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Article
Publication date: 12 September 2008

Mahesh C. Gupta and Lynn H. Boyd

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that the theory of constraints (TOC) can serve as a general theory in operations management. The paper first investigate linkages between…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest that the theory of constraints (TOC) can serve as a general theory in operations management. The paper first investigate linkages between TOC and the core concepts/components of operations management (OM) and show how OM concepts can be integrated with TOC using examples from the published TOC literature. A second important purpose is to show that TOC, as a theory, has properties essential for a good theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a commonly accepted categorization of operations decisions (process, quality, inventory and capacity), traditional views, and approaches to operations decisions to those inherent in the TOC are compared.

Findings

The paper concludes that the TOC provides approaches to operations decisions that avoid pitfalls of local optimization by reaching across functional boundaries in organizations. In addition, while the TOC appears to meet the criteria of a good theory, it has not been empirically tested for the most part.

Originality/value

The TOC can serve as a unifying theory or theme for operations management, providing new insights for researchers and an organizing principle for teachers.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 28 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2004

Lynn Boyd and Mahesh Gupta

A number of attempts have been made to develop theories in operations management (OM) (e.g. trade‐off theory by Skinner, customer‐contact model by Chase and Tansik…

8919

Abstract

A number of attempts have been made to develop theories in operations management (OM) (e.g. trade‐off theory by Skinner, customer‐contact model by Chase and Tansik, product‐process matrix by Hayes and Wheelwright). Researchers in OM acknowledge that there is no widely‐accepted theory on which OM rests or which serves as a unified OM theory to integrate existing theory‐like principles or informal theories. Constraints management (CM) has been developed over the past 20 years by consultants and practitioners but has received little attention from OM researchers. The authors believe that constraints management may serve as a broad theory within operations that will allow integration of a great deal of existing OM research. The main objectives of this paper are to propose a construct, throughput orientation, discuss its core dimensions, and develop a theoretical model of CM. The paper also suggests several hypotheses that might be empirically tested to establish CM as a recognized theory in the field of operations management. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Chin Feng Lin and Chen Su Fu

The purpose of this paper is, based on leisure constraints and means-end theories, to identify the e-leisure constraints of using the video-sharing websites/apps; demonstrate how…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is, based on leisure constraints and means-end theories, to identify the e-leisure constraints of using the video-sharing websites/apps; demonstrate how means-end theory can be used to reveal the differences between high- and low-leisure constraints in an e-leisure environment; and provide designers and marketers with valuable insights for developing e-leisure products and e-marketing strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative approaches are employed to collect data. By eliminating three participants whose age range did not meet our criterion (15 to 24 years old), 57 one-on-one in-depth interviews were then content analyzed to design the survey questionnaire. A total of 514 valid samples were collected for hierarchical value map (HVM) construction.

Findings

By comparing the full HVM vs the e-leisure constraints HVM, the analytical results indicate that the importance of attributes, consequences and values for the young people using video-sharing websites/apps is quite different. “Unable to resume the video after leaving the screen,” “creating playlist,” “providing movies” and “location restrictions” are extremely important features that influence the willingness of such users with high e-leisure constraints to participate in e-leisure activities. By understanding the differences between these two HVMs, it is possible to provide marketers or designers with valuable insights for website/app design and marketing strategies.

Research limitations/implications

This study only focused on young people’s perceptions of video-sharing websites/apps, so the findings are limited to those aged between 15 and 24 years old. Since managers today are challenged to design effective strategies that can meet target users’ demands across different ages with different economic, social and sub-cultural groups, future research may consider gathering a wider age range of respondents in order to obtain more robust results.

Originality/value

This is the first paper integrating leisure constraints theory and means-end theory to understand young people’s cognitive structure of using video-sharing websites/apps, especially when they encounter e-leisure constraints.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 42 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

David W. Parker, Nicholas Parsons and Fitri Isharyanto

The purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits of integrating the theory of constraints (TOC), resources-based theory (RBT), resource advantage theory (RAT), with a…

6567

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the benefits of integrating the theory of constraints (TOC), resources-based theory (RBT), resource advantage theory (RAT), with a structured project-based methodology e.g., Project Management Body of Knowledge. This paper describes each theory and explores what benefits a unified model would bring to project management. This paper represents the conceptual development of an integrated framework that will be tested in a range of project management scenarios in various industrial sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

Extant literature is used to develop a conceptual framework of an integrated model that will be tested in the field for robustness. The model has been applied to published projects to identify its strengths and weaknesses.

Findings

The work shows important implications for improved success of projects from the use of TOC, RAT and resource dependence theory (RDT). Specifically, it emphasizes the need for application of strategic theories to project management.

Research limitations/implications

While TOC, RAT and RDT are well established in the context of organization theory, there is limited application in project management. Moreover, the model has yet to be applied in the field. The hypotheses identified in this research are currently being tested using field-based surveys.

Practical implications

The research falls short in addressing some resources, e.g. innovation, tacit knowledge and decision making methods in traditional project management context. Therefore, identifying these critical resources in future work and exploiting them as the means of improving project performance would enhance the success of project-based management.

Social implications

Project management is an emergent discipline and a project is temporary in nature. Therefore, new ideas and development of theories for project management practices are required. This innovative research, for example, may change the way projects are executed in future.

Originality/value

This paper examines the components of a successful project according to the iron triangle, i.e. scope, quality, time and cost. However, through the application of TOC, RAT and RDT into an integrated project-based management framework gives new insights to resources management.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2008

Amitava Ray, Bijan Sarkar and Subir Kumar Sanyal

The primary aim in this paper is to develop and demonstrate a theory of constraints (TOC) model in which constraint resource prevents the throughput of the organization.

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Abstract

Purpose

The primary aim in this paper is to develop and demonstrate a theory of constraints (TOC) model in which constraint resource prevents the throughput of the organization.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors propose an integrated model by combining Laplace criterion and TOC into a single evaluation model in a multiproduct constraint resource environment. A case study is illustrated to demonstrate the effectiveness of this model. The outsourcing decision model compares three alternatives: standard cost accounting, standard theoryofconstraints, and our own solution.

Findings

The numerical results show that the new approach is superior to Standard cost accounting and Theory of Constraints and presents a more realistic state of optimum allocation of resources and measures the performance of the model.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the production processes that do not have multiple constraints.

Originality/value

This is the first time that the integrated model comprising of Laplace‐TOC model has been used to maximize the product throughput. Instead of calculating $return per constraint minute, this method decides the priority of product that maximizes the product throughput in the constraint resource environment. It makes a significant contribution to the manufacturing Organization where one can compare the financial performance of the Organization by selecting the right decision model.

Details

International Journal of Accounting & Information Management, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1834-7649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 1978

DAVID MCNICOL and ALMARIN PHILLIPS

INTRODUCTION During the past dozen years a relatively large theoretical literature has grown out of the models proposed by Averch‐Johnson (2) and, to a lesser extent, Wellisz…

Abstract

INTRODUCTION During the past dozen years a relatively large theoretical literature has grown out of the models proposed by Averch‐Johnson (2) and, to a lesser extent, Wellisz (90). Averch‐Johnson (here‐after A‐J) pointed out the now famous overcapitalization effect‐that a monopoly subject to rate of return regulation has an incentive to use more than the cost minimizing value of capital. The A‐J model was at first regarded as simply a theoretical explanation of what was long thought to be a significant cost of regulation. After languishing in this state for several years, the model achieved some popularity as a vehicle for theoretical explorations of various aspects of rate regulation. To date, the A‐J model has given rise to nearly forty papers on what has come to be called “the theory of regulatory constraint.”

Details

Studies in Economics and Finance, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1086-7376

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2015

Ivar Friis and Allan Hansen

– This paper aims to explore the role of line-item budgeting in film production in an effort to illustrate the positive effects that budgetary constraints can have on creativity.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the role of line-item budgeting in film production in an effort to illustrate the positive effects that budgetary constraints can have on creativity.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Elster’s (2000) constraint theory as a basis for the research, this paper conducted a case study on the making of a Danish adventure film and analysed the role budgeting plays from the film director’s point of view.

Findings

This paper suggests that the constraints of the line-item budget imposed on the director had positive effects in terms of the pre-commitments entailed, which aided in protecting the director against the negative aspects of passion (e.g. distorted thought processes, myopia and weakness of will) in the creative process and in terms of the ability of the constraints to channel creativity in certain directions, thus preventing the availability of too many options from hampering the creative process.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to management control research in two ways. By addressing calls to provide more insight into the positive effects management control constraints might have on creativity, this study explores somewhat ignored aspects of line-item budgeting, adding greater insight into the interrelations between creativity and control. By exploring the ways in which line-item budgeting might take on the role of pre-commitment advice and devices in the creative process, this paper further exposes the links between accounting constraints and self-control.

Details

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1176-6093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2024

Fulya Acikgoz, Nikolaos Stylos and Sophie Lythreatis

The purpose of this study synthesises the body of research revolving around blockchain technology (BCT) whilst drawing on the technology-organization-environment framework…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study synthesises the body of research revolving around blockchain technology (BCT) whilst drawing on the technology-organization-environment framework, resource-based theory and theory of constraints, to conceptualize capabilities (enablers) and constraints (barriers) of BCT in the hospitality and tourism (H&T) industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of BCT in the hotel and tourism industry has been achieved through two databases, i.e. Scopus and Web of Science. From 544 articles selected between the years 2008 and 2023 (first quarter), a sample of 49 articles was used to structure existing research on this subject.

Findings

The findings of this systematic literature review of BCT in the H&T literature establish a solid groundwork for assessing the evolution of this research area over time. Findings are classified into two groups: capabilities (enablers) and constraints (barriers) of BCT based on publication year, different research methods, theoretical underpinnings and applicable contexts.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first attempts to synthesize studies related to BCT in H&T research by combining three theoretical approaches. It serves as a foundation to evaluate the development of BCT studies in this field.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1998

Shams‐ur Rahman

A new approach to the management of production and operations was developed by Goldratt in the late 1970s. Now known as the theory of constraints (TOC), it provides a coherent…

22184

Abstract

A new approach to the management of production and operations was developed by Goldratt in the late 1970s. Now known as the theory of constraints (TOC), it provides a coherent management theory for running an organisation. It has two major components: a philosophy which underpins the working principle of on‐going improvement, and a generic approach for investigating, analysing and creating solutions to problems called the “thinking process” (TP). During the last decade several books and many articles have been published, and a journal has been established which deals solely with the TOC. This paper contains an analysis of a comprehensive list of publications on the TOC. Identified themes are classified as conceptual explanation and enhancement of the approach, comparison with other techniques based on its philosophy, and applications in areas such as production, purchasing, accounting, administration, education and quality management.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 18 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 November 2018

Diego Augusto de Jesus Pacheco, Isaac Pergher, José Antônio Valle Antunes Junior and Guilherme Luís Roehe Vaccaro

The purpose of this study is to compare different models integrating the TOC and Lean approaches.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare different models integrating the TOC and Lean approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

The models of reference were identified through a comprehensive literature review. A qualitative and comparative analysis was carried out by pointing out the strengths, weaknesses and gaps of models integrating the TOC and Lean based on the production system requirements.

Findings

The findings indicate that these models can be improved by introducing aspects related to the system structure such as main key performance indicators, type of shop layout and performance metrics to evaluate the improvements implemented in the production system. The results provided evidence that the TOC and Lean are complementary approaches, and the individual gaps of each approach seem to be, in the most part, offset by the virtues of the other.

Practical implications

This study enables decision makers and industrial managers to evaluate the practices adopted in the production environment, as well as the use of the different set of continuous improvement practices. This article also minimizes the literature gap regarding whether and how integrated Lean and TOC approach can be used in the firms.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of literature on Lean by comparing three different models integrating Lean and the TOC. Furthermore, a research agenda is suggested for future research aimed at developing new models integrating both approaches, aiming to increase the competitiveness of the production systems.

Details

International Journal of Lean Six Sigma, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-4166

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 72000