Title: Evaluating the theory of constraints business strategy approach from the perspective of the schools of strategic thought

Authors: Themer Miralha Soares; Fernando Bernardi de Souza; Carlos Roberto Garcia Cottas

Addresses: Production Engineering, São Paulo State University – UNESP, 17018-901, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil ' Production Engineering, São Paulo State University – UNESP, 17018-901, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil ' Production Engineering, Votuporanga University Center – UNIFEV, 15503-005, Votuporanga, São Paulo, Brazil; Production Engineering, São Paulo State University – UNESP, 17018-901, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: The theory of constraints (TOC) has long been developing methods to assist the strategic planning processes of organisations. However, such methods have received little academic attention. The objective of this article, by way of a systematic literature review, is to identify the main points of strategic planning from a TOC perspective and then compare them with the ten schools of strategic thought identified within the literature. The study reveals that TOC presents parallels with the premises of a number of these schools of thought, but it also posits particularities in regard to its own proposals for formulating and executing business strategies.

Keywords: theory of constraints; TOC; schools of thought; business strategy; strategic planning; viable vision; strategies and tactics tree.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2023.131283

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2023 Vol.45 No.1, pp.37 - 53

Received: 18 Nov 2020
Accepted: 10 Jan 2021
Published online: 06 Jun 2023 *

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