Frameworks for Understanding Business Process Re‐engineering

Abstract

Introduces a number of concepts and frameworks developed during the first phase of an EPSRC/CDP grant entitled “A Specification of a Business Process Re‐engineering Methodology for Small and Medium Sized Manufacturing Enterprises”. A traditional, functionally oriented organization is characterized by fragmentation and staged inventories of work caused by a failure to integrate and synchronize activities. A process focused organization aims to optimize performance across the whole process. Outlines many of the key issues facing organizations seeking to adopt a process orientation. Presents two frameworks for analysis. The first identifies the major business processes in any manufacturing company, the second seeks to classify types of business process re‐engineering intervention. Concludes by discussing the major issues currently facing those researching into business process re‐engineering.