This case study report undertook a validation exercise of the QUT Business Process Standardisation (BPS) framework. Standardisation is of great significance to organisations as it enables them to operate more efficiently and therefore to be more competitive in an increasingly challenging environment of globalisation. Using a validated BPS framework provides a higher degree of accuracy and therefore increases successes chances of BPS initiatives. It is critical for companies to use a verified concept to minimise risk of failure. Validation of the framework was sought through two research methods. Firstly, targeted interviews were undertaken and analysed to validate the individual steps of the framework.
The second part is the application of the framework by standardising an example process of the industry partner Red Rocks Company. For this component, the first three phases of the Business Process Management Lifecycle were applied: process discovery, process analysis and process design. In the last phase, a written policy was developed following the steps of the BPS framework and distributed to stakeholders. Overall, the QUT Business Process Standardisation framework was validated. Significant learnings have been taken by Red Rocks Company. For example, it was identified that process owners are not always assigned within the organisation which leads to low process management maturity. The work has to be viewed within its limitations of the one example process, the selected interviewees and the perspective of only one organisation. The interviews and practical application validated all steps of the framework and confirmed the significance of BPS within a global corporate environment.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
2.1 Background
2.2 Project objective
3. An understanding of the current literature on BPS
4. Project approach and methodology
4.1 Business Process Management Lifecycle
4.1.1 Process discovery
4.1.2 Process analysis
4.1.3 Process design
4.2 Interviews
5. Research Outcomes and Discussions
5.1 Validation through interviews
5.1.1 Interviews
5.1.2 Analysis of interviews
5.1.3 Findings of interviews
5.2 Validation through the application of the framework
5.2.1 Project cost change control process
5.2.2 Framework application
5.2.3 Master process
5.2.4 Extent of unification of variants against a standard process
5.2.5 Ideas for improvement
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Focus
This report aims to validate the QUT Business Process Standardisation (BPS) framework by applying it to an industry-specific case study at Red Rocks Company. The primary research objective is to confirm the theoretical validity of the BPS model while addressing the organization's need for a consistent, integrated, and automated process lifecycle.
- Validation of the QUT BPS framework through stakeholder interviews.
- Practical application of the BPS framework on the "Project cost change control process".
- Identification of process management maturity gaps within a global technology function.
- Development of a standardized policy and master process to improve operational consistency.
- Analysis of process variants to minimize waste and duplication.
Excerpt from the Book
5.2.1 Project cost change control process
The Project cost change control process is a key supporting project management process in the Small Projects Management Framework (SPFM) at Red Rocks Company. It has been identified that this process is treated differently across the various delivery functions in Technology. The reason for this is that there is no written policy and different functions have developed their own practices over time, or adopted the policy of their original home asset.
This causes confusion to Delivery Mangers (DMs), Project Managers (PMs) and other stakeholders as it is not clear when a cost change request is required. A clear definition of cost contingency is a key trigger for the change control process. Since this is not defined, it is not possible to establish a single and global cost change control process for Technology. Red Rock Company is now seeking to use the QUT Business Process Standardisation Framework to help standardize this example process and at the same time to validate the academic model.
Chapter Summary
Abstract: Provides an overview of the BPS framework validation through interviews and practical application, highlighting the critical nature of standardized processes for global organizations.
Introduction: Outlines the background of BPS, the increasing business need for standardized processes, and the specific objectives regarding the Red Rocks Company case study.
An understanding of the current literature on BPS: Discusses the academic foundations of the project, focusing on the research gap identified by Goel et al. regarding conceptual BPS models.
Project approach and methodology: Details the application of the Business Process Management (BPM) Lifecycle, specifically focusing on process discovery, analysis, and design.
Research Outcomes and Discussions: Presents the findings from qualitative stakeholder interviews and the systematic application of the BPS framework to the project cost control process.
Conclusion: Summarizes the effectiveness of the BPS framework in standardizing organizational processes and emphasizes the need for continued commitment to process ownership.
Keywords
Business Process Standardisation, BPS, QUT Framework, Process Management, Red Rocks Company, BPM Lifecycle, Process Discovery, Process Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement, Process Ownership, Project Cost Control, Standardization, Organizational Maturity, Lean Methodology, RACI Matrix
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core purpose of this case study?
The study aims to validate the QUT Business Process Standardisation (BPS) framework by applying it to a real-world scenario at the Red Rocks Company to determine its practical effectiveness.
Which organization served as the industry partner?
The study was conducted with the Red Rocks Company, a major global leader in the mining industry, specifically focusing on their Technology function.
What primary research methods were utilized?
The research employed two main methods: targeted stakeholder interviews to validate the theoretical framework and a practical application of the BPS lifecycle to standardize an internal project cost control process.
What is the "Project cost change control process" in this context?
It is a specific project management process within the Red Rocks Company that showed significant variance across different functions, making it an ideal candidate for standardization.
Why is process ownership considered a critical finding?
The interviews and assessments revealed that a lack of assigned process owners significantly hinders the maturity of process management and the successful enforcement of standardized procedures.
How does the framework handle process modularity?
The framework emphasizes creating a master process while allowing for modularity where necessary, ensuring that processes are fit for purpose without losing overall standardization.
What role does the RACI matrix play in the proposed solution?
Stakeholders identified that a RACI matrix (Responsibility, Accountability, Consult, Inform) is a vital tool for clearly communicating roles and improving accountability within the standardized framework.
What were the main constraints identified in the project?
The project was limited by the 12-week timeframe, the specific nature of the selected routine process, and the perspective of only one organization, which limits the generalizability of the findings.
What is the expected outcome for Red Rocks Company?
By adopting the BPS framework and the new standardized policy, the company is expected to achieve higher process management maturity and reduce operational waste.
- Citation du texte
- Theres Mitscherling (Auteur), 2018, Validation of QUTs Business Process Standardisation framework on the example of an industry project, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/499623
