Business Process Management Tools - Research Paper Example

Business Research Methodology Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 0. Research Proposal 4 2.0 4 3.0 Introduction 4 3 Overview 4 3.2 Research Question and Objectives 7 4.0 Literature Review 8 4.1 Traditional Components of a BPM Approach 9 4.2 Contemporary Components of a BPM Approach 10 5.0 Research Methodology 12 5.1 Research Design 12 5.2 Research Strategy 13 5.3 Research Framework 14 5.3.1 Questionnaire 14 5.3.2 Data Collection Approach 14 5.3.3 Data Processing Method 15 5.4 Quality Check 15 5.4.1 Reliability 15 5.4.2 Validity 16 5.4.3 Ethical Consideration 16 5.5 Time Scale 17 6.0 References 18 7.0 Appendix 20 7.1 Time Scale 20 1.0. Research Proposal Title The topic of this particular research proposal is “Business Process Management (BPM) tools currently in use by MNCs and Their Comparative Effectiveness: A Case Study Approach to Identify the Best Selection.” 2.0 Abstract The prime intention of this proposed research study will be to determine the effectiveness and importance of the BPM approach, which assists modern MNCs to maintain competitive advantage by enhancing operational efficiency. Thus, in order to identify the outcome of the proposed research effectively with valid outcomes, a qualitative research method will be taken into concern as an appropriate mechanism. Apart from this, in order to conduct the research, reliable data will be collect from peer-reviewed journals, articles and books, which are relating to the subject of the research study. At the same time, responses will be gathered from 100 respondents randomly, who are directly or indirectly related to the business operations of MNCs for conducting questionnaire survey. Conclusively, in order to measure the outcomes of the proposed research study, it is required to identify the differences between the traditional and modern BPM approach, which is utilized by the MNCs. 3.0 Introduction 3.1 Overview The present business scenario has intensified with competition due to several factors that include globalisation and advent of technology. In this regard, organisations are required to conduct operations in a strategic manner, so that operations are conducted competitively and sustainably. Management of organisations is identified to adopt the concept of strategic management with the intention of ascertaining the business decisions and strategies are formulated in an effective manner. With the effect of globalisation, modern multinational corporations (MNCs) have adopted ‘Intelligent Business Operations’ (IBO) with the aim of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of a business. In this context, modern MNCs have applied varied tools and techniques in the modern era with the intention of enhancing business efficiency. Modern MNCs are identified to be facing several challenges from the global market due to faster and better business decision making. In order to execute IBO, MNCs have incorporated ‘Business Process Management’ (BPM) based approach for improving the decision making capability. BPM is one of the systemic approaches, as by incorporating this tool, MNCs are facilitated with the opportunity of having better competitive advantage for operating in the marketplace. At the same time, by adopting BPM approach, MNCs are also able to improve the overall business process. Thus, BPM application assists MNCs to monitor and review the entire business process through steps, which helped the MNCs to enhance efficiency in the business context (Gilbert & Behnam, 2009). MNCs have applied ‘Enterprise Resource Planning’ (ERP) tools, which is one of the essential aspects of BPM approach with the aim of enhancing business efficiency through collection, storage and managing numerous data during business activities. At the same time, MNCs have incorporated ‘Customer Relationship Management’ (CRM) tools for establishing a good relationship with current as well as future customers. In this regard, MNCs usually concentrate on sales, marketing and customer service related aspects for ensuring the retention of customers. Apart from this, it is also identified that MNCs have incorporated ‘Total Quality Management’ (TQM) tools for enhancing the quality of products and services. In this regard, modern MNCs have utilized BPM approach by incorporating TQM, CRM and ERP tools during business operation for enhancing the efficiency of a business process (Aufait Technologies Private Limited, 2009). In this particular proposed research, a study of BPM tools used by MNCs has been chosen with the intention of identifying the approach through which global MNCs have operated their business functions in a competitive market situation. At the same time, from the selection of this particular topic, it can be also possible to identify the strategy based on which modern MNCs have made better and quick business decisions with the intention of enhancing competitive advantage and operational efficiency. On the other hand, through the selection of this topic, it is possible to identify how MNCs have increased their profitability and market share along with customer loyalty during global business operation. Additionally, this particular research study will help to identify the procedure with the assistance of which MNCs have ensured greater brand identification among competitors (Aufait Technologies Private Limited, 2009). The intended value of this particular proposed research can be ascertained on the basis of determining the different BPM tools that are used by MNCs for conducting operations in a sustainable as well as competitive manner. In this context, the study will aid in providing adequate information in relation to the importance of BPM tools and benefits that can be accomplished by MNCs for enhanced global operations. 3.2 Research Question and Objectives In accordance with the research question, the research question is farmed hereunder. Identify the effectiveness of the BPM approach, which is used by the modern MNCs? Based on the aforementioned research question, the objective of this particular research is to identify the importance of BPM approach, which assists modern MNCs to maintain competitive advantage by enhancing operational efficiency. Simultaneously, this particular research aims to identify the effectiveness of the BPM tools that are usually used by the MNCs. In this regard, the objectives of the proposed research are provided hereunder. To recognise the business process management (BPM) tools currently used in MNCs To identify the importance of BPM tools for MNCs To ascertain the competitive advantages that BPM approaches ensure MNCs In order to identify the effectiveness of the BPM approach, it is essential to gather adequate data regarding the subject matter of this research. In this regard, it is also require incorporating qualitative research approach for identifying the appropriate outcome of this particular study. Apart from this, based on the research approach, the study will be conducted in a systematic manner, so that the proposed can be completed within a desired time frame. 4.0 Literature Review According to the report of Aufait Technologies Private Limited (2009), every MNC has its own unique strategy of executing its business operations more effectively and efficiently. In this regard, Gilbert & Behnam (2009) claimed that a business process is like a collection of related as well as structured activities through which organisations can produce better products and services for its consumers with the intention of attaining the needs and expectations of the consumers. At the same time, during business operation, an organisation can enhance its efficiency in terms of its operation by concentrating on resource planning and execution related aspects. Moreover, organisations can ensure its profitability and long term sustainability by concentrating on its competitive advantages. In this context, the report of Aufait Technologies Private Limited (2009) described that organisations can enhance the overall performance of a business by reducing the cost of the business process as well as business inefficiency (Aufait Technologies Private Limited, 2009; Gilbert & Behnam, 2009). According to the viewpoint Gilbert & Behnam (2009), BPM provides organisations a better ability to monitor, manage, review and optimize the entire business process in a more significant manner. At the same time, BPM provides organisations an opportunity to set up adequate business strategies with the intention of enhancing the performance and efficiency of its business processes. In this regard, Gilbert & Behnam (2009) argued that BPM is not only a strategic approach or tool and technical solution, but also a set of management practice through which organisations can encourage their ability to enhance business efficiency in terms of human involvement and human intervention. Several MNCs have incorporated BPM approach while conducting global business operation with the aim of establishing a systematic business process. A systematic business process is identified to consider every crucial aspect of a business such as ‘Research and Development’ (R&D), ‘Manufacturing or Production’, ‘Marketing’ and ‘Customer Services’ have been performed significantly to maintain competitive advantage in the market place (Gilbert & Behnam, 2009). 4.1 Traditional Components of a BPM Approach According to the report of Aufait Technologies Private Limited (2009) it is identified that in the traditional era, most of the MNCs have applied BPM approach with the aim of deploying business functions, which are directly and indirectly related to planning, budgeting, financial modelling, quality analysis and research related aspects among others. In this regard, Khanna (2014) argued that MNCs have utilized process defining tools with the intention of ensuring the flow of business activity by maintaining the business rules. At the same time, it is also perceived that certain MNCs have applied simulation tools with the aim of identifying the business challenges and with the application of these tools, MNCs have made strategies and decisions to overcome business challenges (Khanna, 2014; Aufait Technologies Private Limited, 2009). Simultaneously, based on the report of Aufait Technologies Private Limited (2009), it is noted that several MNCs have applied application development tools with the aim of reducing the barriers during business operations. Khanna (2014) argued that MNCs have applied process execution tools in order to identify and understand the performance of the business process, which has assisted MNCs to perform their task according to priorities. Apart from this, it is also revealed that large numbers of MNCs have adopted process management tools with the intention of monitoring and analysing the activity as well as performance of the business process. In this regard, by incorporating this process management tools, MNCs have rectified their approach during the business activities and accordingly, execute corrective actions for the business process improvement. As an effect, it is witnessed that the overall outcome of a business has been improved significantly. Additionally, certain numbers of MNCs have incorporated system administration module, which helps MNCs to practice systemic administrative regulations. These tools have been considered as a traditional BPM approach (Khanna, 2014; Aufait Technologies Private Limited, 2009). 4.2 Contemporary Components of a BPM Approach The report of University Technologic Malaysia (2003) implied that with the effect of modernization, the importance and need of BPM approach has been enhanced among the MNCs. In this regard, competition has become more intense among the global business players. Thus, larger numbers of organisations are found to be relied on TQM tools, which are specifically a quality control tools or techniques. In the contemporary era, MNCs have been applying this TQM tools with the aim of improving the ability and capacity of delivering better quality products and/or services to the customers for satisfying the needs and demands more adequately. For an instance, it can be claimed that ‘Lean manufacturing’ and ‘Six Sigma’ are approaches used by the MNCs with the intention of improving the quality of product and/or services (University Technologic Malaysia, 2003). Simultaneously, Mishra & Mishra (2009) noted that CRM tools help an organization to execute effective interactions with the customers for maintaining competitive advantage in the contemporary era. Moreover, it is also perceived that modern MNCs have adopted CRM tools for ensuring the long-term relationship with customers. Thus, it can be claimed that CRM tools have been utilized by the modern MNCs as a strategic instrument for successful customer retention. It can be identified that modern MNCs have utilized CRM tools with the integration of information technology such as social media technologies (Mishra & Mishra, 2009). According to the report of Kovacs & Paganelli (2003), it is recognised that modern MNCs are using ERP tools for tracing the core business records such as cash, raw materials, production among others significantly. The ERP tools are globally recognized as a ‘database management system’ through the utilization of which MNCs can improve their business performances and growth. At the same time, the BPM approach facilitates management and stakeholders to flow business related information adequately, which helps to make better and quick decisions in case of business activities (Kovacs & Paganelli, 2003). 5.0 Research Methodology 5.1 Research Design The proposed research aims to evaluating and analysing the effectiveness of the BPM approaches in case of MNCs operating in the global market. Apart from this, the study aims to identifying the differences between traditional and contemporary approaches of MNCs, which benefits MNCs to maintain their competitive advantage in the global market. The research study will be conducted on the basis of a research design to ascertain that the study is conducted in a structured manner for completion within the stipulated time frame. The flow chart of the research strategy has been depicted below: Fig. 1: The Steps Involved in the Research Design 5.2 Research Strategy A qualitative approach of research methodology has been undertaken in this particular proposed study. In terms of justification, it can be affirmed that this particular research method has been chosen for the study, as it is one of the most suitable research approaches through which outcome of a research can been accurately identified without inhibiting its scope of generalizability. Apart from this, it can be claimed that qualitative research approach is the most suitable framework through which the philosophy of social science and human behaviour can be identified appropriately. Moreover, this method is quite reliable in nature. Simultaneously, it can be also claimed that qualitative research approach has been adopted in this research study with the aim of having a better understanding about the research problems, which is connected to business related studies (De Gialdino, 2009). 5.3 Research Framework 5.3.1 Questionnaire With the aim of attaining the above stated research objectives, approximately 8-10 questions will be framed for identifying the effectiveness of the BPM approaches in case of MNCs’ operating in the global market. Thus, at the time of conducting the interview, business professionals will be the respondents, who are directly and indirectly related to the operations of the MNCs. Moreover, the questionnaire will be framed in such manner through which it will possible to recognise the differences between the traditional and contemporary approach of MNCs in of the field of conducting business activities. Additionally, for identifying genuine outcome of the research study, the sample population will be selected in between the age group of 28-45. Furthermore, the feedback will be gathered from diversified respondents (De Gialdino, 2009). 5.3.2 Data Collection Approach Similarly, data collection is considered as one of the most essential elements i, which usually assists to identify the appropriate outcome of a research. In case of this particular study, high attention will be provided towards collecting valid and reliable data regarding the effectiveness of the BPM approaches. Apart from this, the study will identify the differences between traditional and contemporary BPM approaches of the MNCs. Thus, the data will be gathered from both primary and secondary sources. In order to collect primary data, a questionnaire survey will conduct in relation to the subject matter of the research study. On the other hand, secondary data will collect academic viewpoint of wide-range of literatures such as peer reviewed journals, books, articles and business related news among others (De Gialdino, 2009). 5.3.3 Data Processing Method In this particular proposed study, in order to identify the effectiveness of the BPM approaches based on which MNCs are able to make better and quick decisions in case of business activities. Thus, it will be essential to analyse the gathered primary as well as secondary data for identifying the appropriate outcome of the research study (De Gialdino, 2009). 5.4 Quality Check 5.4.1 Reliability It is highly important to maintain reliability of the proposed study to identify appropriate results and outcomes. In this regard, it can be claimed that in order to maintain reliability of the study, utmost effort will be provided while conducting the questionnaire survey. At the same time, reliability will be maintained in case of secondary data collection. In this regard, in order to ensure the reliability of the research study, privacy will be maintained and the personal details of the respondents have been kept confidential in case of primary research. Similarly, reliability will be maintained in case of secondary research data collection by considering recently published journals, articles and business related magazines (De Gialdino, 2009). 5.4.2 Validity Similarly, validity is considered as one of the most vital aspects, which is highly essential in case of conducting a study. Thus, with the aim of ensuring the validity of the research, a structured questionnaire will be experiment before conducting the actual survey. At the same time, for ensuring the validity of the research study, all the rational or justifiable aspects will be considered, when the conclusion of the research will be drawn. Similarly, logical representation will apply in case of analysing the gathered data for ensuring the validity of the study significantly (De Gialdino, 2009). 5.4.3 Ethical Consideration Ethical concern is one of the most essential aspects in case of conducting a research, which ensures smooth execution as well as appropriate outcome of the research objective. Thus, in order to ensure ethical consideration in this particular research study, both primary as well as secondary data will be obtained for identifying the appropriate outcome of the research study suitably. More specifically, it can be claimed that during the collection of primary data, free consent of the respondents will be ensured for maintaining ethical concern. At the same time, legal obligations will be taken into consideration at the time of conducting the research. Moreover, the responses of the interviewees will kept confidential, as interviewees’ name and their personal details will not ask during the interview for ensuring the ethical concern of the proposed study. Similarly, in order to maintain ethnicity during secondary research, reliable and quality sources will be considered for conducting the review of literature (De Gialdino, 2009). 5.5 Time Scale In order to implement the above stated plan, it is essential to follow certain steps such as refining the selected topic, conducting a short research about the identified issue, undertaking further research of the issue and framing research objectives will be required to take into concern. Apart from this, conducting literature review, undertaking an in-depth study to develop a theoretical framework for the research and data collection will be highly essential. Moreover, collecting feedback and reviewing the entire process will also be considered as a vital task before submitting the final report. Specially mentioning, a time span of six months will be required to complete the proposed study. The above-discussed aspects along with time frame have been depicted in the Appendix. 6.0 References Aufait Technologies Private Limited, 2009. Business Process Management Practice. Introduction to BPM, pp. 1-8. De Gialdino, I. V., 2009. Ontological and Epistemological Foundations of Qualitative Research. Forum: Qualitative Social Research, Vol. 14, No. 2. Gilbert, D. U. & Behnam, M., 2009. Strategy Process Management in Multinational Companies: Status Quo, Deficits and Future Perspectives. Problems and Perspectives in Management, Vol. 7, Iss. 1, pp. 70-85. Khanna, A., 2014. SMAC the Internet: App Economy & the Indian IT/ITeS Industry. NASSCOM, pp. 1-37. Kovacs, G. L., & Paganelli, P., 2003. A Planning and Management Infrastructure for Large, Complex, Distributed Projects - Beyond ERP and SCM. Computers in Industry, Vol. 51, Iss. 2, pp. 165-165. Mishra, A. & Mishra, D., 2009. Customer Relationship Management: Implementation Process Perspective. Acta Polytechnica Hungarica, Vol. 6, No. 4, pp. 83-99. University Technologic Malaysia, 2003. Total Quality Management (TQM) Advancement and Critical Success Factors for Implementation in Manufacturing Small and Medium Sized Enterprise (SMEs). Short Term Research Grant, pp. 1-89. 7.0 Appendix 7.1 Time Scale Read More