Big data for big pharma

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1110-1123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Festa ◽  
Imen Safraou ◽  
Maria Teresa Cuomo ◽  
Ludovico Solima
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Grounded Theory ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Process Standardization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Big pharma, which comprise the most important companies in the pharmaceutical sector, are ambidextrous organizations by nature. Big data can heavily influence this characteristic by simultaneously requiring adequate business process management. In fact, the impact of big data on business process management can assist big pharma in increasing process efficiency (which is related to the research and development pipeline) and process efficacy (related to product portfolio management). The purpose of this paper is to investigate this possibility and opportunity. Design/methodology/approach In the absence of specific scientific studies, as indicated by a review of the existing literature, the authors have adopted a grounded theory approach. This research has observed multiple cases (the 15 most important big pharma companies worldwide) through an electronic survey conducted on secondary data. The study has allowed the generation of a theoretical framework based on the (direct) relationship between knowledge process standardization (as the dependent variable) and big data (as the independent variable) in organizations oriented toward ambidexterity, such as big pharma in the specific scope of this research. Findings As big data utilization becomes widespread along the pipeline (or even along the value chain/supply chain), business process management increasingly uses (or tends to use) standardization, adopting process standardization as the main coordination mechanism to manage big knowledge. This theory is even more true when considering the moderating role of ambidexterity. An enterprise oriented toward structural ambidexterity (such as big pharma) that uses big data will require increased process standardization to manage big knowledge. Alternatively, an enterprise oriented toward contextual ambidexterity that uses big data will require increased output standardization. Originality/value Based on an analytical literature review, no research to date has focused strict attention on the influence that big data can have on business process management to improve the natural ambidexterity of big pharma. The main unique feature of this research relies on this point. The main value of the research originates from the theoretical framework reconstructed by grounded theory, which constitutes a powerful strategic tool to support executives and managers of big pharma in organizing business process management for their ambidextrous organizations using big data.

The role of big data in shaping ambidextrous business process management

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1163-1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Dezi ◽  
Gabriele Santoro ◽  
Heger Gabteni ◽  
Anna Claudia Pellicelli
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Qualitative Methodology ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how big data can shape ambidextrous business process management (BPM) in terms of exploitation and exploration. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology involving case studies has been chosen to explore the impact of big data deployment on exploitative and explorative business processes. Findings The results of case studies offer some opportunities and challenges for service firms related to both the exploitative and the explorative aspects of BPM driven by big data. Originality/value The deployment of big data in business processes has attracted a large amount of interest recently. However, these studies are mostly conceptual, so empirical research about this complex relationship is quite rare, especially research with specific arguments regarding exploitative and explorative activities. This paper aims to fill this gap by offering empirical evidence for big data-driven business processes.

Big data analytics: transforming data to action

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 703-720 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Bumblauskas ◽  
Herb Nold ◽  
Paul Bumblauskas ◽  
Amy Igou
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Big Data Analytics ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Actionable Knowledge

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual model for the transformation of big data sets into actionable knowledge. The model introduces a framework for converting data to actionable knowledge and mitigating potential risk to the organization. A case utilizing a dashboard provides a practical application for analysis of big data. Design/methodology/approach The model can be used both by scholars and practitioners in business process management. This paper builds and extends theories in the discipline, specifically related to taking action using big data analytics with tools such as dashboards. Findings The authors’ model made use of industry experience and network resources to gain valuable insights into effective business process management related to big data analytics. Cases have been provided to highlight the use of dashboards as a visual tool within the conceptual framework. Practical implications The literature review cites articles that have used big data analytics in practice. The transitions required to reach the actionable knowledge state and dashboard visualization tools can all be deployed by practitioners. A specific case example from ESP International is provided to illustrate the applicability of the model. Social implications Information assurance, security, and the risk of large-scale data breaches are a contemporary problem in society today. These topics have been considered and addressed within the model framework. Originality/value The paper presents a unique and novel approach for parsing data into actionable knowledge items, identification of viruses, an application of visual dashboards for identification of problems, and a formal discussion of risk inherent with big data.

Deriving a Multi-Theoretical Framework for BPS Research

2015 ◽  
pp. 120-155
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Process Standardization ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Research Context ◽  
Business Process Standardization ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

When it comes to developing theoretical foundations for such complex things as business process standardization or business process management researchers agree that no single theory is capable of explaining all phenomena that occur. The authors agree with that perspective and propose a multi-theoretical framework for BPS research by combining the Resource-Based View (RBV) of the firm with Dynamic Capabilities (DC) theory and some selected dynamic capabilities to conceptualize the specific requirements of BPS. Hence, the goal of this chapter is to lay out solid theoretical foundations for research on BPS. In a first step, the authors define the research context. Then several established theoretical lenses are presented, and finally, they are combined into a multi-theoretical framework for BPS research.

Deriving a Multi-Theoretical Framework for BPS Research

2018 ◽  
pp. 567-603
Author(s):  
Björn Münstermann
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Process Standardization ◽  
Resource Based View ◽  
Research Context ◽  
Business Process Standardization ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

When it comes to developing theoretical foundations for such complex things as business process standardization or business process management researchers agree that no single theory is capable of explaining all phenomena that occur. The authors agree with that perspective and propose a multi-theoretical framework for BPS research by combining the Resource-Based View (RBV) of the firm with Dynamic Capabilities (DC) theory and some selected dynamic capabilities to conceptualize the specific requirements of BPS. Hence, the goal of this chapter is to lay out solid theoretical foundations for research on BPS. In a first step, the authors define the research context. Then several established theoretical lenses are presented, and finally, they are combined into a multi-theoretical framework for BPS research.

scholarly journals Ambidextrous IT capabilities and business process performance: an empirical analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 1077-1090 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Ferraris ◽  
Filippo Monge ◽  
Jens Mueller
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
It Capabilities ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Process Level

Purpose In several studies, it has been found that organizational performance is affected by ambidextrous IT capabilities. Nevertheless, business processes are essential to the value generation conversion of IT investment into performance. In the literature, this focus on the impact of IT capabilities at the business process level is still under investigated. So, the purpose of this paper is to test the effects of explorative and exploitative business process IT capabilities on business process performances (BPP) and the positive moderator role of business process management (BPM) capabilities. Design/methodology/approach This analysis has been done through a quantitative study in the Italian hotel industry. An OLS regression analysis has been carried out on a sample of 404 firms. Findings The study identifies distinct effects related to exploration and exploitation and finds a moderating effect of BPM capabilities, explaining their positive impact on BPP. Originality/value The main purpose of the paper is to contribute to the area of business process management by demonstrating the importance of both explorative and exploitative IT capabilities for a business process as well as the managerial capabilities at the process level. Furthermore, this focus at the process level allows us to add original insights into research on ambidexterity by expanding existing works.

Big data integration with business processes: a literature review

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 477-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Fosso Wamba ◽  
Deepa Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of the integration of business process management (BPM), business process re-engineering (BPR) and business process innovation (BPI) with big data. It focusses on synthesizing research published in the period 2006-2016 to establish both what the authors know and do not know about this topic, identifying areas for future research. Design/methodology/approach The research is based on a review of 49 published papers on big data, BPM, BPR and BPI in the top journals in the field 2006-2016. Findings In this paper, the authors have identified the most influential works based on citations and PageRank methods. Through network analysis the authors identify four major clusters that provide potential opportunities for future investigation. Practical implications It is important for practitioners to be aware of the benefits of big data, BPM, BPR and BPI integration. This paper provides valuable insights for practitioners. Originality/value This paper is based on a comprehensive literature review, which gives big data researchers the opportunity to understand business processes in depth. In addition, highlighting many gaps in the current literature and developing an agenda for future research, will save time and effort for readers looking to research topics within big data and business processes.

A theory of contingent business process management

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1291-1316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Zelt ◽  
Jan Recker ◽  
Theresa Schmiedel ◽  
Jan vom Brocke
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Process Performance ◽  
Research Strategies ◽  
Content Type

Purpose Many researchers and practitioners suggest a contingent instead of a “one size fits all” approach in business process management (BPM). The purpose of this paper is to offer a contingency theory of BPM, which proposes contingency factors relevant to the successful management of business processes and that explains how and why these contingencies impact the relationships between process management and performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors develop the theory by drawing on organizational information processing theory (OIPT) and applying an information processing (IP) perspective to the process level. Findings The premise of the model is that the process management mechanisms such as documentation, standardization or monitoring must compensate for the uncertainty and equivocality of the nature of the process that has to be managed. In turn, managing through successful adaptation is a prerequisite for process performance. Research limitations/implications The theory provides a set of testable propositions that specify the relationship between process management mechanisms and process performance. The authors also discuss implications of the new theory for further theorizing and outline empirical research strategies that can be followed to enact, evaluate and extend the theory. Practical implications The theory developed in this paper allows an alternative way to describe organizational processes and supports the derivation of context-sensitive management approaches for process documentation, standardization, monitoring, execution and coordination. Originality/value The theoretical model is novel in that it provides a contextualized view on BPM that acknowledges different types of processes and suggests different mechanisms for managing these. The authors hope the paper serves as inspiration both for further theory development as well as to empirical studies that test, refute, support or otherwise augment the arguments.

Social business process management

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-211
Author(s):  
Patricia Bazan ◽  
Elsa Estevez
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Implicit Knowledge ◽  
Social Software ◽  
Social Business ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the state of the art of social business process management (Social BPM), explaining applied approaches, existing tools and challenges and to propose a research agenda for encouraging further development of the area. Design/methodology/approach The methodology comprises a qualitative analysis using secondary data. The approach relies on searches of scientific papers conducted in well-known databases, identifying research work related to Social BPM solutions and those contributing with social characteristics to BPM. Based on the identified papers, the authors selected the most relevant and the latest publications, and categorized their contributions and findings based on open and selective coding. In total, the analysis is based on 51 papers that were selected and analyzed in depth. Findings Main results show that there are several studies investigating modeling approaches for socializing process activities and for capturing implicit knowledge possessed and used by process actors, enabling to add some kind of flexibility to business processes. However, despite the proven interest in the area, there are not yet adequate tools providing effective solutions for Social BPM. Based on our findings, the authors propose a research agenda comprising three main lines: contributions of social software (SS) to Social BPM, Social BPM as a mechanism for adding flexibility to and for discovering new business processes and Social BPM for enhancing business processes with the use of new technologies. The authors also identify relevant problems for each line. Practical implications Some SS tools, like wikis, enable managing social aspects in executing business processes and can be used to coordinate simple business processes. Despite they are commonly used, they are not yet mature tools supporting Social BPM and more efficient tools are yet to appear. The lack of tools preclude organizations from benefitting from implicit knowledge owned by and shared among business process actors, which could contribute to better-informed decisions related to organizational processes. In addition, more research is needed for considering Social BPM as an approach for organizations to benefit from the adoption of new technologies in their business processes. Originality/value The paper assesses the state of the art in Social BPM, an incipient area in research and practice. The area can be defined as the intersection of two bigger areas highly relevant for organizations; on the one hand, the management and execution of business processes; and on the other hand, the use of social software, including social media tools, for leveraging on implicit knowledge shared by business process actors to improving efficiency of business processes.

scholarly journals CONTEMPORARY MANAGEMENT OF BUSINESS PROCESSES WITHIN THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF FASHION INDUSTRY

2020 ◽  
pp. 36-39
Author(s):  
Andrea Dobrosavljević ◽  
Snežana Urošević
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Demand Management ◽  
Relationship Management ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
The Impact

Business processes are present in all types of organizations, regardless of the size or industry within which the organization operates. Successful business process management (BPM) is an indicator of the level of process maturity of the organization. Within the supply chain, it is possible to observe the presence of business processes of a collaborative nature, as BPM relies on the principles of partnership, development, and exchange of information through links that exist within this chain between all actors [1]. Within this paper, BPM in the relations with suppliers and consumers within the supply chain of organizations operating in the fashion industry is considered. Lambert [2] lists eight macro processes that take place in the supply chain, between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and end consumers, as follows: customer relationship management, supplier relationship management, demand management, order execution, fl ow management production, product development and commercialization and return management. Within this paper, a research is presented which analyzes the segments of managing collaborative business processes within the supply chain of the fashion industry, based on the responses of 508 managers and employees in the fashion industry in the Republic of Serbia. The needs for the development of certain segments in accordance with the needs of modern business process management have been explored.Scientifi c novelty. The research part of this paper relies on the application of Friedman's test which enables the analysis of the current state of BPM in relations with suppliers and consumers within the supply chain of the fashion industry, expressed through workers' responses with a ranking of their preferences. This paper contributes to the creation of a knowledge base within the research in the fi eld of the impact of BPM on improvements in the supply chain, on the basis of which it is possible to conduct further research and upgrade knowledge.Practical value. The fi ndings derived from the results of research of this type contribute to the development of the business from various aspects. The benefi ts can be refl ected not only through the strengthening of the competitive position but also through the sustainability of business on the basis of adequate application of BPM practices in all business segments. Accordingly, in addition to the scientifi c novelty, which is refl ected in the results of the rese arch work, there is a practical novelty, which is refl ected in the guidelines for the development of modern BPM within the supply chain of the fashion industry.

scholarly journals Is there a Need for Agent-based Modelling and Simulation in Business Process Management?

Organizacija ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 255-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Halaška ◽  
Roman Šperka
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Modelling And Simulation ◽  
Simulation Experiments ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Agent Based Modelling ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
The Impact

AbstractBackground and Purpose: Agent-based modelling and simulation (ABS) is growing in many areas like, e.g., management, social and computer sciences. However, the similar trend does not seem to occur within the field of business process management (BPM), even though simulation approaches like discrete event simulation or system dynamics are well established and widely used. Thus, in our paper we investigate the advantages and disadvantages of agent-based modelling and simulation in the field of BPM in simulation experiments.Design/Methodology/Approach: In our research, we investigate if there is a necessity for ABS in the field of BPM with our own simulation experiments to compare traditional and ABS models. For this purpose, we use simulation framework MAREA, which is a simulation environment with integrated ERP system. Our model is a complex system of a trading company selling computer cables. For the verification of our model, we use automated process discovery techniques.Results: In our simulations, we investigated the impact of changes in resources’ behavior on the outcome of company’s order to cash process (O2C). Simulations experiments demonstrated that even small changes might have statistically significant effect on outcomes of the processes and decisions based on such outcomes. Simulation experiments also demonstrated that the impact of randomly distributed fluctuations of well-being have a diminishing tendency with the increasing number of sales representatives involved in the process.Conclusions: Our research revealed several advantages and disadvantages of using ABS in business process modelling. However, as we show, many of them were at least partially addressed in the recent years. Thus, we believe that ABS will get more attention in the field of BPM similarly to other fields like, e.g., social sciences. We suggested areas in BPM simulations, e.g., modelling of resources, be it human or technological resources, where there is a need for ABS.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document