Seeing the Forest for the Trees: Theory of Constraints Reduces Cost of Government

When the economic downturn hit the nation several years ago, Utah’s Department of Workforce Services (DWS) was hit with a double whammy—workloads that tripled and budgets that were cut. DWS is responsible for providing services to displaced workers and those seeking access to federal assistance programs such as food stamps and Medicaid. As Utah’s jobless rate grew, the department’s workload exploded. And with less tax revenue coming in, the legislature was forced to cut spending. Around the department, employees called it “the perfect storm.”