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Useful Descriptions of Organizational Processes: Collecting Data for the Process Handbook

Author

Listed:
  • Brian T. Pentland
  • Charles S. Osborn
  • George Wyner
  • Fred Luconi

Abstract

This paper describes a data collection methodology for business process analysis. Unlike static objects, business processes are semi-repetitive sequences of events that are often widely distributed in time and space, with ambiguous boundaries. To redesign or even just describe a business process requires an approach that is sensitive to these aspects of the phenomena. The method described here is intended to generate semi-formal process representations suitable for inclusion in a "handbook" of organizational processes. Using basic techniques of ethnographic interviewing and observation, the method helps users map decomposition, specialization, and dependency relationships at an intermediate level of abstraction meaningful to participants. By connecting new process descriptions to an existing taxonomy of similar descriptions in the Handbook, this method helps build a common vocabulary for process description and analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Brian T. Pentland & Charles S. Osborn & George Wyner & Fred Luconi, 1999. "Useful Descriptions of Organizational Processes: Collecting Data for the Process Handbook," Working Paper Series 208, MIT Center for Coordination Science.
    • Handle: RePEc:wop:mitccs:208
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas W. Malone & Kevin Crowston & Jintae Lee & Brian Pentland & Chrysanthos Dellarocas & George Wyner & John Quimby & Charles S. Osborn & Abraham Bernstein & George Herman & Mark Klein & Elissa O'Do, 1999. "Tools for Inventing Organizations: Toward a Handbook of Organizational Processes," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 45(3), pages 425-443, March.
    2. Hammer, Michael & Champy, James, 1993. "Reengineering the corporation: A manifesto for business revolution," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 36(5), pages 90-91.
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