About this Presentation
This Bridge to Academia session introduces the Theory of Constraints specialization at Washington State University, highlighting key courses including E_M 526 Thinking Processes, E_M 530 Applications of Constraints Management, and E_M 570 Systems Improvement: Integration of Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints.
These courses are designed to equip students with the skills needed to identify and address performance-limiting constraints, enabling them to develop effective strategies for sustained improvement and organizational change.
The session also outlines the academic partnership between the Theory of Constraints International Certification Organization (TOCICO) and Washington State University, which provides students with access to an extensive Theory of Constraints knowledge repository and enhances the overall educational experience.
What Will You Learn
To help you get the most value from this session, we’ve highlighted a few key points. These takeaways capture the main ideas and practical insights from the presentation, making it easier for you to review, reflect, and apply what you’ve learned.
This session introduces a practical academic pathway for learning TOC at Washington State University, anchored in a specialization and graduate certificate that connect theory, application, and systems improvement.
Attendees will get a clear view of how the curriculum builds capability across multiple levels, from Thinking Processes in EM 526 to broad business applications in EM 530 and integration with Lean and Six Sigma in EM 570.
A standout element is the bridge between academia and practice: students work on real cases drawn from their companies or personal lives, and capstone projects span topics such as Boeing, construction, risk management, replenishment, and visual project management.
The TOCICO partnership adds real value beyond coursework by giving students access to TOC resources, webinars, networking, discounts, and Jonah Certification upon completion of EM 526.
Instructor(s)
Luna Magpili, PhD, CPEM
Dr. Magpili joined Washington State University in 2013 and now serves as the Graduate Studies Committee Chair and Associate Professor in the Engineering and Technology Management Program. With a strong foundation in international education and consulting, she previously held the role of program officer for International Relief and Development, managing global relief and development initiatives. Dr. Magpili also contributed as a Fulbright specialist at Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Travaux Publics (ENTSP) in Cameroon, where she developed and taught courses in supply chain management, project management, and digital e-governance. She currently holds the esteemed Wendell J. Satre Distinguished Professorship at Washington State University.
In professional service, Dr. Magpili serves as the secretary of the Council of Engineering Management Academic Leaders, as conference track chair for the American Society of Engineering Management (ASEM), and panel reviewer for National Science Foundation (NSF) programs. She also reviews for numerous academic journals, such as the Engineering Management Review, Public Library of Science PLOS One, and publications from the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). Dr. Magpili co-authored the influential book, Operational Risk Management, widely used by universities, and contributed a chapter to the recently published Cybersecurity for Entrepreneurs. She is the recipient of a Spencer Education Grant for 2023, aimed at developing and updating risk modules in Loss Prevention and Control.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Magpili worked as a research associate at the University of Virginia, concentrating on service systems planning, where she created methods and tools to assist decision-makers in infrastructure and capital investments. Currently, her endeavors include collaborating with startups on the application of AI and analytics.
Dr. Pauline Ross
Dr. Pauline Ross is an academic in the School of Business at Western Sydney University. Pauline's research interests lie in addressing constraints in engagement. Her current research focuses on university-industry engagement system constraints and the factors within the system that contribute to student disengagement. She obtained her doctorate in 2021, which utilized the TOC Thinking Processes to map constraints in university research commercial transfer within Australian universities. Pauline's teaching passion involves collaborating with students and industry partners on practical research projects related to sustainable business practices. Her keen interest in learning more about the Theory of Constraints from other academics and practitioners led her to TOCICO.org, where she currently serves as the Chair of the Bridge to Academia Committee.
Aureo Villagra
Washington State University, Adjunct Professor