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.

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.

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.

Knowledge acquisition through process mapping

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gareth R.T. White ◽  
Svetlana Cicmil
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Process Mapping ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Process Improvements

Purpose – Business improvement initiatives have benefit for both an organisation’s operational effectiveness and its knowledge acquisition capabilities. These have a synergistic effect upon the ability to gain and maintain competitive advantage. Among the multitude of approaches that can be adopted process mapping (PMapping) is widely used. The purpose of this paper is to examine the utilisation of PMapping for undertaking business process improvement and the resultant acquisition of knowledge among those that are involved in its performance and the subsequent use of process maps (PMaps). Design/methodology/approach – Adopting the notion of " knowledge as knowing " and Activity Theory as the research framework, a four-year Participatory Action Research study of three organisations was conducted. Data were gathered through cyclically developed semi-structured interviews, on-site observation and instantaneously sampled field notes. Findings – It finds that PMapping is a useful technique for conducting business process improvements and acquiring knowledge of organisations and their people. It also finds that PMaps are useful knowledge repositories that have value beyond aiding the development of improved business processes. Socialisation is a key determinant of knowledge coproduction and transfer. This study finds that it occurs in formal and informal modes between individuals engaged in PMapping. Research limitations/implications – The choice of PMapping technique may have significant influence upon the knowledge that is acquired by individuals and organisations during business process improvement initiatives. Future research should explore the relationship between PMapping methods, their knowledge-generative potential and the usability of the resultant PMaps. Practical implications – Organisations undertaking business process improvement initiatives should take account of those factors that mediate its undertaking and its knowledge-generative potential. The objectives of improvement initiatives and of specific activities such as PMapping need to be carefully considered. Changes in objectives need clear communication and justification, and the purpose and benefit of such changes must be weighed against the potential detrimental effect that they may have upon the workforce. Inconsiderate goals setting and changing can lead to individuals coming under significant psychological and sociological pressures. Originality/value – This research furthers the understanding of knowledge acquisition and business process improvement in non-manufacturing environments. It identifies the challenges involved in adopting PMapping as a business improvement tool. It also provides insight into the use of the tool as a technique for fostering knowledge acquisition in individuals.

Business process improvement methods in healthcare: a comparative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 887-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehab Seed Ahmed ◽  
Mohammad Nazir Ahmad ◽  
Siti Hajar Othman
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Domain Knowledge ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Research Community ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Literature

PurposeAccording to the literature concerned with this study, less than satisfactory outcomes have been achieved through implementing business process improvements methods (BPIMs) in industries, in general, and in healthcare, in particular. The existing methods used need to be enhanced in order to create more effective outcomes. There has also been a lack of studies documenting gaps or shortfalls in implementing BPIMs, to be presented to the BPI research community. Therefore, researchers of this paper have attempted to fill gaps between theory and practice. On the contrary, there is also a need to link practical outcomes in the healthcare domain with those of the BPI research community. The purpose of this paper is to review popular BPIMs, techniques and tools applied in the healthcare domain; it seeks to examine and highlight their significant roles, clarify their pros and cons, and find opportunities to enhance their impact on the achievement of more sustainable improvements in the healthcare domain.Design/methodology/approachThis study has been carried out by using a methodology combining an in-depth literature review with a comparison framework, which is called as the “Framework for Comparing Business Process Improvement Methods.” The framework is composed of seven dimensions and has been adapted from four recognized, related frameworks. In addition to the in-depth review of related literature and the adapted comparison framework, researchers have conducted several interviews with healthcare BPI practitioners in different hospitals, to attain their opinions of BPI methods and tools used in their practices.FindingsThe main results have indicated that significant improvements have been achieved by implementing BPIMs in the healthcare domain according to related literature. However, there were some shortfalls in the existing methods that need to be resolved. The most important of these has been the shortfall in representing and analyzing targeted domain knowledge during improvement phases. The tool currently used for representing the domain, specifically flowcharts, is very abstract and does not present the domain in a clear form. The flowchart tool also fails to clearly present the separation of concerns between business processes and the information systems processes that support a business in a given domain.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study can be useful for BPI practitioners and researchers, mainly within the healthcare domain. The findings can help these groups to understand BPIMs shortfalls and encourage them to consider how BPIMs can be potentially improved.Originality/valueThis researchers of this paper have proposed a comparison framework for highlighting popular BPIMs in the healthcare domain, along with their uses and shortfalls. In addition, they have conducted a deep literature review based on the practical results obtained from different healthcare institutions implementing unique BPIMs around the world. There has also been valuable interview feedback attained from BPI leaders of specific hospitals in Saudi Arabia. This combination is expected to contribute to knowledge of BPIMs from both theoretical and practical points of view.

scholarly journals Business process improvement using Object‐Process Methodology

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-48
Author(s):  
Jason M. Casebolt ◽  
Ahmad Jbara ◽  
Dov Dori
Keyword(s):  
Process Improvement ◽  
Business Process ◽  
Business Process Improvement ◽  
Process Methodology
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