The performance of the theory of constraints methodology

Victoria J. Mabin · Steven J. Balderstone

224 citations0/0 files storedInternational Journal of Operations & Production Management

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Operations Management Techniques Management and Optimization Techniques Quality and Supply Management

Abstract

The theory of constraints (TOC) is a multi‐faceted systems methodology that has been developed to assist people and organisations to think about their problems, develop breakthrough solutions and implement those solutions successfully. This paper describes a literature‐based research project examining the results of TOC applications reported in the literature. In particular, it presents here the results of a meta‐analysis of over 80 successful TOC applications, based on available quantitative data, which showed that significant improvements in both operational and financial performance were achieved as a result of applying TOC. Despite extensive searches, the research found no reports of failures. While reports are mainly from manufacturing organisations, the findings may be generalisable to other types of organisations, particularly to their operational aspects. The paper concludes with an agenda for future research on the use of TOC in operations and production management.

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References

1986Judgment in Managerial Decision Making 1984Meta-Analysis: Cumulating Research Findings across Studies 1991Integrating Positivist and Interpretive Approaches to Organizational Research 1989The Validity of Idiographic Research Explanations 1990What is this thing called theory of constraints and how should it be implemented 2005A review of production planning and control: the applicability of key concepts to the make-to-order industry 1997Goldratt's Theory of Constraints: A Systems Approach to Continuous Improvement 1998Theory of constraints

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2008Theory of constraints: a theory for operations management 2006Realising Systems Thinking: Knowledge and Action in Management Science 2014Theory of Constraints: A Literature Review 2008The theory of constraints thinking processes: retrospect and prospect 2018Theory of constraints: review and bibliometric analysis 2013Reducing Behavioral Constraints to Supplier Integration: A Socio‐Technical Systems Perspective

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