The Challenge of Reaching Higher Process Orientation : A Case Study of a German Organization Operating in the Automotive Industry

Abstract: Business Process Management (BPM) has become a popular concept inbusiness development in recent years. Traditionally, however, researchsurrounding BPM initiatives have centered on large organizations,meaning that little is known about the effects of BPM, both positive andnegative, on a Small- and Medium sized Organization (SMO).This research identifies problems that a SMO can face when workingtoward higher process orientation and provides an explanation as to whyefforts have failed in the past. Furthermore, the requirements forimplementing BPM from a process-execution perspective wereinvestigated. The issues that arise to limit success of the BPM initiativehave been identified and discussed in relation to existing literature onBPM implementation, particularly those issues that are unique to SMOs.Through better understanding of the requirements for a successful BPMinitiative, the SMO is able to identify the areas that it need to beaddressed specifically before the organization is able to reach higherprocess orientation.