Thesis--PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references.

The research is aimed at furthering knowledge in the research fields of management accounting, operations management, performance measurement, and management strategy. The research theme of developing a holistic management philosophy based upon the theory of constraints led the research across the various fields of knowledge. Traditional views within some aspects of the literature were challenged and an exploration into the gaps within existing knowledge was made. The research questions were derived from the literature and tested via an action research methodology, which looked at both academic rigour and practical relevance. The methodology was applied to a SME which had successfully adopted the theory of constraints and was experiencing difficulties in translating short-run optimisation into strategic direction. Through the participation of the research team the research questions were tested with the results providing an incremental step towards a greater understanding of the research fields. / The dissatisfaction with the accounting treatment of manufacturing costs resulted in research activity into alternative costing and decision making models. Ultimately the goal of management accounting is to provide information from which to make tactical and strategic decisions. The initial stage of research is aimed at providing an alternative system from which to make operational decisions. The alternative system presented is heavily set within the theory of constraints, with good evidence exemplifying the superiority of such a system for tactical decision making such as outsourcing, pricing and investing. The superiority of this system is hamstrung when the scope of the decision making extends beyond the short-term horizon. To extend the management philosophy beyond this limitation the introduction of an agile strategy was adopted. / Agility was put forward as a solution to achieving and sustaining a competitive advantage within a new manufacturing paradigm of mass customisation. The characteristics of responsiveness and speed epitomise the market demand for customised products at mass produced lead times and prices. The gap in the operations management literature lies in the lack of research regarding the attainment of agility. While the characteristics and benefits of agility are well documented in the literature, the creation of a set of guidelines to achieve agility has eluded researchers and has been the subject of calls for future research. What is argued is that through the merger of several management theories and techniques, agility can be achieved. More succinctly, the key resources of the business, as identified via the resource-based view of the firm, are maintained through the adoption of the theory of constraints’ five step process. This ensures that key resources are supported by the business and maintained to a level sufficient enough to possess agile characteristics. / The catalyst in creating this holistic management framework is the performance measurement system based on the balanced scorecard. The financial measures were replaced with throughput measures, the strategic focus was driven by agility and the population of the measures was derived via a resource-based view perspective. Through the combination of an agile strategy and a performance measurement system the research theme of developing a holistic management philosophy based upon the theory of constraints was achieved. Although the research limitation of one research site may limit the generalisability of the findings, the merger of various management philosophies, techniques, and tools has not previously been undertaken. Furthermore, such an endeavour to lay down the platform for achieving agility by extending the scope of the theory of constraints has not been explored. This unique approach across several well-researched fields of knowledge presents a contribution to knowledge. / Thesis (PhDBusinessandManagement)--University of South Australia, 2007.

Thesis (MScIng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (M. Eng.)(Technology management)--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Includes summary. Includes bibliographical references (Includes bibliographical references (leaves 12-1-12-7).

Thesis (M.Sc.)(Project Management)--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Includes bibliography. Includes bibliographical references. Available on the Internet via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The goal of this thesis is to provide a stepping-stone for the design and development of a software package that implements the Goal System Algorithm, based on the Theory of Constraints (TOC). This includes the complete description and explanation of the Goal System Algorithm (GS), as well as the partial implementation of this algorithm using Microsoft Access as a Database Management System (DBMS) and Microsoft Visual C++ as programming language. The main development effort was put into the development of a scheduling algorithm and the implementation of a data structure that lies at the core of this algorithm. The reason for the development of such a package is that it will aid a production manager, working in a small to medium size job-shop, in generating a schedule for production that will increase throughput, while simultaneously reducing both inventory and operating expense thereby generating profits and cash flow. With regard to this thesis and the overall project goal the following have been achieved. 1. The complete project has been researched, scoped and each step has been explained. 2. The complete program structure has been defined and broken into two separate modules; the Data Mining and Conversion Module and the TOC Scheduling Algorithm. 3. The database containing all the MRP data necessary for scheduling has been designed and implemented using a MS Access database with an ODBC connection. An ODBC connection to the database was used so that a smooth transmission to other database management systems can be made. 4. The TOC Scheduling Algorithm has been developed and the following have been implemented: • A basic user interface has been created for the insertion of all the user input and to display the constraint schedule. • A data structure called a linked list has been developed and used to store the scheduling data in memory. • The complete GS algorithm had been researched and explained. • The GS algorithm has been and implemented and tested up to the point where it schedules the constraint. • The pseudo code for the part of the GS algorithm that was not implemented has been documented and included in this report. More development needs to be done and a proper Graphical User Interface must also be created to complete this project, but after completion a Toe software package will exist that is completely unique in South Africa and the market potential for this package will be considerable. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie tesis is om die grondslag te skep vir die ontwerp en ontwikkeling van 'n sagteware pakket wat Goldratt se Doel Sisteem Algoritme, gebasseer op die 'Theory of Constraints', implementeer. Dit sluit die gedetaileerde beskrywing van die Doel Sisteem Algoritme in en 'n gedeeltelike implementasie van die algortime, deur gebruik te maak van 'n Microsoft Access databasis as databasis bestuur sisteem en Microsoft Visual C++ as 'n programerings taal. Die hoof klem is gelê op die ontwikkeling van die skedulerings algortime en die implementasie van die strukture wat deel van die kern uitmaak van die algoritme. Die hoof rede vir die ontwikkeling van so 'n pakket is sodat dit 'n produksie bestuurder van 'n klein to medium grootte vervaardigings besigheid sal help om 'n skedule vir produksie the genereer wat die vloer se deurset sal verhoog, terwyl dit voorraad en operasionele kostes sal verlaag. Met ander woorde dit sal die besigheid help om meer geld te maak huidiglik en in die toekoms. Met betrekking tot die tesis en die algehele projek doel is die volgende bereik: 1. Die hele projek is nagevors, uit een gesit en verduidelik. 2. Die hele program struktuur is gedefinieer en opgebreek in twee aparte modules; nl. die 'Data Mining and Conversion Module' en die 'TOC Scheduling Algorithm'. 3. Die databasis wat al die nodige MRP inligting bevat wat benodig word vir skedulering is ontwerp en geimplementeer deur gebruil te maak van 'n MS Access databasis met 'n ODBC konneksie. Daar is van 'n ODBC konneksie gebruik gemaak sodat as die nodig is, daar sonder enige moeite na ander databasis bestuurs sisteme oorgeskakel kan word. 4. Die 'TOC Scheduling Algorithm' is onwikkel en die volgende is geimplementeer. • A basisse gebruikers vlak is ontwikkel sodat al die nodig invoer data in die program ingevoer kan word. • 'n Geskakelde lys is ontwikkel en gebruik as die data struktuur om al die skedulerings informasie in geheue te stoor. • Die Doel Sisteem algorimte is in sy geheel verduidelik en gedokumenteer. Die Doel Sisteem algoritme is geïmplementeer tot op die punt waar dit die primêre bottelnek skeduleer. • Die pseudo kode vir die deel van die GS algoritme wat nie geimplementeer is nie is uitgelê in ingesluit as deel van die verslag. Verdere ontwikkeling word nog benodig en 'n beter gebruikers vlak moet nog geskep word om die projek te finaal afte handel, maar na dit gedoen is sal daar 'n TOe skedulering pakket bestaan wat heeltemal uniek is tot Suid-Afrika en 'n groot mark potensiaal sal hê.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / Some digitised pages may appear illegible due to the condition of the original hard copy. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In a world of increased global competition and the need of customer specific product customisation, the management of projects gets more and more important in order to achieve competitive advantages. By shortening the duration of projects and making project controlling tools more accurate (according to reality), the process of management-decision making is supported and companies can achieve higher profit margins as they are able to concentrate on value-adding parts and to plan future steps efficiently. Critical Chain is a new methodology, which applies Eli Goldratt's Theory of Constraints to project management in order to complete projects faster and with higher predictability while simultaneously making more efficient use of related resources. The Critical Chain methodology uses different concepts to reach these goals: • Average task durations • Aggregating buffer at the end of projects • Counteract against unplanned iterations and other delays • De-conflict resources, both within and across projects. The new project management methodology "Critical Chain" is subject of this research paper. The document is a high-level methodology study, which gives indications, whether, where - and if, how - the concept can be implemented in business environments. The argumentation is based on literature reviews and practical experiences of two pilot implementations in a German heavy industry company, which is internationally operating. In addition, the mini thesis explains basic principles of the Critical Chain approach. Furthermore, main strengths, weaknesses and ideas to improve the methodology are part of the study. Finally, experiences of companies using this methodology as well as an introduction to a Microsoft Project™ add-on, named ProChain©, benchmark the usability of Critical Chain. Critical Chain appears to minimize schedule risk while at the same time minimizing project durations, and has the potential to improve both communication and employee moral. Especially cultural .challenges will be explained, because the human-typical 'resistance to change' is a major hurdle in implementing Critical Chain in a company's project management system. Due to these cultural challenges, Critical Chain is not easy to implement in all parts of a heavy industry company. As the concept is based on mathematical formulas, it is highly recommended that in the beginning only smaller projects with highly qualified employees with a mathematical background (e.g. engineers or other studies in the field of natural sciences) use this concept. As the success of the methodology is dependent on the input of the project members, the whole project team has to understand the principles in front. As such, it is very important that a training course for all people involved is part of the implementation process. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: To maximise the throughput of a production system the capacity constrained resource needs to be protected from variation and uncertainty. In the Theory of Constraints philosophy such protection is provided by means of time buffers and protective capacity. Time buffers are protective time that is allowed in the production schedule to buffer against disruptions, whereas protective capacity is defined as a given amount of extra capacity at non-constraints above the system constraint's capacity. In this research an analytical procedure was developed to more accurately determine the required time buffer lengths. This procedure uses an open queuing network modelling approach where workstations are modelled as GIIG/m queues. A simulation experiment was performed to evaluate the time buffer estimation procedure on the operations of an actual fifteen station flow shop. The results from the study suggest that the analytical procedure is sufficiently accurate to provide an initial quick estimate of the needed time buffer lengths at the design stage of the line. This dissertation also investigated the effect of protective capacity levels at a secondary constraint resource as well as at the other non-constraint resources on the mean flow time, the bottleneck probability of the primary constraint resource, as well as the output of flow production systems using simulation models and ANOV A. Two different types of flow production systems were investigated: (1) a flow shop with a fixed number of stations and unlimited queue or buffer space between stations, and (2) an assembly line where a total work content is distributed among stations in a certain fashion and the number of stations are not fixed. The experimental studies show that flow shop performance in the form of flow time and line output is not that much influenced by low protective capacity levels at the secondary constraint resource. Low protective capacity levels at a single station however can significantly reduce the bottleneck probability for the primary constraint resource when it is located before and relatively close or near to the primary constraint in the process flow, or after but relatively far from the primary constraint. An after-far secondary constraint location also causes slightly longer job flow times, and should therefore be avoided if possible. The research further shows that quite high protective capacity levels at the nonconstraint resources are needed to ensure a more stable and therefore manageable primary constraint. However low average levels of protective capacity at non-constraint resources are sufficient to ensure that the maximum designed output level as determined by the utilisation of the primary constraint resource is obtained. The results for the assembly line experiment showed that an unbalanced line configuration where less work is assigned to the non-constraint stations than to the primary constraint station (but nonconstraint stations have an equal work content) can lead to significant reductions in the mean flow time while maintaining the same line output, without resulting in too many additional stations. Low protective capacity levels in the range of 2% to 5% are sufficient to cause substantial improvements in flow time without resulting in too many additional stations in the line. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Om die finale uitset van 'n produksiestelsel te maksimeer is dit noodsaaklik dat die bottelnek beskerm word teen fluktuasies en onderbrekings. In die "Theory of Constraints" filosofie word van twee soorte beskermingsmeganismes gebruik gemaak: tydbuffers en beskermende kapasiteit. Tydbuffers is beskermende tyd wat in die produksieskedule gevoeg word om sodoende die bottelnek teen onderbrekings te beskerm, terwyl beskermende kapasiteit ekstra produksiekapasiteit relatief tot die bottelnek se kapasiteit is wat by nie-bottelnekke gevoeg word. In hierdie navorsing IS 'n analitiese prosedure ontwikkel om meer akkurate berekenings van tydbuffergroottes te verkry in produksiestelsels wat volgens 'n "Theory of Constraints" filosofie bestuur word. Die prosedure maak gebruik van oop toustaan netwerk modellering waar werkstasies gemodelleer word as GIIG/m toue. Die analitiese prosedure is ge-evalueer met 'n simulasie eksperiment op 'n werklike vyftien stasie vloeiwinkel. Die resultate dui aan dat die analitiese prosedure akkuraat genoeg is om vinnig aanvanklike beramings vir die benodigde tydbuffergroottes tydens die ontwerpsfase van die produksiestelsel te verskaf. Verder is ook ondersoek ingestel na die effek van beskermende kapasiteitsvlakke by die sekondêre bottelnek asook die ander nie-bottelnekke op die gemiddelde deurvloeityd, die totale uitset, asook die bottelnek waarskynlikheid vir die primêre bottelnek in vloei produksiestelsels deur gebruik te maak van simulasie modelle en ANOVA. Twee verskillende tipes vloei produksiestelsels is ondersoek: (1) 'n vloeiwinkel met 'n vaste aantal stasies en 'n onbeperkte buffer spasie tussen stasies, en (2) 'n monteerlyn waar 'n totale werksinhoud op 'n bepaalde wyse onder stasies verdeel moet word en die aantal stasies nie vas is nie. Die eksperimentele studies dui aan dat die deurvloeitye en totale uitset van 'n vloeiwinkel me noemenswaardig beïnvloed word deur lae beskermende kapasiteitsvlakke by die sekondêre bottelnek nie. Hierdie maatstawwe word meer beïnvloed word deur die gemiddelde beskermende kapasiteitsvlakke by al die nie-bottelnekke. Lae beskermende kapasiteit by 'n enkele werkstasie kan egter die bottelnek waarskynlikheid vir die primêre bottelnek aansienlik verlaag indien dit voor en relatief na aan die primêre bottelnek in die prosesvloei geleë is, of na, maar relatief ver, vanaf die primêre bottelnek. 'n Sekondêre bottelnek ligging na maar relatief ver vanaf die primêre bottelnek in die prosesvloei veroorsaak ook langer deurvloeitye, en moet dus vermy word. Verder dui die navorsing aan dat redelike hoë gemiddelde beskermende kapasiteit by nie-bottelnekke benodig word om 'n meer stabiele primêre bottelnek te verseker. In vloeiwinkels met lae vlakke van variasie en onderbrekings is egter lae gemiddelde vlakke van beskermende kapasiteit by nie-bottelnekke voldoende om te verseker dat die maksimum ontwerpte uitset soos bepaal deur die benutting van die primêre bottelnek behaal word. Die resultate vir die monteerlyn eksperiment dui aan dat 'n ongebalanseerde lynkonfigurasie waar minder werk aan die nie-bottelnek stasies as aan die primêre bottelnek stasie toegeken word (maar niebottelnek stasies het 'n gelyke werksinhoud), aansienlike verlagings in deurvloeityd teweeg kan bring terwyl dieselfde lyn uitset behou word. Dit is moontlik sonder te veel addisionele stasies in die lyn. Die eksperimentele resultate dui aan dat lae beskermende kapasiteitsvlakke van tussen 2% tot 5% voldoende is om beduidende verlagings in deurvloeityd teweeg te bring sonder te veel addisionele stasies.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Industrial Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1998. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 269-285). Also available on the Internet.