FRAMEWORKS FOR UNDERSTANDING BUSINESS PROCESS REENGINEERING

Introduces a number of concepts and frameworks developed during the first phase of an EPSRC/CDP grant entitled ''A Specification of a Business Process Reengineering Methodology for Small and Medium Sized Manufacturing Enterprises''. A traditional, functionally oriented organization is characterized by fragmentation and staged inventories of work caused by a failure to integrate and synchronize activities. A process focused organization aims to optimize performance across the whole process. Outlines many of the key issues facing organizations seeking to adopt a process orientation. Presents two frameworks for analysis. The first identifies the major business processes in any manufacturing company, the second seeks to classify types of business process re-engineering intervention. Concludes by discussing the major issues currently facing those researching into business process reengineering.