Theory of constraints – application in land transportation systems

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore use of the Theory of Constraints (TOC) approach in addressing traffic congestion as the main impediment to improving utility of the land transportation systems. The observed element is a motorway segment with regulated access. Design/methodology/approach – As the literature addressing this topic is rare or nonexistent, this study employs exploratory design, developing tentative theory through the generation of new ideas and assumptions forming grounded picture as a base for further investigation. Findings – The study concludes that the most binding constraint is broken in the third out of the TOC’ five steps and that the improvement in the given segment of the land transportation system is possible to be achieved using this framework. Originality/value – Although the merits of use of TOC have been considered in other than just production-planning environments, its application in land transportation systems has never been examined. This study presents one of the rare, if not the only attempt to make use of this unique theory that is systematised in the systems management paradigm within the realm of land transportation systems.