The evolution of a management philosophy: The theory of constraints

• Published in: Journal of operations management Vol. 25; no. 2; pp. 387 - 402
• Main Authors: Watson, Kevin J., Blackstone, John H., Gardiner, Stanley C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago Elsevier B.V 01.03.2007; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Accounting/operations interface; Manufacturing control systems; Operations management; Operations strategy; Studies; Theory of constraints; Operations strategy; Manufacturing control systems; Theory of constraints; Accounting/operations interface
• ISSN: 0272-6963; 1873-1317
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jom.2006.04.004

In 2004, the Theory of Constraints celebrated its Silver Anniversary. In twenty-five years, what started out as a scheduling software has evolved into a management philosophy with practices and principles spanning a multitude of operations management subdisciplines. As the Theory of Constraints has grown, so has its acceptance by both practitioners and academicians. At this point in its development, as it transitions from niche to mainstream, it is important to review what has been accomplished and what deficiencies remain so that both the promise and problems impeding greater acceptance can be examined. To that end, we review the evolution of principal TOC concepts and practices in an objective fashion.