A design perspective on aligning process-centric and technology-centric approaches

  • Authors:

  • Artur Siurdyban;Per Svejvig;Charles Møller

  • Affiliations:

  • Center for Industrial Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstræde 16, Room: 3-212, Aalborg Ø, 9220, Denmark.;Department of Management, Aarhus School of Business, Haslegaardsvej 10, Room: HG114, Aarhus V, 8210, Denmark.;Center for Industrial Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstræde 16, Room: 2-219, Aalborg Ø, 9220, Denmark

  • Venue:
  • International Journal of Business Information Systems
  • Year:
  • 2012

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Abstract

Enterprise systems management (ESM) and business process management (BPM), although highly correlated, have evolved as alternative approaches to operational transformation. As a result, companies struggle to find the right balance when prioritising technology and processes as change drivers. The purpose of this paper is to propose a direction towards aligning the process-centric and technology-centric approaches. Using the case study method, we gain insight into two implementation projects: one of an information technology (IT) system and one of a process. We compare them using design thinking and strategic alignment theories. Based on the discussion, we assess the shortcomings of the process-centric and technology-centric approaches and argue that a conjoint design approach is required to achieve alignment between processes and technology. From a theoretical stance, this paper offers design-informed insights into the process/technology alignment discussion and points towards a closer integration of process and technology research agendas. The implications for practice include a direction towards design-time coordination of processes and IT systems.