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Select the system

Select the system for learning

Now that you have some familiarity with the Value Chain, Constraint, and an overview of the Five Focusing Steps, you are ready to select a system for learning.

Select a system that you care about and that you want to improve. Ideally, it is also a system that you are familiar with.

In selecting the system, you need to specify it as a high-level Value Chain. That is, decide on the User, User Need, and Component. Do not add more detail at this point. Below are some examples of high-level Value Chains to give you an idea of what it should look like.

User User Need Component
PeopleTeaTea Shop
DinersFoodRestaurant
ReadersBooksLibrary
ShoppersProductsOnline Store
StudentsEducationSchool
PatientsTreatmentHospital
AudienceMoviesCinema
PassengersFlightsAirline
MembersFitnessGym
ClientsFinancial ServicesBank
GuestsAccommodationHotel
VisitorsExhibitsMuseum
UsersSoftwareSoftware Company
FansMusicConcert Venue
BuyersCarsCar Dealership
VisitorsRidesAmusement Park
CustomersMedicationPharmacy
CustomersCoffeeCoffee Shop
ShoppersClothingClothing Store
BuyersPropertiesReal Estate Agency
StudentsLunchCafeteria
EmployeesPaychecksPayroll System
CustomersTechnical SupportHelp Desk
ResidentsMaintenanceProperty Management
UsersData BackupIT Department
ShoppersCheckoutPoint of Sale System
DriversFuelGas Station
PatientsAppointmentsScheduling System
MembersLibrary AccessMembership System
EmployeesTrainingHR Department
AttendeesTicketsBox Office
CustomersDeliveriesLogistics Department
SubscribersNewslettersEmail Marketing System
TeachersClassroom SuppliesSchool Supplies System
GuestsRoom ServiceHotel Service Department
PlayersEquipmentSports Equipment Room
VisitorsMapsInformation Desk
EmployeesWorkstationsIT Support
ManagersReportsReporting System
StudentsExamsExamination System

Once you selected the system, this is how we will visually represent it:

A vertical graph with 3 nodes and 2 edges, top node is labeled User and is connected to the node below labeled User Need. User Need node is connected to the node below, which is labeled Component

Now, you are ready to begin with step one: Identify the System Constraint.

A value chain diagram for a tea shop showing three elements connected vertically: 'Public' at the top, 'Tea' in the middle, and 'Tea Shop' at the bottom with a striped pattern indicating it as the constraint.

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Constraint

Understand the concept of Constraint in system strategy, focusing on the most limiting factor that restricts the flow of value. This lesson explores how to identify and address the single Constraint within a system, using a tea shop example.

Flowchart showing a cycle of steps: Identify -> Exploit -> Subordinate -> Elevate -> Warning! -> Identify. The Identify step is highlighted with an outline.

Up next

Identify the System Constraint

Learn how to identify and add detail to the system Constraint in your Value Chain. Follow a step-by-step process to pinpoint a clear and actionable Constraint, using the Tea Shop example as a reference.