Title: Teaching Theory of Constraints in 10 hours using open-source simulator

Authors: Javier Santos, Rodrigo Romero, Mikel Arcelus, Ander Errasti

Addresses: Department of Industrial Management, TECNUN – School of Engineering, University of Navarra, Manuel Lardizabal 13, San Sebastian 20018, Guipuzcoa, Espana. ' Department of Industrial Management, TECNUN – School of Engineering, University of Navarra, Manuel Lardizabal 13, San Sebastian 20018, Guipuzcoa, Espana. ' Department of Industrial Management, TECNUN – School of Engineering, University of Navarra, Manuel Lardizabal 13, San Sebastian 20018, Guipuzcoa, Espana. ' Department of Industrial Management, TECNUN – School of Engineering, University of Navarra, Manuel Lardizabal 13, San Sebastian 20018, Guipuzcoa, Espana

Abstract: In this paper, the use of a graphical simulator called TOCNUN is presented. It helps users to understand plant operations conducted under the philosophy of Theory of Constraints (TOC) developed by Goldratt. TOCNUN is an alternative tool developed to support the teaching of TOC in just six or seven steps, which correspond to six or seven, 90-min learning sessions, including theory. This paper illustrates the structure for practical sessions that should be carried out with the simulator. Finally, validation input from undergraduate students and company managers is presented.

Keywords: engineering learning; theory of constraints; TOC education; simulation-based learning; operations management education; simulation; higher education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIOME.2011.037921

International Journal of Information and Operations Management Education, 2011 Vol.4 No.1, pp.69 - 82

Published online: 07 Feb 2015 *

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