One of the [[Thinking Processes (Theory of Constraints)|thinking processes]] in the [[theory of constraints]], a '''current reality tree''' (CRT)''' is a waytool ofto analyzinganalyze many systems or organizational problems at once. By identifying root causes common to most or all of the problems, a CRT can greatly aid focused improvement of the system. A current reality tree is a [[directed graph]].
==Simplified explanation==
A CRT is a focusing procedure formulated by the late [[Eliyahu Goldratt]], developer of the theory of constraints. This process is intended to help leaders gain understanding of cause and effect in a situation they want to improve. It treats multiple problems in a system as symptoms arising from one or a few ultimate root causes or systemic core problems. It describes, in a visual (cause-and-effect network) diagram, the main perceived symptoms (along with secondary or hidden ones that lead up to the perceived symptoms) of a problem scenario and ultimately the apparent root causes or core conflict. The benefit of building a CRT is that it identifies the connections or dependencies between perceived symptoms (effects) and root causes (core problems or conflicts) explicitly. If core problems are identified, prioritized, and tackled well, multiple undesirable effects in the system will disappear. Leaders may then focus on solving the few core problems which would cause the biggest positive systemic changes.
==Contextual explanation==
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* linking each of the remaining UDEs to the existing tree by repeating the previous steps.
This approach tends to converge on a single root cause. In the illustrated case, the root cause of the above UDEs is seen as being a faulty handbrake.
==Software==
* [http://code.google.com/p/jthinker jThinker] is a free tool for building TOC thinking processes diagrams including the current reality tree.
* [http://flyinglogic.com/ Flying Logic] is a commercial tool for building TOC thinking processes diagrams including the current reality tree.
* [http://www.southbeachinc.com/ Southbeach] is a notation and commercial tool for building many different kinds of thinking processes, including TOC and the current reality tree.
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