The Goal

Now that Alex has rescued the plant, what do you think his next steps will be at his new job? Will he be successful? Explain your reasoning.

Analyze the relationship between the hike (Chapters 12-15) and Alex’s struggle at the plant. How does the hike force him to see his problems differently?

Compare and contrast Alex’s management style at the plant with his management style as hike leader. In what ways is he more successful at the plant? In what ways is he more successful on the hike?

Which characters represent what aspects of the problems at Alex’s plant? Consider Herbie, Julie, Hilton Smyth, and Bill Peach, in particular.

Why does Alex’s first system change—the introduction of red and green tags—ultimately fail? What could Alex have done to prevent the problem?

Examine the use of science in this novel. How does science illuminate or simplify complex management issues?

What role does Julie and Alex’s marriage play in this work-centric novel? Does their relationship mirror or contrast with Alex’s management of the plant? In what ways?

What is “the goal?” How do different characters in this novel view their “goal?” Consider Julie, Alex, and Jonah, in particular. How do these characters’ perceptions of the “goal” evolve or change?