Reflections on a Multimethodology Approach to Business Process Automation
| Research Title: | Reflections on a Multimethodology Approach to Business Process Automation |
| Springer Reference: | https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4614-4951-5_7 |
Abstract
Business process management systems (BPMS) have the potential to reduce the effort required to provide technology support for business processes in an organization. Despite their relatively long history, however, there is currently no single development methodology recommended for their use in creating and maintaining process-aware information systems (PAIS). Instead, developers currently take a multimethodology approach, drawing from a range of available paradigms, methodologies, techniques, and tools. The purpose of this chapter is to consider whether an end-to-end methodology is needed for PAIS development or if multimethodology is sufficient. The discussion is informed by the specific experience of designing and building a PAIS for a telecommunications company in Ireland. This chapter describes the study and the lessons learned from it, concluding that while an integrated methodology has benefits, a multimethodology approach seems necessary until there is greater maturity in the BPMS field.
Managing Step Changes in Information System Support
| Research Title: | Managing Step Changes in Information System Support |
| Springer Reference: | https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4419-9790-6_39 |
Abstract
In principle, information systems should be tuned to provide optimal support for the business processes of the organisation in which they are used. In particular, this means maintaining alignment between information systems and business processes as an organisation evolves. Where this strategy becomes difficult, however, is when an organisation reaches a point where a ‘step change’ in information system support is required. This paper examines how such step changes can arise and considers the factors involved in realigning the organisation when encountered. The discussion is illustrated through an industrial study in KTL, an Irish telecommunications service company. The analysis of the situation uses Soft Systems Methodology.
