Partners

AGI's Partners bring extensive experience in the design, development, and deployment of constraint-based multi-function business management architecture. Architecture that leverages the Interaction between business process Dependency and Variability to more effectively align business function Actions with business performance Outcomes.

Included in the "Business System" design and development are the required business function Performance Measurements and IT Decision Support to enable and sustain clearly visible causal connectivity between Actions and Outcomes. Implementation is addressed via Action to Outcome training and Decision Support software selection or adaptation.

Partners

Dale Houle
Managing Partner, Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute, A Limited Partnership
Dale is recognized internationally for his role in the development, expansion, and on-going refinement of the Theory of Constraints (TOC). His creation and use of the world’s first cause-and-effect logic trees in 1985 led to the formalization of the TOC Thinking Processes in close association with Dr. Eli Goldratt. During that same time period, Dale pioneered the concept of using computer-based simulation to facilitate experiential learning of the TOC logistical concepts underlying Drum-Buffer-Rope and Replenishment. 

Dale collaborated extensively with Dr. Goldratt in producing the book entitled What is this Thing called the Theory of Constraints and how should it be implemented?  When Dr. Goldratt retired in 1997, Dale was the natural choice to take the helm of the Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute (AGI), LP, where he continued as Managing Partner until 2006, and resumed that position again in 2018.

During his long career at the Goldratt Institute, Dale has provided guiding advice to senior leadership from an impressive list of international organizations including General Motors, Ford, Intel, Bethlehem Steel, Proctor and Gamble, 3M, the United States Air Force, and the United States Navy among many others. He served as the chief architect for the world’s largest implementation of TOC Drum-Buffer-Rope and Replenishment in support of the world-wide US Naval Aviation maintenance and repair operation.

Dale has created some of the most significant enhancements to the TOC Thinking Processes since their inception and has pioneered their use for developing winning strategies to address organizations’ market constraints. Today, he continues his work at AGI, applying his renowned creativity to furthering the development of the Theory of Constraints, the creation of supporting software solutions and mentoring both employees and customers in the application of all aspects of the Theory of Constraints. 

 Dale earned MS and BS degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Bridgeport.

Hugh Cole
Partner, Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute, A Limited Partnership
Hugh has been associated with AGI-Goldratt Institute since 1993.  He is a co-author of the TOC-based business novel, Hanging Fire.  His primary work involves developing, teaching and customizing the application of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) – from the strategic and tactical use of the TOC Thinking Processes to the implementation of its various Logistical Applications.

Beginning in late 2003, much of Hugh’s time became devoted to designing, training and implementing an initiative called Enterprise AIRSpeed, in which AGI functioned as a prime contractor for the Naval Aviation Enterprise (NAE).  It received the NAVAIR Commander’s National Award and involved a system perspective across all levels of Naval Aviation maintenance and supply.  The AIRSpeed methodology integrated TOC with Lean Six Sigma to provide ‘focused system improvement’ as opposed to a focus on process improvement.

In his work in the commercial sector, Hugh has applied TOC to such diverse industries as electronics, chemicals, food processing, metals, printing, fabrication and textiles.  He has worked with large multi-national organizations as well as family-owned businesses.

Prior to his association with AGI, Hugh worked in industry for more than eighteen years, starting as a production engineer, progressing through both line and staff positions in production, distribution, engineering and marketing, on the way to a senior leadership position as Director of Operations.

Hugh received a B.S. Degree in Engineering Management and was awarded a Professional Degree in Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Dr. Eric De Smet
Partner, Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute, A Limited Partnership
Eric has more than 20 years of experience backed by a track record of successful business development and implementation using the Theory of Constraint Thinking Processes, in the areas of strategic planning, supply chain management, production, product development, engineering, maintenance, project management, and marketing and sales in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Prior to joining AGI, Eric held CEO positions in various companies in Europe, Asia and the United States, as well as VP positions in multi-national corporations.

He received his early education in Belgium where he obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering and a degree in Computer Science. He further broadened his global knowledge and obtained an MBA in the UK (Scotland) and a Doctorate in the United States.

Eric is a founder and lifetime member of the Theory of Constraints International Certification Organization and holds all six TOCICO certifications.

 Business Partner in Japan

Masanobu Fukushima