify systemic constraints, and contribute to a path of deliberate and measurable societal improvement.
Speaker Bio Alfredo is the Co-Founder of ReEngine Consulting and a PhD candidate at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He has been a military commander, diplomat, and assistant professor of history at West Point Military Academy. He has held positions at the federal, state, and city level as a public executive and an improvement expert. He has worked to improve procurement and contract management at all those levels of government and in universities.
Alfredo Mycue
ReEngine Consulting
Democratizing TOC Thinking Processes via Generative AI and AI Agents
Presentation Summary This session presents research focused on making the TOC Thinking Processes (TP) accessible to everyone through generative AI. Building on last year’s prototype—which used Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and prompt chaining to help non-experts quickly create UDEs and CRTs—three major enhancements were introduced this year: a dialogue-based interface for sequential question-answer interaction, an AI agent that incorporates industry-specific knowledge, and a system reconstruction as a GPT app for broader deployment. These upgrades further reduce the entry barrier to TP and support faster, more inclusive problem-solving.
Attendees will:
Learn how to use generative AI agents to construct UDEs and CRTs
Apply RAG-based techniques to support root-cause analysis
Explore interactive dialogue systems to guide non-experts through TP
Gain insight into integrating AI tools into organizational problem-solving frameworks.
Speaker Bio Hirotsugu Nakai is the Project Director at Progressive Flow Japan Ltd., where he leads strategic initiatives in business process design, new business development, and production system optimization. After completing his graduate studies, he began his career at a major patent law firm and later joined a company operating a restaurant search and reservation platform. There, he served as Head of the President’s Office and Chief Researcher, launching new ventures and internal research institutes. He has extensive experience as a consultant in the Theory of Constraints (TOC), including the implementation of Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) across diverse industries, as well as business process improvement and innovation support. He later served as an executive officer at an AI-focused company, where he was engaged in the development of digital transformation (DX) and AI solutions. Since 2020, he has been involved in managing a wide range of projects from initiation through delivery. He has also served as a part-time lecturer at Tokyo Institute of Technology and as a review committee member for government-led venture investment programs.
Presentation Summary This session presents research focused on making the TOC Thinking Processes (TP) accessible to everyone through generative AI. Building on last year’s prototype—which used Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and prompt chaining to help non-experts quickly create UDEs and CRTs—three major enhancements were introduced this year: a dialogue-based interface for sequential question-answer interaction, an AI agent that incorporates industry-specific knowledge, and a system reconstruction as a GPT app for broader deployment. These upgrades further reduce the entry barrier to TP and support faster, more inclusive problem-solving.
Attendees will:
Learn how to use generative AI agents to construct UDEs and CRTs
Apply RAG-based techniques to support root-cause analysis
Explore interactive dialogue systems to guide non-experts through TP
Gain insight into integrating AI tools into organizational problem-solving frameworks.
Speaker Bio Hirotsugu Nakai is the Project Director at Progressive Flow Japan Ltd., where he leads strategic initiatives in business process design, new business development, and production system optimization. After completing his graduate studies, he began his career at a major patent law firm and later joined a company operating a restaurant search and reservation platform. There, he served as Head of the President’s Office and Chief Researcher, launching new ventures and internal research institutes. He has extensive experience as a consultant in the Theory of Constraints (TOC), including the implementation of Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) across diverse industries, as well as business process improvement and innovation support. He later served as an executive officer at an AI-focused company, where he was engaged in the development of digital transformation (DX) and AI solutions. Since 2020, he has been involved in managing a wide range of projects from initiation through delivery. He has also served as a part-time lecturer at Tokyo Institute of Technology and as a review committee member for government-led venture investment programs.
Hirotsugu Nakai
Progressive Flow Japan Ltd.
Workshop:
The Goal Simulation Workshop
Presentation Summary If you are an Executive or a Manager in a Manufacturing Organization this hands-on workshop is for you. It will teach you and your management team via a realistic, hands-on production simulation, how to use the techniques outlined in the Goal to increase productive capacity, improve on-time delivery, decrease inventory, reduce costs, and maximize net profit. For more info, please click this link - https://cmsmontera.com/goal-workshop/
Speaker BioDuncan Patrick is Executive Vice President of CMS Montera Inc. CMS Montera specializes in software and consulting that helps clients solve problems in Operations and the Supply Chain. Duncan’s business consulting career is focused on working with clients to assist them solve problems in operations and the supply chain related to lead times, the forecast, inventory, capacity, on time delivery, product development speed and market focus. Duncan holds an MBA degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from The University of Calgary. Duncan is certified by the Theory of Constraints International Certification Organization in all aspects of TOC. In addition, Duncan is a Certified Management Consultant.
The Goal Simulation Workshop
Presentation Summary If you are an Executive or a Manager in a Manufacturing Organization this hands-on workshop is for you. It will teach you and your management team via a realistic, hands-on production simulation, how to use the techniques outlined in the Goal to increase productive capacity, improve on-time delivery, decrease inventory, reduce costs, and maximize net profit. For more info, please click this link - https://cmsmontera.com/goal-workshop/
Speaker BioDuncan Patrick is Executive Vice President of CMS Montera Inc. CMS Montera specializes in software and consulting that helps clients solve problems in Operations and the Supply Chain. Duncan’s business consulting career is focused on working with clients to assist them solve problems in operations and the supply chain related to lead times, the forecast, inventory, capacity, on time delivery, product development speed and market focus. Duncan holds an MBA degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from The University of Calgary. Duncan is certified by the Theory of Constraints International Certification Organization in all aspects of TOC. In addition, Duncan is a Certified Management Consultant.
Duncan Patrick
Montera
Using Data Analytics to Improve Emergency Department Throughput
Presentation Summary This session addresses the patient throughput challenges facing post-COVID Emergency Departments across the country—challenges that directly impact patient care. Presenters will share their experience using data analytics, with the support of AI, to uncover and identify resource constraints within the ED.
By aligning providers, nurses, and ancillary staff to patient flow, the team was able to optimize departmental efficiency without adding resources. Improvements were achieved in key performance areas, including Left Without Being Seen (LWBS), Length of Stay (LOS), and Patient Experience.
Attendees will gain ideas on using data effectively, leveraging AI to visually represent data, and approaching complex problems with actionable, resource-conscious solutions.
Speaker Bio Dr Portale is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine with over 15 years of clinical experience. He trained at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, and obtained a Masters of Science in Public Health. He has held various academic and leadership positions and is currently Chair and Medical Director for Capital Health Emergency Department System in Trenton NJ. He has a strong interest in quality improvement and medical education.
Presentation Summary This session addresses the patient throughput challenges facing post-COVID Emergency Departments across the country—challenges that directly impact patient care. Presenters will share their experience using data analytics, with the support of AI, to uncover and identify resource constraints within the ED.
By aligning providers, nurses, and ancillary staff to patient flow, the team was able to optimize departmental efficiency without adding resources. Improvements were achieved in key performance areas, including Left Without Being Seen (LWBS), Length of Stay (LOS), and Patient Experience.
Attendees will gain ideas on using data effectively, leveraging AI to visually represent data, and approaching complex problems with actionable, resource-conscious solutions.
Speaker Bio Dr Portale is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine with over 15 years of clinical experience. He trained at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, and obtained a Masters of Science in Public Health. He has held various academic and leadership positions and is currently Chair and Medical Director for Capital Health Emergency Department System in Trenton NJ. He has a strong interest in quality improvement and medical education.
Dr Joseph Portale
Capital Health Hospitals
Using TOC Thinking Processes in AI Adoption
Presentation Summary Successful adoption of AI (Large Language Models) requires a clear goal aligned with the overall objective of the organization. At Statistics Iceland, a Goal Tree was used to develop an AI adoption strategy for the organization. A set of Evaporating Clouds helped resolve the conflicts that typically arise when implementing new technology—particularly when expected usage, benefits, and outcomes are not yet clear. Finally, a Future Reality Tree was used to map how the proposed solution and strategy would lead to the desired outcome: successful AI adoption.
Attendees will gain an understanding of how a government organization can apply TOC Thinking Processes to build and implement a robust AI strategy.
Speaker Bio Thorsteinn Siglaugsson is an accomplished independent strategy consultant and corporate trainer, specializing in improving performance and guiding C-level executives. With a focus on clarifying focus, identifying core issues, and developing robust strategies, he assists management in overcoming obstacles to success. Thorsteinn employs the methodology of the Theory of Constraints and the Logical Thinking Process to analyze and address constraints, conflicts, and underlying issues, providing a solid foundation for sustainable results. Since 2006, Thorsteinn has worked with numerous companies across various industries, offering his expertise in planning, forecasting, budgeting, software project management, and implementation. As an independent strategy consultant, he has undertaken diverse projects including analysis and improvement, strategy formulation, process enhancement, asset valuation, and IT implementation. Additionally, as an independent corporate trainer, Thorsteinn has conducted training programs on planning, budgeting, and the Logical Thinking Process for educational institutions and companies. Thorsteinn holds an MBA from INSEAD and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Iceland. He has acquired certifications such as the Goal Systems International Certificate of Mastery in the Logical Thinking Process. In addition to his work, Thorsteinn actively contributes to the field, publishing insightful articles and research essays in various local and international publications. He is a board member of Excellence Iceland, serving in the Strategy and Performance Management Group, and chairs the Icelandic Free Speech Association. Thorsteinn also participates in the Artificial Intelligence Group as a board member.
Presentation Summary Successful adoption of AI (Large Language Models) requires a clear goal aligned with the overall objective of the organization. At Statistics Iceland, a Goal Tree was used to develop an AI adoption strategy for the organization. A set of Evaporating Clouds helped resolve the conflicts that typically arise when implementing new technology—particularly when expected usage, benefits, and outcomes are not yet clear. Finally, a Future Reality Tree was used to map how the proposed solution and strategy would lead to the desired outcome: successful AI adoption.
Attendees will gain an understanding of how a government organization can apply TOC Thinking Processes to build and implement a robust AI strategy.
Speaker Bio Thorsteinn Siglaugsson is an accomplished independent strategy consultant and corporate trainer, specializing in improving performance and guiding C-level executives. With a focus on clarifying focus, identifying core issues, and developing robust strategies, he assists management in overcoming obstacles to success. Thorsteinn employs the methodology of the Theory of Constraints and the Logical Thinking Process to analyze and address constraints, conflicts, and underlying issues, providing a solid foundation for sustainable results. Since 2006, Thorsteinn has worked with numerous companies across various industries, offering his expertise in planning, forecasting, budgeting, software project management, and implementation. As an independent strategy consultant, he has undertaken diverse projects including analysis and improvement, strategy formulation, process enhancement, asset valuation, and IT implementation. Additionally, as an independent corporate trainer, Thorsteinn has conducted training programs on planning, budgeting, and the Logical Thinking Process for educational institutions and companies. Thorsteinn holds an MBA from INSEAD and a BA in Philosophy from the University of Iceland. He has acquired certifications such as the Goal Systems International Certificate of Mastery in the Logical Thinking Process. In addition to his work, Thorsteinn actively contributes to the field, publishing insightful articles and research essays in various local and international publications. He is a board member of Excellence Iceland, serving in the Strategy and Performance Management Group, and chairs the Icelandic Free Speech Association. Thorsteinn also participates in the Artificial Intelligence Group as a board member.
Thorsteinn Siglaugsson
Statistics Iceland
Presentation Summary While CCPM effectively manages flow, it assumes the project team is already aligned, capable, and collaborative. In practice, the human side of projects is often the hidden constraint. Misaligned team composition, poor communication, and limited learning during execution can stall performance—regardless of how well the schedule is managed.
This session introduces an evolved CCPM approach by integrating Doug Wilde’s Teamology, which builds cognitively diverse teams using Jungian typology, and embedding structured peer learning into project flow. This aligns with TOC’s core principle: focus on the real constraint to improve throughput.
A proposed pilot will be shared, comparing a standard CCPM team with one using the A-Team framework: Teamology-informed team design, a co-created team charter, learning rituals such as feedback circles and “hotseats,” and psychological safety checks. The goal is not just faster delivery, but smarter, self-improving teams.
Attendees will leave with a simple, replicable framework for building A-Teams:
How to use typology to design better teams
How to embed learning rituals into project cycles
How to measure team functioning alongside buffer burn
How evolving CCPM in this way can dramatically boost project velocity and long-term team effectiveness
Speaker Bio John van der Steur is Senior Expert People Flow at Mobilé 4 Flow & Innovation, a leadership consultant, team strategist, and author of The Power of Polarities: An Innovative Method to Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations. Based on Carl Jung’s Theory of the Personality. With a background in Jungian psychology and decades of experience helping organizations build high-performance teams, John brings a unique lens to the intersection of human dynamics and operational excellence. His work bridges theory and practice, showing how psychological diversity, structured peer learning, and systems thinking can unlock extraordinary collaboration.
This session introduces an evolved CCPM approach by integrating Doug Wilde’s Teamology, which builds cognitively diverse teams using Jungian typology, and embedding structured peer learning into project flow. This aligns with TOC’s core principle: focus on the real constraint to improve throughput.
A proposed pilot will be shared, comparing a standard CCPM team with one using the A-Team framework: Teamology-informed team design, a co-created team charter, learning rituals such as feedback circles and “hotseats,” and psychological safety checks. The goal is not just faster delivery, but smarter, self-improving teams.
Attendees will leave with a simple, replicable framework for building A-Teams:
How to use typology to design better teams
How to embed learning rituals into project cycles
How to measure team functioning alongside buffer burn
How evolving CCPM in this way can dramatically boost project velocity and long-term team effectiveness
Speaker Bio John van der Steur is Senior Expert People Flow at Mobilé 4 Flow & Innovation, a leadership consultant, team strategist, and author of The Power of Polarities: An Innovative Method to Transform Individuals, Teams, and Organizations. Based on Carl Jung’s Theory of the Personality. With a background in Jungian psychology and decades of experience helping organizations build high-performance teams, John brings a unique lens to the intersection of human dynamics and operational excellence. His work bridges theory and practice, showing how psychological diversity, structured peer learning, and systems thinking can unlock extraordinary collaboration.
John van der Steur
Mobile 4 Flow
Intersection of TOC, AI, IT and Flow to Improve Risk Management
Presentation Summary Current CCPM planning and scheduling risk management metrics are not fully leveraging the capabilities of newly available technologies. To remain relevant, the Theory of Constraints must adapt to incorporate these advancements.
This session will offer a deeper understanding of the limitations of existing CCPM risk management metrics and explore why updating them is critical in today’s evolving technological landscape.
Speaker Bio Daniel Walsh is a sought-after lecturer, coach, strategic thinker and is a trusted advisor to many senior corporate executives, is currently a member of numerous corporate boards. In addition, he is co-founder of Exepron©, an advanced EPPM SaaS solution based on Critical Chain methodology. His current efforts are focusing on developing synchronous enterprise value chain solutions in multiple industry sectors. His research and development are centered on identifying the need to identify and leverage the strategic constraints of the enterprise, which is the key to increasing throughput. This culminated in the development of the Integrated Enterprise Scheduling®, (IES®) solution engine. Initial empirical results from deploying the IES® in a dozen large companies over a five-year period have been very promising. Many executives and thought leaders are convinced this may very well be the unified scheduling solution required for maximizing the profit of an enterprise-wide value chain. The IES approach was chronicled when he co-authored The TOC Handbook, the seminal Theory of Constraints reference textbook.
Presentation Summary Current CCPM planning and scheduling risk management metrics are not fully leveraging the capabilities of newly available technologies. To remain relevant, the Theory of Constraints must adapt to incorporate these advancements.
This session will offer a deeper understanding of the limitations of existing CCPM risk management metrics and explore why updating them is critical in today’s evolving technological landscape.
Speaker Bio Daniel Walsh is a sought-after lecturer, coach, strategic thinker and is a trusted advisor to many senior corporate executives, is currently a member of numerous corporate boards. In addition, he is co-founder of Exepron©, an advanced EPPM SaaS solution based on Critical Chain methodology. His current efforts are focusing on developing synchronous enterprise value chain solutions in multiple industry sectors. His research and development are centered on identifying the need to identify and leverage the strategic constraints of the enterprise, which is the key to increasing throughput. This culminated in the development of the Integrated Enterprise Scheduling®, (IES®) solution engine. Initial empirical results from deploying the IES® in a dozen large companies over a five-year period have been very promising. Many executives and thought leaders are convinced this may very well be the unified scheduling solution required for maximizing the profit of an enterprise-wide value chain. The IES approach was chronicled when he co-authored The TOC Handbook, the seminal Theory of Constraints reference textbook.
Daniel Walsh
Exepron
Workshop:
The Goal Simulation Workshop
Presentation Summary If you are an Executive or a Manager in a Manufacturing Organization this hands-on workshop is for you. It will teach you and your management team via a realistic, hands-on production simulation, how to use the techniques outlined in the Goal to increase productive capacity, improve on-time delivery, decrease inventory, reduce costs, and maximize net profit. For more info, please click this link - https://cmsmontera.com/goal-workshop/
Speaker Bio Jack Warchalowski is the CEO of CMS Montera Inc.
Montera specializes in software and consulting that helps clients solve problems in Operations and the Supply Chain.
Jack helps organizations enhance their profitability and competitive position through the implementation of strategic improvement initiatives driven by our Roadrunner software.
Jack is a Certified Management Consultant and a Professional Engineer registered in Ontario. He holds an MBA degree from the Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario.
In addition, Jack is certified by the TOCICO in all aspects of TOC.
The Goal Simulation Workshop
Presentation Summary If you are an Executive or a Manager in a Manufacturing Organization this hands-on workshop is for you. It will teach you and your management team via a realistic, hands-on production simulation, how to use the techniques outlined in the Goal to increase productive capacity, improve on-time delivery, decrease inventory, reduce costs, and maximize net profit. For more info, please click this link - https://cmsmontera.com/goal-workshop/
Speaker Bio Jack Warchalowski is the CEO of CMS Montera Inc.
Montera specializes in software and consulting that helps clients solve problems in Operations and the Supply Chain.
Jack helps organizations enhance their profitability and competitive position through the implementation of strategic improvement initiatives driven by our Roadrunner software.
Jack is a Certified Management Consultant and a Professional Engineer registered in Ontario. He holds an MBA degree from the Wilfrid Laurier University and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario.
In addition, Jack is certified by the TOCICO in all aspects of TOC.
Jack Warchalowski
Montera
The Rules of Flow for MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul)
Presentation Summary This session will introduce Goldratt UK's Rules of Flow for MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul)—a recent advancement in their implementation approach. Inspired by Efrat Goldratt-Ashlag’s book Goldratt’s Rules of Flow, the Goldratt UK team has developed a practical 10-step framework specifically tailored for the MRO environment. After extensive field testing and refinement, they are now sharing this framework with the Theory of Constraints (TOC) community.
Andy will present real-world client examples to illustrate the framework’s impact and effectiveness in practice.
Attendees will gain:
A clear understanding of Goldratt UK's Rules of Flow for MRO and its foundation in TOC principles
Practical case examples demonstrating its application
A 10-step framework ready to apply or adapt within their own MRO environments
Speaker Bio Andy Watt: Transformational Leader with 35+ Years of Expertise Industry Expertise: Production, Distribution, MRO, Supply Chain, Project Management. Track Record: 15 years in senior roles within the defence industry; over 30 years implementing Theory of Constraints (TOC) and Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). Career Highlights: Joined The Goldratt Institute in 2000, delivering TOC training, coaching, and consulting. Worked directly with Dr. Eli Goldratt, applying TOC principles to solve critical business challenges. Took over Goldratt UK in 2007 to extend TOC consultancy across the UK. Led the team at Goldratt UK in the implementation of TOC and CCPM across hundreds of organisations worldwide.
Presentation Summary This session will introduce Goldratt UK's Rules of Flow for MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul)—a recent advancement in their implementation approach. Inspired by Efrat Goldratt-Ashlag’s book Goldratt’s Rules of Flow, the Goldratt UK team has developed a practical 10-step framework specifically tailored for the MRO environment. After extensive field testing and refinement, they are now sharing this framework with the Theory of Constraints (TOC) community.
Andy will present real-world client examples to illustrate the framework’s impact and effectiveness in practice.
Attendees will gain:
A clear understanding of Goldratt UK's Rules of Flow for MRO and its foundation in TOC principles
Practical case examples demonstrating its application
A 10-step framework ready to apply or adapt within their own MRO environments
Speaker Bio Andy Watt: Transformational Leader with 35+ Years of Expertise Industry Expertise: Production, Distribution, MRO, Supply Chain, Project Management. Track Record: 15 years in senior roles within the defence industry; over 30 years implementing Theory of Constraints (TOC) and Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). Career Highlights: Joined The Goldratt Institute in 2000, delivering TOC training, coaching, and consulting. Worked directly with Dr. Eli Goldratt, applying TOC principles to solve critical business challenges. Took over Goldratt UK in 2007 to extend TOC consultancy across the UK. Led the team at Goldratt UK in the implementation of TOC and CCPM across hundreds of organisations worldwide.
Andy Watt
Goldratt UK