Implementation and evolution of the critical chain methodA case study

Abstract

The Critical Chain method has been implemented in a wide variety of industries, activities and countries. This article is based on the implementation of this method in two different units of the same company which designs, develops and produces high-tech parts. Even if it is based on the implementation process and its results, the scope exceeds this context. The analysis is made with a time perspective, taking into account not only the implementation but also the evolution following its completion. As a result, two different sides can be highlighted: the first one concerns the outcomes achieved in each case as a consequence of the implementation of the method, and the second one is related to the key aspects identified in the implementation processes - in particular the success factors. It is of special interest the comparative analysis regarding the results achieved in both cases, in a time period that goes beyond the implementation timeframe. The findings of this work lead to some new aspects concerning the method, which require further research.