The Goal is an instructive business fiction novel. What does that mean? It means the author, Eli Goldratt, uses a fictional story, replete with characters, a plot, conflict, etc., to illustrate his business concepts, which makes it a very fast read. It was so absorbing that I finished it in 4 days!
Alex Rogo is plant manager for a plant that faces closure in three months if they do not turn things around. Unfortunately, he and his management team think do not know what to do, since their “efficiency numbers” continue to improve. Alex turns to Jonah, a former physicist friend turned business consultant for help. Jonah refuses to help but instead sets Alex in the right direction, illuminating different paths when he gets stuck. This causes the reader to think about what should be done before an answer is given, Socratic method-like.
How is this relevant to the software development? I read this book after seeing it reviewed on Jeff Sutherland’s SCRUM Log. The entire concept of trying to figure out what really makes money, despite the fact that Alex runs a manufacturing plant, helps set the focus for our work as software professionals. Are UML diagrams, technical specifications, hot new technology, or heavily-specified processes the answer? Not necessarily, especially not if it doesn't solves our customers’ problems. Jeff presents some answers on his log, but I think it is more important that all of us, like Alex, go on our own journey of discovery.
I will only post a review of a book if I have rated the book 5 stars on Amazon. All book links are Amazon Associates links. I will only use the referral credits to purchase more technology or business-oriented books (no fiction books or anything). In short, I will not peddle crap to you just to get referral fees.