Conceptual foundations for The Theory of Constraints

Abstract

A number of companies credit their enculturation of The Theory of Constraints (TOC) as the reason for significant improvements. Ties are discussed between the literature, the traditional models it has spawned, and the characteristics that underlie and explain the rational embodied in TOC. Literature supports for the theoretical basis of TOC exist in (1) system theory, (2) metrics, and (3) culture-based change management. The three are important to a process of successful long-term improvement. An overview of a TOC-based model embodies the new approach.