The purpose of the Critical Chain novel was to explain how the Theory of Constraints (TOC), as described inThe Goal,
could be applied to project management. The TOC should be applied to the Critical Path, since it is the constraint of a
project, and if you have a Critical Chain, then apply the TOC to the Critical Chain.
Keep the following in mind:
The Critical Path is the constraint (bottleneck) of a project
If limited resources can affect the project due date, then you have a Critical Chain
If you have a Critical Chain, then it becomes the constraint of the project
As a manager, you should constantly be aware of the work progress on the constraint of a project whether it is
the Critical Path or the Critical Chain
Key concepts from The Critical Chain:
1. TOC
2. Critical Path
3. Critical Chain
4. Parkinson’s Law
5. Murphy’s Law
6. Student Syndrome
7. Multitasking
8. Uncertainty
9. Buffers: feeding, project, and resource
10. Cost world and throughput world
INSTRUCTIONS FOR WRITING YOUR PAPER
1. Book summary. The first paragraph should be a BRIEF summary of the book followed by another paragraph
describing your thoughts (likes, dislikes, etc.) about the book. (2 paragraphs)
2. Select two concepts from the list above and explain how they have affected your organization or pick a
company if you don’t have work examples. Your discussion should explain the concept, how the concept
affected your organization, and the resulting impact. Include a definition of the concept as well as the
application to your work. DO NOT use a concept used in the previous paper. (minimum of 2 paragraphs)
3. Discuss at least two additional concepts you identified in the book and why you think these concepts are
important. Also apply these concepts to your organization or selected company. You may select from the above
list of another concept from the book not on the list above. (minimum of 2 paragraphs)
4. Closing. Summarize how this book and the concepts you selected have made you think differently about project
management and how different principles can be applied so broadly to organizations. (1-2 paragraphs)
REMINDERS FOR AN EVEN BETTER GRADE
• This is not a summary of the book type paper!
• If you use terms in your paper (such as the theory of constraints, bottlenecks, critical path), then define each.
Assume I do not know these terms and am not familiar with project management, you are writing this paper so I
will understand the application you chose to discuss. Your paper should demonstrate your understanding of the
concepts you selected.
• This paper should demonstrate your ability to interpret concepts from the book, do not copy information from
the book. Put it in your own words! If you copy material, then you must properly site the source.
• When you upload your paper into Canvas, you will receive a number that represents the percent of your
paper that is similar to other sources. Must be less than 20%! Suggestion: upload your paper before the due
date so you have an opportunity to rewrite and resubmit if your similarity score is too high.
• There is no page or word limit, your grade will be based on your ability to express your level of understanding of
concepts to me. If you write a brief paper with little explanation, you will receive a lesser grade.
• A well written paper will leave me knowing you understand the concepts you selected, you applied them
correctly to a real-world setting, and you followed directions.
• Re-read your paper before submitting. Are there any grammatical errors? Typos? Do you need a Works Cited
page? Did you follow directions?