Developing a comprehensive methodology for BPR projects by employing IT tools

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive IT tools based methodology (CITM) for BPR projects in order to facilitate implementing BPR project by considering relevant IT tools in each phase of the methodology, both approaches (clean slate and analysis of existing processes on details), and failure analysis for diminishing the risk of the BPR project. Design/methodology/approach -In today's world, corporations need to adjust with the environment changes in order to stay stable in facing market changes. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology in which by considering different aspects for implementing BPR project including IT tools, both BPR approaches, and failure analysis can facilitate BPR project. The proposed methodology's validation was tested by getting the 50 experts' ideas in each phase of the methodology and in a case study at organization and planning department in an IT company. Findings -The structured methodology developed in this paper contain the two debatable approaches of BPR (clean slate approach as well as analysis of existing processes on details approach). This methodology enables the organization to derive a proper way to implement BPR project in order to its situation. In every phase of this methodology, based on their applications in each specific phase, required softwares and IT tools are proposed. The applicability of methodology was analyzed and confirmed thoroughly by the 50 BPR experts and in a case study at an IT company. Originality/value -This study provides a comprehensive methodology to consider the gap of the BPR methodologies in their comprehensiveness, use IT tools and softwares and lower the risk of the BPR implementation. In developing the CITM the challenging approaches are considered, the related softwares and IT tools are proposed and failure analysis is done and considered in each phase of the CITM in order to decrease the risk of its implementation.

Critical analysis of existing business process reengineering models: towards the development of a comprehensive integrated model

“…Many BPR proponents argue that there are two approaches to BPR (Eftekhari & Akhavan 2013). The first one involves looking at existing processes and attempting to make improvements to them by redesigning them.…”

“…Source : Carr and Johansson (1995) , compiled by Carr and Johansson (1995), presents briefly a set of elements of a successful BPR model. BPR methodologies can be categorised in different ways (Eftekhari & Akhavan 2013). BPR literature suggests that existing process reengineering models may be classified into inhouse and outside models.…”

“…8. Some models fail to recognise the importance of the diagnosis phase at the beginning of the reengineering project, where the BPR team evaluates and documents current processes, uncovers bottlenecks and establishes baselines and benchmarks for gauging future improvements (Eftekhari & Akhavan 2013). Change type: processual.…”

“…The disadvantage is that, if it is not presented well or constantly revised to take into account the rapid changes in business, it can appear like a cookie-cutter approach (Carr & Johansson 1995). Carr and Johansson (1995) Since the application of BPR concepts can have different forms, its methodologies are different (Eftekhari & Akhavan 2013). The primary functions of a BPR model are to determine the order of the stages involved in reengineering projects, their evolution, and to establish the transition criteria for piloting the progress from one stage to the next.…”

“…The majority of the existing BPR models are general frameworks attempting to cover the needs of a wide range of business organisations. However, it is very difficult to produce a standard BPR recipe of success for every business sector and under all circumstances (Eftekhari & Akhavan 2013). Change type: processual and political.…”