TOCICO

This presentation aims to clarify the position of TOC as a theory and promote discussion over its boundaries of application in the context of other related laws and theories. The presentation is structured around the learning outcomes and starts by discussing the criteria for a good theory and how TOC measures up. The laws (principles) of operations management (Hopp and Spearman, 2000; Schmenner and Swink, 1998) are used as a basis for comparing and contrasting the contribution of established theory and practice, drawing on the wider cross functional perspective offered by TOC. This includes the shift in thinking from cost optimization to a systems perspective through strategic trade-offs, variability reduction and variability management. The presentation concludes by exploring the theoretical boundaries with specific reference to the generic applications and the underlying conflict these systems approaches address. The central importance of complexity, flow, aggregated variability and buffer management are used as a basis for discussing the most fruitful application boundaries. Following this presentation the participant will be able to: Discuss how TOC fits the classification of a good theory; Conceptually position TOC in the context of other business theories and laws; and Discuss the boundaries of TOC as a theory.