Supporting business processes through human and IT factors: a maturity model

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 985-1006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarra Mamoghli ◽  
Luc Cassivi ◽  
Sylvie Trudel
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Main Process ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Iterative Model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assist organizations in the assessment of both information technology (IT) and human factors required to support their business processes (BPs) by taking into account the interdependence and alignment of these factors, rather than considering them independently. Design/methodology/approach A design science research methodology was followed to build a maturity model (MM) enabling this assessment. The proposed design process is composed of four steps: problem identification, comparison of 19 existing MMs in business process management (BPM), iterative model development, and model evaluation. The last two steps were specifically based on three research methods: literature analysis, case studies, and expert panels. Findings This paper presents a MM that assigns a maturity level to an organization’s BPs in two assessment steps. The first step evaluates the level of sophistication and integration of the IT systems supporting each BP, while the second step assesses the alignment of human factors with the technological efforts. Research limitations/implications The research was conducted with SMEs, leading to results that may be specific to this type of organization. Practical implications Practitioners can use the proposed model throughout their journey toward process excellence. The application of this model leads to two main process improvement scenarios: upgrading the sophistication and integration of the software technologies in support of the processes, and improving the cohesion of the resources the organization already owns (human and IT resources). Originality/value The proposed MM constitutes a first step in the assessment of the interdependence between the factors influencing BPM.

Dynamic product line for Business Process Management

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1224-1256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto dos Santos Rocha ◽  
Marcelo Fantinato ◽  
Lucinéia Heloisa Thom ◽  
Marcelo Medeiros Eler
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Product Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Dynamic Techniques

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the proposal of a Product Line (PL)-based approach for Business Process Management (BPM) projects that cover the entire BPM lifecycle and proposes integrating it with dynamic techniques still not used together. Design/methodology/approach – The authors carried out this work using the design science research methodology. The authors assessed the proposed approach using a classification procedure created through a series of specific attributes, which enables a comparison of the proposed integrated approach with related works selected from a systematic literature review. Findings – The comparative assessment has shown that the proposed approach presents the most comprehensive solution than any other similar one suggested for the same purpose, mainly in terms of the coverage of the entire BPM lifecycle and dynamic techniques. Research limitations/implications – Due to the high-level conceptual nature of the proposed approach, the authors could not evaluate it also in terms of some controlled experiment or a case study. Originality/value – The proposed approach aims at improving the management of business processes in organizations in a systematic way using concepts and techniques that exist in other areas, but not widely used together yet, such as BPM, service-oriented computing, and Software PL.

Development of an Industry 4.0 maturity model for the delivery process in supply chains

2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 840-883 ◽  
Author(s):  
Björn Asdecker ◽  
Vanessa Felch
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Industry 4.0 ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Maturity Models ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Status

Purpose This paper aims to show that current Industry 4.0 maturity models primarily focus on manufacturing processes. Until now, research has been lacking with regard to outbound logistics, that is, the delivery process. This paper develops such a model. Design/methodology/approach Methodologically, this paper is grounded in design science research (DSR) and rigorously follows the model development guidelines presented by De Bruin et al. (2005). This work builds on current maturity models and original empirical research to populate and test the model. Findings The model appears to be applicable to describing the status quo of the digitization efforts in outbound logistics, developing a corporate vision for delivery logistics excellence and providing guidance on the development path. Research limitations/implications Thus far, the model has been applied only for a development stakeholder. For further validation, the authors are currently working on additional case studies to demonstrate the model’s applicability. Practical implications The developed model provides guidance for the digitization of an important value-adding activity in supply chain management: the delivery process. Originality/value To the authors’ knowledge, the proposed model is the first to explicitly consider the delivery process; therefore, it complements available approaches that focus on the manufacturing process. Moreover, the results show that the widely used Supply Chain Operations Reference model can serve as the basis for additional process maturity models.

scholarly journals Designing complex socio-technical process systems – the airport example

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 1101-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samia Mazhar ◽  
Paul Pao-Yen Wu ◽  
Michael Rosemann
Keyword(s):  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Graphical Representation ◽  
Reference Model ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multi Stakeholder ◽  
Science Methodology

Purpose A configurable reference model can be used to assist in the development and management of business processes in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a process design in such environments via configurable process reference modelling, using airports as an example. Design/methodology/approach Existing reference modelling methods around process modelling, merging and configuration are extended to include contextual and spatial factors using the design science methodology. The approach is empirically based on a set of business process management notation (BPMN) models for international passenger departures, consolidated from five Australian airport case studies via document analysis, interviews and observation. Findings The use of contextual factors and operational scenarios, structured using the proposed approach, facilitated efficient cross-organisational comparison for configuring processes to suit the needs of a target organisation. The resulting configurable model integrates the perspectives of organisational stakeholder groups with that of the customer in a transparent and unambiguous graphical representation. It is a reusable tool with low data collection needs for each use. Research limitations/implications Future research should include: version management; how to keep the model current; configurability via modelling objects other than gateways; and cross-discipline application (e.g. as a foundation for quantitative decision-making models). Originality/value This is the first reported application of configurable reference modelling to airport passenger facilitation. Methodological contributions include the addition of space-sensitive process elements and notation to BPMN; guidelines for systematically deriving contextual factors associated with process variants across similar organisations; and overall normative guidelines for inductively developing a configurable process reference model.

Managing BPM life cycle transition risks in a small educational company to support change management

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa Ane Hora de Souza ◽  
Victor Diogho Heuer de Carvalho ◽  
Roberio José Rogério dos Santos ◽  
Jonhatan Magno Norte da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Programming Model ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Stability ◽  
New Perspective

PurposeThis article aims to present a methodology applied to the transition between the “as-is” and “to-be” stages of the Business Process Management (BPM) life cycle, supporting its implementation and maintenance for the organizational stability, using techniques from Operations Research and Information and Decision Theories, applied by a gamified system.Design/methodology/approachThe study used Design Science Research, considering the following methodological elements: (1) artifact model, after initial analysis of the organization; (2) problem relevance, incorporating components to the Markov transition matrix and the integer programming model for resource optimization; (3) model evaluation, establishing mechanisms to validate the methodology created; (4) research contributions, showing benefits found; (5) systematic approach, detailing methods used; (6) model's research process, revealing the means for execution; and (7) final presentation of results.FindingsAfter planning three scenarios for the company, containing zero, one or two implemented processes, the matrix of states in the Markov chain effectively identified the states of greater and lesser transition uncertainty. At the same time, the optimization model guided the organization toward a stable change in its operational and financial areas.Practical implicationsThe company's planning capacity has increased, as its managers now have a methodology to promote rational decisions about the development of plans. Before, managers believed that the methodology used was only for large companies. However, this view changed with the results, showing a structured view of the ability to absorb new customers, relocate established ones, increase the comfort level for employees and increase profitability for the company's business.Originality/valueThe study showed that the combination of techniques opens a new perspective to the incorporation of BPM in organizations, allows a smooth change between the current and future state, making it possible to predict the evolution of transition scenarios.

The strategic alignment between supply chain process management maturity model and competitive strategy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Inêz Manuele dos Santos ◽  
Caroline Maria de Miranda Mota ◽  
Luciana Hazin Alencar
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Competitive Strategy ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Maximum Level ◽  
Maturity Model ◽  
Chain Process ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Supply Chain Process

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a conceptual framework to integrate a maturity model to the supply chain (SC) strategy, in order to understand how a maturity model can be useful in diagnosing and developing the capabilities of SC business processes (BPs) to meet SC's strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed framework was based on an SC strategy framework, in which a maturity model was added in order to diagnose and identify SC process capabilities that need to be developed, per maturity level, according to the type of SC strategy and the competitive strategy. A grid was proposed to analyze the relationship between them. An exploratory case study (multiple cases) was applied to verify the applicability of the model.FindingsFindings indicate that a maturity model can delimit and align, as far as the company needs to reach, the SC strategic interests with the company's competitive objectives. However, some barriers and facilitating factors implicit can impact on this alignment. It is also noted that the maximum level of SC management (SCM) maturity may not be in the strategic interest of the company.Originality/valueDue to the few empirical studies on the value of maturity models, this research contributes to the understanding of the usefulness of an SC process maturity model for the SC strategy. Moreover, the framework can show how a maturity model can serve as a parameter and guide to develop the capabilities of processes, resources and activities to meet the SC strategy and the reach of the competitive strategy.

scholarly journals Toward robotic process automation implementation: an end-to-end perspective

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 405-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filipa Santos ◽  
Rúben Pereira ◽  
José Braga Vasconcelos
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Business Organizations ◽  
Process Automation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Robotic Process Automation ◽  
Reducing Costs

Purpose Robotic process automation (RPA) seeks to automate business processes, using software robots that interact with systems through their user interface, improving efficiency and reducing costs. However, some critical steps, such as identifying processes suitable for RPA automation, can have a tremendous impact in organizations if a wrong process is selected. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to provide an approach for analyzing RPA development in business organizations. Design/methodology/approach This research presents a cohesive literature review about RPA, in order to identify RPA main concepts, which should be reported and considered in all RPA case studies. A model connecting the main elicited RPA concepts is presented as well as its evaluation and applicability grounded of past RPA case study (CS) analysis, using design science research. Findings The results from this research show that most of the RPA main concepts gathered in the literature review are not reported in the selected RPA CSs. Originality/value As RPA is a recent topic, literature lacks a synthetization of RPA main topics. This research aims to fill the gap on that, by identifying and synthesize the main topics related to RPA and proposing a model that connects the main RPA concepts, which can be used by researchers as a schema for conducting and writing RPA case studies.

scholarly journals The Five Diamond Method for Explorative Business Process Management

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Grisold ◽  
Steven Groß ◽  
Katharina Stelzl ◽  
Jan vom Brocke ◽  
Jan Mendling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Management ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Innovation Management ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Real World Applications ◽  
Value Propositions ◽  
Research Gap

AbstractExplorative business process management (BPM) is attracting increasing interest in the literature and professional practice. Organizations have recognized that a focus on operational efficiency is no longer sufficient when disruptive forces can make the value proposition of entire processes obsolete. So far, however, research on how to create entirely new processes has remained largely conceptual, leaving it open how explorative BPM can be put into practice. Following the design science research paradigm and situational method engineering, we address this research gap by proposing a method called the Five Diamond Method. This method guides explorative BPM activities by supporting organizations in identifying opportunities from business and technology trends and integrating them into business processes with novel value propositions. The method is evaluated against literature-backed design objectives and competing artifacts, qualitative data gathered from BPM practitioners, as well as a pilot study and two real-world applications. This research provides two contributions. First, the Five Diamond Method broadens the scope of BPM by integrating prescriptive knowledge from innovation management. Second, the method supports capturing emerging opportunities arising from changing customer needs and digital technologies.

The missing link between BPM and accounting

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Sonnenberg ◽  
Jan vom Brocke
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Economic Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Accounting Information Systems ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Accounting Model ◽  
Weight Data

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to integrate business process management (BPM) and accounting on a conceptual level in order to account for the economic implications of process-state changes in process design-time and process run-time. Design/methodology/approach – The paper adopts a design science research paradigm. The research, grounded in an “events” approach to accounting theory, builds on the REA accounting model that has been adapted for the design of a process accounting model (PAM). Findings – The paper presents a PAM that can be used to structure event records in process-aware information systems (PAIS) to enable process-oriented accounting. The PAM is specified as a light weight data structure that is intended for the integration of PAIS and accounting information systems. Research limitations/implications – As this paper is technical in nature, more research is needed to evaluate more thoroughly its approach in naturalistic settings. Practical implications – The PAM can support traditional accounting approaches, and because of the adopted events approach, it readily supports use cases related to real-time analytics in BPM and accounting. Originality/value – The PAM presents a novel approach to integrating BPM and accounting. The novelty of this approach lies in its use of event records to document flows of economic resources.

Translating transparency into value: an approach to design IoT solutions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Colli ◽  
Jonas Nygaard Uhrenholt ◽  
Ole Madsen ◽  
Brian Vejrum Waehrens
Keyword(s):  
Process Management ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Single Case ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Solution Space ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Management Approach ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Improvements

PurposeThis research proposes and demonstrates a framework that can be used to systematically address the idiosyncratic design of Internet of Things (IoT)-based solutions, and to match the explorative aspects of introducing a new technology to the exploitative needs, to improve the performance of production operations.Design/methodology/approachDue to the applied nature of this research, a design science research (DSR) framework was adopted in order to ensure both the rigor and applicability of the outcomes.FindingsA process excellence perspective, operationalized through a business process management approach, is applied to scope the solution space according to its exploitative potential. The mapping of the information flow that needs to be established defines the technological infrastructure of the solution.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical generalizability of the proposed framework is limited by a testing sample of a single case. The research implications are related to a call for the contextualization of IoT applications. Further research will involve the application of this approach to a diverse range of industrial settings. While the domain is far from saturated, a framework that can facilitate such investigations has been provided.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework provides practitioners with an approach to designing IoT solutions that can consistently address their needs for operational performance improvements.Originality/valueThis research proposes a framework that links the enabling of transparency via the integration of IoT in production operations to contextual characteristics and business potential. Furthermore, it highlights the developmental drivers of IoT solutions, which emerged during the empirical demonstration of this framework.

scholarly journals Business Process Simulation on Procedural Graphical Process Models

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Rosenthal ◽  
Benjamin Ternes ◽  
Stefan Strecker
Keyword(s):  
Business Process ◽  
Process Simulation ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Design Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Tool Support ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Use Context

AbstractBusiness process simulation marks an essential technique for analyzing business processes and for reasoning about process improvement. With first contributions dating back to the mid-1990s, computerized business process simulation has been a continuing research focus and is widely acknowledged as foundational to Business Process Management research and practice. Reviewing contributions to the field published between 1990 and 2018, the authors assess the state of research on business process simulation and develop an organizing overview of research contributions discussing simulation approaches, tool support, results visualization, use context, application purposes, and adoption barriers. Findings inform future research on business process simulation by discussing paths for behavioral research on the use of business process simulation, user requirements, and adoption barriers as well as complementary paths for design science research addressing limitations of present approaches and simulation tool support.

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