OSRA Technological Solutions for Business

Organizational & End-user Information Systems

Curriculum Model

Business Process Redesign

Course Description

This course presents concepts and methodology for business process redesign (BPR). Emphasis is placed on how information systems serve as enablers for business process redesign. Students will learn how to analyze business processes and redesign them for dramatic results. The course includes case studies that provide practical application of the concepts and methodologies. Prerequisite: OEIS 4 OEIS Implementation and Evaluation.

Course Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

Define business process redesign and explain how business processes differ from business functions
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the fundamental concepts and skills which managers and team members need to conduct a BPR project
Map business processes
Analyze business process workflows
Given a specific business process, students will be able to apply reengineering concepts to redesign it to achieve stated objectives
Make a presentation of a business processing analysis and recommendation
Explain appropriate change management and implementation strategies for business process redesign

Course Content

1. Introduction to Business Process Redesign Concepts (10%) Skill level 2

Material covered: Definition of BPR, difference between processes and functions, basic reengineering concepts

2. Technology as an Enabler for BPR (20%) Skill levels 2 and 3

Material covered: How technology can change the rules by which enterprises operate. Methodologies for using technology to do new things as well as to transform things they are already doing

3. Project Management for BPR (15%) Skill levels 2 and 3

Material covered: Developing rationale and expectations; defining "stretch" goals. Identifying basic roles and responsibilities: leader, process owner, redesign team, steering committee. Creating a business process map. Prioritizing processes to be redesigned, creating a redesign plan, and developing a change management plan

4. Analysis Phase (15%) Skill level 3

Material covered: Understanding customer needs, analyzing customer satisfaction, identifying customer objectives for the process, value stream analysis. Scoping the process. Understanding the current process. Prioritizing analysis results for design

5. Redesign Phase (10%) Skill level 2

Material covered: Getting creative, shifting paradigms. Developing new rules and assumptions, designing the new core concept, and defining the enabling requirements. Finding and Implementing quick hits

6. Development Phase (10%) Skill level 2

Material covered: Design and construction; putting into place the organization, activities, resources, management systems and technology that the new process requires. Testing the new core concept and continuing to refine new procedures and methods. Moving the new core concept into a pilot (or laboratory) setting. Looking for initial benefits

7. Implementation Phase (20%) Skill level 2

Material covered: Creating an implementation plan. Rolling out the new process, training employees, managing change, and monitoring the results

Course Approach

This course takes a holistic approach that combines systems discipline, analytical skills, technology know-how, organizational development skills, and business knowledge to improve organizational performance. The course emphasizes concepts, tools, techniques, methods, and skills needed to identify, analyze, and redesign business processes. Information technology is viewed as an enabler to change the way work is done in enterprises and dramatically improve business performance. Case studies of companies that have implemented BPR initiatives are recommended. Guest lecturers from the business community could provide excellent class enrichment.

Resources

Andrews, D. (1994). Business reengineering. New York: Prentice Hall.

Curid, C. (1993). Computing strategies for reengineering your organization. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishers.

Hammer, M., & Champy, J. (1993). Reengineering the corporation: A manifesto for business revolution. New York: Harper Business.

Regan, E. A., & O'Connor, B. N. (1994). End-user information systems: Perspectives for managers and information systems professionals. New York: Prentice Hall/Macmillan Publishing Co

The OSRA Curriculum Revision Group

page design by Preston Lathrop
last revised: December 23, 1996