Exploring the intersection of business process improvement and BPM capability development

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 275-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Lehnert ◽  
Alexander Linhart ◽  
Maximilian Roeglinger
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Project Portfolio ◽  
Capability Development ◽  
Project Portfolio Management ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Despite an obvious connection, business process improvement and business process management (BPM) capability development have been studied intensely, but in isolation. The authors thus aim to make the case for the research located at the intersection of both streams. The authors thereby focus on the integrated planning of business process improvement and BPM capability development as this is where, in the authors’ opinion, both streams have the closest interaction. The authors refer to the research field located at the intersection of business process improvement and BPM capability development as process project portfolio management. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The authors structure the field of process project portfolio management drawing from extant knowledge related to BPM, project portfolio management, and performance management. The authors also propose a research agenda in terms of exemplary research questions and research methods. Findings The proposed structure shows which business objects and interactions should be considered when engaging in process project portfolio management. The research agenda contains exemplary questions structured along the intersections of BPM, project portfolio management, and performance management. Research limitations/implications This paper’s main limitation is that it reflects the authors’ individual viewpoints based on experiences of several industry projects and prior research. Originality/value This paper addresses a neglected research field, opens up new avenues for interdisciplinary BPM research, and contributes a novel perspective to the ongoing discussion about the future of BPM.

A business process and portfolio management approach for Industry 4.0 transformation

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Richard ◽  
Robert Pellerin ◽  
Jocelyn Bellemare ◽  
Nathalie Perrier
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Process Analysis ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Project Portfolio ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Project Portfolio Management ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to address the difficulties faced by manufacturing enterprises by providing a project portfolio management approach supporting the selection and prioritization of various Industry 4.0 projects where business process analysis is used to ensure the strategic alignment and value of the project portfolio.Design/methodology/approachThe design research methodology, a mixed applied research methodology, was used to develop and test the proposed approach.FindingsDespite the growing interest of the scientific and industrial communities in I4.0, it seems that there is no method by which manufacturing companies can select a large number of improvement projects. Moreover, studies tend to focus on the evaluation and implementation of a single technology, while the transformation of an intelligent plant requires the consolidation and coordination of many initiatives to achieve a global objective.Originality/valueThe proposed project portfolio management model offers support to enterprises during their digital transformation and improves their processes by integrating technology levers through consistent and achievable selection of I4.0 initiatives while meeting strategic goals and objectives.

Estimating performance from capabilities in business process improvement

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 1099-1117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Boyd A. Nicholds ◽  
John P.T. Mo
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Expected Improvement ◽  
Management Decision ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Performance Gain ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Improvement Project ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The research indicates there is a positive link between the improvement capability of an organisation and the intensity of effort applied to a business process improvement (BPI) project or initiative. While a degree of stochastic variation in applied effort to any particular improvement project may be expected there is a clear need to quantify the causal relationship, to assist management decision, and to enhance the chance of achieving and sustaining the expected improvement targets. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a method to obtain the function that estimates the range of applicable effort an organisation can expect to be able to apply based on their current improvement capability. The method used analysed published data as well as regression analysis of new data points obtained from completed process improvement projects. Findings The level of effort available to be applied to a process improvement project can be expressed as a regression function expressing the possible range of achievable BPI performance within 90 per cent confidence limits. Research limitations/implications The data set applied by this research is limited due to constraints during the research project. A more accurate function can be obtained with more industry data. Practical implications When the described function is combined with a separate non-linear function of performance gain vs effort a model of performance gain for a process improvement project as a function of organisational improvement capability is obtained. The probability of success in achieving performance targets may be estimated for a process improvement project. Originality/value The method developed in this research is novel and unique and has the potential to be applied to assessing an organisation’s capability to manage change.

Leveraging big-data for business process analytics

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 215-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alejandro Vera-Baquero ◽  
Ricardo Colomo Palacios ◽  
Vladimir Stantchev ◽  
Owen Molloy
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Heterogeneous Systems ◽  
Map Reduce ◽  
Heterogeneous Environments ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – This paper aims to present a solution that enables organizations to monitor and analyse the performance of their business processes by means of Big Data technology. Business process improvement can drastically influence in the profit of corporations and helps them to remain viable. However, the use of traditional Business Intelligence systems is not sufficient to meet today ' s business needs. They normally are business domain-specific and have not been sufficiently process-aware to support the needs of process improvement-type activities, especially on large and complex supply chains, where it entails integrating, monitoring and analysing a vast amount of dispersed event logs, with no structure, and produced on a variety of heterogeneous environments. This paper tackles this variability by devising different Big-Data-based approaches that aim to gain visibility into process performance. Design/methodology/approach – Authors present a cloud-based solution that leverages (BD) technology to provide essential insights into business process improvement. The proposed solution is aimed at measuring and improving overall business performance, especially in very large and complex cross-organisational business processes, where this type of visibility is hard to achieve across heterogeneous systems. Findings – Three different (BD) approaches have been undertaken based on Hadoop and HBase. We introduced first, a map-reduce approach that it is suitable for batch processing and presents a very high scalability. Secondly, we have described an alternative solution by integrating the proposed system with Impala. This approach has significant improvements in respect with map reduce as it is focused on performing real-time queries over HBase. Finally, the use of secondary indexes has been also proposed with the aim of enabling immediate access to event instances for correlation in detriment of high duplication storage and synchronization issues. This approach has produced remarkable results in two real functional environments presented in the paper. Originality/value – The value of the contribution relies on the comparison and integration of software packages towards an integrated solution that is aimed to be adopted by industry. Apart from that, in this paper, authors illustrate the deployment of the architecture in two different settings.

A system dynamics investigation of project portfolio management evolution in the energy sector

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 505-525
Author(s):  
Seyed Hossein Hosseini ◽  
Hamed Shakouri G. ◽  
Aliyeh Kazemi ◽  
Rahman Zareayan ◽  
Milad Mousavian H.
Keyword(s):  
System Dynamics ◽  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Project Portfolio ◽  
Project Portfolio Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Portfolio Strategies

Purpose Project portfolio management (PPM) is a commonly used technique to align projects with strategy and to ensure adequate resourcing for projects. In this paper, to gain a better understanding of PPM dynamics, a system dynamics (SD) model was developed. To do so, an Iranian independent power producer was used as a case study in the energy sector; moreover, policy options were derived and generalized for such a developer company. Design/methodology/approach To cope with the complexity of business processes in a power producer company and to formulate an optimum policy, causal relations and loops were derived first and then state-flow diagrams were designed to simulate the problem in the system, as it is usual in the SD methodology. Findings The proposed model was applied to a real-world case study to rectify managers’ viewpoint about their business dynamics and to formulate new project portfolio strategies to improve the viability of the company. The model proved how a static portfolio analysis can misguide managers in planning their project portfolio strategies, and how effective feedback can improve PPM in developing companies in the energy sector. Originality/value Systems approach, especially SD methodology, has been rarely used to analyze PPM problems in the energy sector. This study highlights the implications of feedback and dynamics in PPM and tries to derive optimal value of portfolios.

Business process improvement: empirical assessment and extensions

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 778-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samia M. Siha ◽  
Germaine H. Saad
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Implementation Guidelines ◽  
Improvement Programs

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to survey and analyze current process improvement (PI) approaches, their empirical results reported in the literature, and develop accordingly a conceptual framework and implementation guidelines.Design/methodology/approachA literature review of the popular business database to search for case studies and empirical research on PI methods was conducted. The empirical evidence on success and failure factors were inferred and tabulated. Based on synthesis of the lessons learned from this empirical evidence along with concepts drawn from economics, and operations management, a conceptual framework is developed.FindingsIt was found that the framework would serve as a diagnostic tool for identification of, and recovering from root causes of problems and inefficiencies faced in business environments. The framework proposed synthesizes and extends earlier PI tools and basic approaches used for mitigating disruptions faced in operations practice. The framework design consists of three main phases: Specify; Analyze; and Monitor closely. Accordingly, it is denoted by SAM.Practical implicationsDecision makers can be altered to both the success factors and causes of failure of different PI approaches, and a framework is provided along with implementation guidelines that help assure practical effectiveness of PI efforts. The guidelines provided for practicing managers comprise two categories: specific; tool‐based, and general; system‐based.Originality/valueThe contribution of this paper is two fold: first, empirical evidence on the drivers of success and failure of four main PI approaches, were synthesized. These include: six sigma, benchmarking, reengineering and process mapping. Second, based on this empirical evidence, a conceptual framework that guides both the choice and implementation of business process improvement programs is developed. The proposed framework and its implementation guidelines help assure actual effectiveness of PI practice.

Exploring the relationship between business process improvement and employees’ behavior

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. 1044-1062 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danica Bakotic ◽  
Ante Krnic
Keyword(s):  
Software Development ◽  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process Improvements ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate and clarify the relationship between business process improvement and employees’ behavior. More precisely, the purpose is to test whether a business process improvement initiative has a positive impact on performance and employees’ behavior, namely, motivation, communication and knowledge sharing. Design/methodology/approach The empirical research of this paper was conducted in the year 2013 in an ICT company on 52 employees who worked in the company’s R&D Centre. Business process improvement is analyzed in the change of work method for software development. Two projects of software development were observed. The data about the projects were collected by using the company’s documentation. The data about employees’ behavior were collected by a specially designed questionnaire. Findings Business process improvement led to better results and overall performance. Furthermore, it was found that business process improvement enhanced three important elements of employees’ behavior. These are motivation, communication and knowledge sharing. Research limitations/implications The main limitations of this study are small research sample, focusing on just the way of business process improvement and on only one company. Therefore, the results cannot be generalized and considered as being generally accepted. Practical implications The findings of this study could be useful for ICT companies because it shows the benefits of the Kanban method. Originality/value The major contribution of this study is to prove the positive impact of business process improvement initiatives on overall performance and on the special elements of employees’ behavior. This cognition enhances the existing knowledge on business process improvements.

Aligning business process maturity level with SMEs growth in Indonesian fashion industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 709-727 ◽  
Author(s):  
Made Andriani ◽  
T.M.A. Ari Samadhi ◽  
Joko Siswanto ◽  
Kadarsah Suryadi
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Growth Stage ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Maturity Level ◽  
Process Maturity ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Business Process Maturity

Purpose This study aims to develop a business process maturity model, especially on operation processes, based on the characteristics of each organisational growth stage, to increase small and medium enterprises (SMEs) growth. With this information, SMEs can identify their needs and priorities for business process improvement based on the characteristics that are inherent in the organisation. Design/methodology/approach The proposed model was developed by reviewing the literature on previous studies related to the organisational life cycle and its characteristics, as well as a business process maturity model. Furthermore, historical case studies were conducted to validate the proposed model. Case study objects in this research were fashion industry companies that have grown from an SME scale to national level. Findings The results of this research indicate that the characteristics of each growth stage are different, which led to increased complexity and maturity of business processes run. Therefore, SMEs should pay attention to their growth stages, as a basis to improve their business process maturity, especially on the critical processes, which are evaluate products performance, design products and services and monitor sales. Through this model, SMEs can determine the business’ current growth stage and use the proposed model as guidance for business process improvement to accelerate organisational growth. Research limitations/implications Validation of the proposed model was done by conducting a historical case study. To generalise the model, it is recommended to survey similar industry and test quantitatively using statistical methods. However, further research can be used in other industries that might yield different results. Besides, this research can also be developed in the supporting process categories. Practical implications This study provides a practical guide for SMEs to identify their current growth stage, and implement the measurement of business process maturity level. Maturity level standard at every growth stage can be used in determining the priority of business process improvement to drive organisational growth. Originality/value Through this research, the BPMM method was developed to enable SMEs to implement a self-evaluation process without seeking external assistance and assess their needs through a clear and understandable scale allowing for further development of the business. By using this method, SMEs can manage their business processes maturity level to encourage its growth.

Seven-waste framework of waste identification and elimination for computer-based administrative work

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Montana Widodo ◽  
Ririn Diar Astanti ◽  
The Jin Ai ◽  
T.M.A. Ari Samadhi
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Office Work ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Work Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Selection Step ◽  
Definition Of

PurposeThis paper tries to generalize business process improvement (BPI) methodology. It utilizes the seven-waste framework as an essential step in the methodology. While the seven-waste concept is usually applied for manufacturing activities, this paper tries to explore the applicability of it to office-work activities. Also, this paper demonstrates that information technology can be used as a tool for reducing waste in the office-work.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review of BPI methodology studies was conducted in order to propose systematic flowcharts to represent the sequence of processes involved in each step of BPI methodology. The proposed flowcharts are applied to a case study in supply chain planning and allocation planning at a manufacturing company. The seven-waste framework is designed as part of the step, in which equivalency between the definition of waste found on the production floor and waste found in office work is presented.FindingsThe BPI methodology generally follows five steps: initialization, selection, design, implementation and evaluation. The seven-waste framework is effectively applied in the selection step. The case study shows that information technology can be used as a tool in business process improvement to reduce waste in the business process.Practical implicationsThe case study indicates that the proposed framework and methodology are proven able to reduce the three key performance indicators. They are the number of steps from 54 to 24 (55% reduction), processing time from 890 min to 313.5 min (64% reduction) and the number of the manual process from 41 to 17 (59% reduction).Originality/valueThis paper proposes a generalization of BPI methodology, the seven-waste framework in the selection step of the BPI methodology, the seven-waste concept in office-work activity and the use of information technology for BPI by reducing waste in office-work activity.

Comparison of project portfolio management practices in the public and private sectors in Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1405-1422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Rafael Minetto Maceta ◽  
Fernando Tobal Berssaneti
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Private Sector ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Portfolio Management ◽  
Project Portfolio ◽  
Project Portfolio Management ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Strategic Goals

Purpose Project portfolio management (PPM) is a managerial technique used to seek the strategic goals of organizations improving their performance. The public sector has some characteristics that differ from the private sector, since their management approaches are different. The purpose of this paper is to compare the PPM’s practices and techniques in the public and private sectors. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses the study case methodology through eight case studies that were undertaken in Brazil: four in public and four in private sectors. The field research used semi-structured interviews that were analyzed using the NVivo software. Findings In both sectors, strategic alignment is the goal of PPM, and the same tools are employed. The public sector displays better process documentation and lower risk awareness than the private sector, showing an improvement point for the public sector. The selection and prioritization criteria differ from each sector, showing the difference in the strategic goals of public and private sectors. Research limitations/implications The limitations of this paper are related to the number of organizations studied; however, the case studies represent organizations from different sectors and industries maximizing heterogeneity, but focusing on Brazil. Social implications The prioritization and effective allocation of projects spending in the Brazilian public sector could be improved with the comparison of their current practices with the ones used in private sector, increasing its transparency and cost allocation. Originality/value This study broadens the understanding of PPM in the public sector, which is a gap in the academic literature, comparing its practices with those used in the private sector.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document