Abstract
M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
The principle aim of this study is to investigate the state of Business Process Management (BPM) in South African industrial organisations. The researcher as a Business Process Engineer dedicated to performance improvement through process innovation and change management principles, conducted a field research project studying the application of process management in South African companies.
This survey summarises information provided by 348 respondents working in large, medium, and small companies, representing a broad cross section of industries in South Africa. Given the size and diversity of the respondents, the researcher believes that this is the most comprehensive and representative overview of:
• How organisations understand BPM;
• How was BPM spending in 2011;
• What BPM activities companies are currently engaged in; and
• What BPM activities companies are planning for the future?
The researcher hopes the information provided in this survey report will provide readers with insight into the kinds of BPM development efforts currently underway and how their company’s BPM efforts compare to the overall market.
Finally, the researcher hopes this survey report will provide BPM practitioners with insights that will suggest new ideas for future developments in their organisations.
Research results shows that South African organisations are as likely to be pursuing business process redesign or considering the use of BPM Systems. Some industries are absolutely doing more than others, just as large companies are more likely to be undertaking large projects, but companies in all industries and companies of all different size are engaged in BPM work.