Infobrokering project management in line with the Theory of Constraints - a case study

Abstract

Purpose/Thesis: The paper aims to introduce practical applications of the Theory of Constraints (TOC), developed by the Israeli physicist Eliyahu M. Goldratt. Special attention is paid to the TOC­-derived project management methodology called the Critical Chain Concept, seldom yet success­fully applied in business practice. An attempt to have TOC implemented in the management of an infobrokering project is reported.
 Approach/Methods: Two methods were applied: (1) a critical review of the literature on the subject, (2) a case study for the purpose of which both a participatory and non-participatory observation was pursued, as well as a review and appraisal of the existing documentation reflecting the successive stages of the infobrokering project, along with an in-depth interview.
 Results and conclusions: The case study indicates that TOC, especially the critical chain concept, boasts an appreciable potential in optimising infobrokering projects, as it allows to: (1) expose the concealed, deep-rooted, and disadvantageous routines in project implementation, (2) identify the inherent constraints in the project, not so much in terms of embarrassing errors (blunders), but rather as the non-removable events/components, axiologically indifferent, yet requiring remedial measures, (3) realise that the factors routinely deemed conducive may in fact prove the actual con­straints themselves, (4) enhance overall executive effectiveness by identifying and strengthening the weakest link in the project processes, (5) achieve improvements in the company’s performance without incurring significant expenditure.
 Originality/Value: There are no published Polish studies focusing strictly on TOC in terms of infor­mation science perspective. The present paper is meant to partially address this deficit with regard to the practice of infobrokering.