R. Kee et C. Schmidt, A comparative analysis of utilizing activity-based costing and the theory of constraints for making product-mix decisions, INT J PRO E, 63(1), 2000, pp. 1-17
Activity-based costing (ABC) and the theory of constraints (TOC) represent
alternative paradigms for evaluating the economic consequences of productio
n-related decisions. However, their application can lead to contradictory p
roduct-mix decisions. To resolve this conflict, it is frequently suggested
that the TOC is appropriate for the short run, while ABC is appropriate for
the longer term. This paper models the selection of a product mix with the
TOC and an ABC model integrating activity-based cost with the capacity of
production-related activities. The paper demonstrates that management's dis
cretionary power over labor and overhead resources determines when the TOC
and ABC lead to optimal product-mix decision. Equally important, it demonst
rates that both the TOC and ABC may lead to a suboptimal product mix across
a wide range of economic conditions. The paper develops a more general mod
el of the product-mix decision and demonstrates that the TOC and ABC are sp
ecial cases of this model. Finally, the paper discusses how the general mod
el may be used to supplement information provided by the TOC and ABC. (C) 2
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