Theory of constraints: is it a theory and a good one?

Abstract

In this study, we attempted to advance the academic dialogue towards establishing TOC as a formal operations management theory, so it can continue improving practice. We link the component parts of the TOC and map the theoretical arrangement to the consensual definitional components and properties of a theory. Also, we examine whether TOC satisfy the virtues of a good theory (uniqueness, parsimony, conservation, generalisability, fecundity, internal consistency, empirical riskiness, and abstraction). Consequently, a practical outcome of our study stems from demonstrating the utility of the goodness criteria as a useful instrument for examining future theories in the field of operations. From a practitioner's standpoint, by establishing a strong theoretical foundation for TOC, we assist managers deploying it to gain better understanding of TOC elements and ultimately avoid implementation failures. Also, we increase the credibility of TOC in the eyes of senior executives. The study concludes by sketching new avenues for future research that have industrial relevance for successful TOC implementation efforts.

Keywords:

• theory of constraints
• criteria for good theory
• managerial relevance of theory-building