Title: Fundamental principles of the Toyota Way and the Theory of Constraints: comparative analysis and synthesis

Authors: Guilherme Venanzi De Almeida; Fernando Bernardi De Souza; Humberto Rossetti Baptista; Mahesh Chander Gupta; Renato De Campos

Addresses: Goldratt Consulting, 04524-020, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil ' Production Engineering, São Paulo State University – UNESP, 17018-901, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil ' Vectis Solutions, 04088-002, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil ' Management, University of Louisville, 40292, Louisville, USA ' Production Engineering, São Paulo State University – UNESP, 17012-634, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: Several researchers have attempted to understand the essence of the principles that support Toyota Way and Theory of Constraints management philosophies, because they recognise such principles as central to explain their performance. For this reason, the objective of this study is to identify similarities and differences between the Theory of Constraints and the Toyota Way from a perspective on their essential fundamentals, as much as to identify gaps as opportunities for integration. From the methodological point of view, this is a theoretical-conceptual study based on the literature. Even though important differences have been identified, the results lead to significant similarities between the two forms of management. Such similarities can be the basis for the adoption of hybrid alternatives, which can expand their limits and favour their applicability as an integrated solution.

Keywords: Toyota Way; TW; Theory of Constraints; TOC; organisational culture; principles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2018.091441

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2018 Vol.30 No.1, pp.51 - 71

Received: 24 Mar 2016
Accepted: 22 Aug 2016
Published online: 01 May 2018 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article