Theory of Constraints for Productivity (QP-026) Training Course

Theory of Constraints for Productivity

Every system has a constraint that limits its output. The theory of constraints helps organisations identify that constraint and focus improvement efforts where they will…

5 daysClassroom or online

15Upcoming dates

9Cities

£2,250Fees from

Course overview

Why Attend

Every system has a constraint that limits its output. The theory of constraints helps organisations identify that constraint and focus improvement efforts where they will have the greatest impact on throughput.

This LLMI course explains the five focusing steps, constraint identification, drum-buffer-rope scheduling, throughput accounting, buffer management, policy constraints and applications in operations, projects and services. Participants analyse case systems and plan constraint-focused improvement.

The course offers a simple yet powerful approach to productivity improvement.

Course Objectives

Explain theory of constraints principles

Identify physical and policy constraints

Apply the five focusing steps

Use drum-buffer-rope scheduling

Apply throughput accounting for decisions

Manage buffers and sustain improvement

Target Audience

Operations and production managers

Planners and schedulers

Continuous improvement professionals

Project managers

Finance managers

General managers

Course Methodology

Simulations

Case studies

Calculation exercises

Group problem-solving

Action planning

Course outline

1Day 1: Theory of Constraints Principles

Systems and constraints
Throughput focus
Five focusing steps
Myths of efficiency
Examples
Simulation: Constraint game

2Day 2: Identifying Constraints

Physical constraints
Market constraints
Policy constraints
Data analysis
Bottleneck behaviour
Exercise: Constraint identification

3Day 3: Exploiting and Subordinating

Maximising the constraint
Subordination
Drum-buffer-rope
Buffer management
Scheduling
Workshop: DBR schedule

4Day 4: Throughput Accounting

Throughput, inventory and operating expense
Decision-making
Product mix
Comparison with cost accounting
Exercise: Throughput decisions

5Day 5: Applications and Sustainability

Constraints in projects
Services and supply chains
Elevating constraints
Avoiding inertia
Case study: TOC implementation
Capstone: TOC improvement plan

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Theory of Constraints for Productivity course?

The course runs over 5 days of classroom training, usually Monday to Friday.

When is the next Theory of Constraints for Productivity course?

The next public date is 16 - 20 Nov 2026 in Amsterdam. There are 15 upcoming dates in total.

Where is this course held?

Upcoming sessions run in Amsterdam, London, Frankfurt, Rome, Kuala Lumpur, Geneva, Madrid, Barcelona, Istanbul.

Can I take Theory of Constraints for Productivity online?

Yes. Every date can also be joined live online in a virtual classroom with the trainer, for £1,280 per participant. Choose "Live online" in the dates table when you register.

How much does the course cost?

Fees start from £2,250 per delegate, depending on the city. Fees include tuition and course materials.

Do participants receive a certificate?

Yes. Delegates who complete the course receive a London Leadership Management Innovation certificate of completion.

Can this course be delivered in-house for our team?

Yes. LLMI can tailor and deliver this course privately for your organisation at your premises or in one of our training cities.

Course information last updated 14 November 2026.

Theory of Constraints for Productivity

Course overview

Course outline

Dates and fees

Frequently asked questions

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