The Goal

A Process of Ongoing Improvement - 30th Anniversary Edition

By: Eliyahu M. Goldratt, Jeff Cox

Narrated by: uncredited

Length: 11 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

In this intriguing business novel, which illustrates state-of-the-art economic theory, Alex Rogo is a UniCo plant manager whose factory and marriage are failing. To revitalize the plant, he follows piecemeal advice from an elusive former college professor who teaches, for example, that reduction in the efficiency of some plant operations may make the entire operation more productive. Alex's attempts to find the path to profitability and to engage his employees in the struggle involve the listener; and thankfully the authors' economic models, including a game with matchsticks and bowls, are easy to understand. Although some characters are as anonymous as the goods manufactured in the factory, others ring true. In addition, the tender story of Alex and his wife's separation and reconciliation makes a touching contrast to the rest of the book. Recommended for anyone with an interest in the state of the American economy.

©1984 Original material © 1984, Revised 1986, 1992, 2004, 2014 Goldratt1 Ltd. "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" © 2008 Eliyahu M. Goldratt. (P)2014 (p) 2014 Goldratt1 Ltd.

Great listen really ties into all business methodology

I was really engaged through the story telling technique. It definitely has some throwbacks because of its age and periodically feels like a training video lol, but even that provides a mental break from the applicable information. Easy to absorb, will definitely listen to this one again!

Very well written and narrated piece

I’m so grateful to be part of this community and my life has become even easier

Love love love

I have listened to this story several times. Speaks to my heart, highly recommend a listen!

High quality audiobook!!

There was a lot of detail with the narrator, other characters, and sounds of the content of the book. Very engaging! Made me want to listen to it more and more.

Sneaky good business book

So, I hate audiobooks that use different voices for the characters, and most especially sound effects - BUT, I was able to swallow that for the first five minutes and get into it. Now, once you realize who/what the author is - you realize the book was written from his utopian view of how a manufacturing business could save itself - but, it's not completely unrealistic, just lacks any kind of real world influencers that could thwart his theories on how implementing lean production would fit into the mold of organizations.

But, it's a good story, you cheer for the protagonist and there is some very useful business ideas and concepts.

The last hour is kind of silly - it's a 45 minute interview with the author where he rambles on about flow theory.

Loved Business Novel Format

Liked it a lot. The novel format helped impart the concepts. Appreciated different voices in the narration rather than one person reading all parts. Wish there were a couple of PDF supplements.

learn while being entertained

nothing like a good story to learn important lessons. The performance of the sound and voice actors are awesome, makes the "reading" more enjoyable.

Great book for learning

I loved this. My boss gave it as mandatory reading and i thought, "This is going to be dull. Who enjoys books on business?" I started listening to it and loved it. It is really easy to listen to. I'm going to listen to it again in a couple weeks to get more out of it and see what practical stuff I can get from it for my work place.

One of the best business books I've read

If you could sum up The Goal in three words, what would they be?

Memorable. Approachable. Eye-opening.

Ok, that was kind of four words, but close enough. This book was great, and even better in audio. It's a rare book that I think works better when listening, then when reading. What they present is so simple and yet so powerful. I think I'll never look at business problems the same again.

I cannot recommend this book enough! It was amazing!

essential for managers and production engineers

it has been a major impact in a recent project that I am presenting to an international audience.