A practical approach to achieving agility : a theory of constraints perspective

Panayiotis Ifandoudas, Ross L. Chapman

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    28 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This article documents an action research (AR) project aimed at identifying the practical steps needed to become an agile manufacturer through a combination of the theory of constraints (TOC) and resource- based view (RBV) approaches in a small to medium enterprise (SME) in the Australian manufacturing sector. To date, lean production has been highlighted as a possible catalyst for creating an agile manufacturer, despite the evidence suggesting that lean manufacturing lacks the responsiveness and adaptability to effectively handle a rapidly changing market place and only works well in a stable environment. A more flexible system of production is required to fully encompass the agile characteristics needed to attain a competitive advantage. This research provides empirical evidence that the TOC perspective can be used as a practical approach for becoming an agile manufacturer. The study provides a workable approach for small firms to achieve 'Agility' in practice.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)691-702
    Number of pages12
    JournalProduction Planning and Control
    Volume20
    Issue number8
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

    Keywords

    • Australia
    • action research
    • competition
    • industrial management
    • manufacturing industries
    • small business
    • theory of constraints (management)

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