What concept states that each operational process has a weak link that limits output?

The Theory of Constraints is a crucial concept in operations management that posits that every operational process encounters at least one limiting factor or "constraint" that impedes its overall performance and efficiency. This theory emphasizes the identification of the weakest link within a process, which restricts the maximum output that can be achieved. By recognizing and addressing this constraint, organizations can enhance their efficiency and productivity significantly.

The process involves a systematic approach to identify, exploit, and elevate the constraint, thereby improving the overall process. The Theory of Constraints not only helps in optimizing current operations but also provides a framework for continuous improvement by focusing on the bottlenecks that exist within various processes. This concept is pivotal in driving operational excellence, as it allows businesses to focus their improvement efforts on the most critical areas that will yield the greatest impact on performance.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different aspects of management and process improvement, but they do not encapsulate the specific focus on constraints that the Theory of Constraints highlights. For instance, the Theory of Limitations might sound similar but lacks the specific context of operations and constraints. Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency emphasize broader concepts of enhancing business processes but do not pinpoint the significance of constraints as a limiting factor within operational outputs.