Good Books [Joel on Software]: A few months ago I…

Good Books [Joel on Software]:

_A few months ago I read The Goal, by Eliyahu M. Goldratt, mainly because it has become extremely popular at business schools, and it looked fun. It was interesting, and fun. I didn't understand how the book's theory, called the Theory of Constraints, could possibly be applied to software development, but it was still interesting enough, and I figured if I ever found myself running a factory again, it would be helpful._ > > _Last week I discovered his newer book, Critical Chain. This book applies the Theory of Constraints, introduced in The Goal, to project management, and it seems to really make sense._ > >

I first read The Goal more than 10 years ago when it was recommended to me as a must read by my boss at the time. I was working in the design department of a factory and it seemed to have much more relevance to me then than now. I read it again a few months ago and was astonished at how much more I got out of it. I think a lot went over my head all those years ago. I also read the sequel, It’s Not Luck where Goldratt expands upon his theory and applies it more to everyday life. It’s the kind of book you read over and over squeezing out a little more understanding each time. Heartily recommended. I think I’ll have to get hold of Critical Chain - this sounds good too.