A process reuse identification framework using an alignment model

Abstract

This thesis explores the potential to unify three emerging disciplines: enterprise engineering,\nenterprise architecture and enterprise ontology. The current fragmentation that exists in\nliterature on enterprise alignment and design constrains the development and growth of the\nemerging disciplines. Enterprises need to use a multi-disciplinary approach when they\ncontinuously align, design and re-design the enterprise.\nAlthough enterprises need to be aligned internally (across various enterprise facets), as well as\nexternally (with the environment), most alignment approaches still focus on business-IT\nalignment, i.e. aligning the business operations with the information and communication\ntechnologies and systems of the enterprise. This study focuses on a popular business-IT\nalignment approach, called the foundation for execution approach, and its associated artefact,\ncalled the operating model. The study acknowledges the theoretical contribution of the\noperating model to establish the required level of business process integration and\nstandardisation at an enterprise in delivering goods and services to customers. Highlighting the\npractical problems in selecting an operating model for an enterprise, and more specifically the\npractical problems of identifying process reuse potential at an enterprise, a thesis statement is\nformulated: The operating model concept, as part of a business-IT alignment approach, can be\nenhanced with a process reuse identification framework, when a business-IT alignment\ncontextua/isation is used.\nThe study is divided into two research questions. The first research question addresses the\ncurrent fragmentation that exists in the literature, which impairs reuse of the existing business-IT\nalignment knowledge base. An inductive literature review develops the Business-IT Alignment\nModel to provide a common contextualisation for current business-IT alignment approaches.\nThe second research question addresses the practical problems of the operating model\nregarding the identification of process reuse potential at an enterprise. Applying the newly\ndeveloped Business-IT Alignment Model as a contextualisation instrument, the study\ndemonstrates the use of design research in developing the Process Reuse Identification\nFramework.\nThe conclusion after the investigation of the two research questions is that the thesis statement\nwas confirmed, i.e. the operating model concept, as part of a business-IT alignment approach,\ncan be enhanced with a process reuse identification framework, when a business-IT\ncontextualisation is used.

Cite this work

No public copy is stored for this record, so only the metadata is cited.

Stored only when both papers are in the corpus — 9 citations exist upstream.