Focus and Leverage ─ The Critical Methodology for Theory of Constraints, Lean, and Six Sigma (TLS)

This is a business novel, and is a sequel to the second edition of Epiphanized. The storyline features two different industries: Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and hospitals. This book expands and highlights two improvements methods first introduced in appendix section Epiphanized: the Interference Diagram (ID)/Intermediate Objectives (IO) Map, or simply the ID/IO Simplified Strategy and the Multiple-Drum-Buffer-Rope (M-DBR). Both of these methods are the result of innovative thinking that allows for several improvement methods to be combined into a single process. This new process method saves time and money and allows faster and better results to be achieved.

Bruce Nelson is an Independent Consultant who, along with Bob Sproull, owns and operates Focus and Leverage Consulting, a Management Consulting firm specializing in improving the profitability of organizations from all business sectors. Bruce is an internationally recognized expert in Constraints Management and Systems Analysis. He is a certified Jonah, Jonah’s Jonah, Academic Jonah, and is Board Certified by the International Certification Organizations (TOCICO) in the TOC Thinking Processes, TOC Operations Management and TOC Project Management and has B.S. Degrees, in Chemistry, Zoology and Allied Health, Weber State University, Ogden, Utah (1982). Bruce has thirty two years combined experience as an educator, executive and consultant with many Fortune 500 Companies, and several International companies. Bruce has an extensive consulting background in Manufacturing, Production, seminars, and workshops focusing on teaching how to maximize profitability through an integrated Theory of Constraints, Lean and Six Sigma (TLS) improvement methodology. Bruce is the co-author of: Epiphanized: Integrating Theory of Constraints, Lean and Six Sigma (co-authored with Bob Sproull, 2012, North River Press) Bruce also has articles published from previous Process Improvement Engagements. Bruce currently resides in Utah.

Bob Sproull is an Independent Consultant who, along with Bruce Nelson, owns and operates Focus and Leverage Consulting, a Management Consulting firm specializing in improving the profitability of organizations from all business sectors. Bob is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and a Theory of Constraints Jonah and an experienced manufacturing executive who has served as a Vice President of Quality, Engineering and Continuous Improvement for two different Manufacturing companies, with extensive consulting background in Manufacturing, Healthcare and MRO and focuses on teaching companies how to maximize their profitability through an integrated Theory of Constraints, .Lean and Six Sigma (TLS) improvement methodology. Bob completed his undergraduate degree (BS) with a dual major in Math and Physics and is a nationally known speaker and the author of three different books: Epiphanized: Integrating Theory of Constraints, Lean and Six Sigma (co-authored with Bruce Nelson 2012, North River Press); The Ultimate Improvement Cycle – Maximizing Profits Through the Integration of Lean, Six Sigma and the Theory of Constraints (2009, Taylor and Francis); Process Problem Solving – A Guide for Maintenance and Operation’s Teams (2001, Productivity Press). Bob resides in Kennesaw, GA.