Aligning IT Solutions with Business Processes: A Methodological Approach

For IT students, junior solution consultants, business analysts, system analysts, junior IT architects and project managers. In the competitive business world today, a system or solution that increases efficiency and improves an organization s business processes is critical to its success. Unfortunately, while organizations understand the importance of using IT solutions to automate their business processes, few are able to effectively achieve this in practice. Problems usually arise due to an incomplete understanding between the businessmen and the IT experts. This book aims to help students and professionals alike acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to execute a methodological approach to translate business requirements into clear IT solutions. The Business Process Engineering Methodology (BPEM) that reinforces the process of translating business objectives into IT solutions is presented, through a collection of models, techniques and tools. This book is written in a systematic manner, starting with an introduction and a discussion of the importance of managing business processes in an organization, to the importance of aligning IT solution requirements with business requirements, and moving on to presenting methodologies and models that analyze business processes and provide effective IT solutions that best meet an organization s needs. Learning objectives A topic list is provided at the beginning of each chapter. Learning objectives are also listed out clearly, enabling readers to understand the goal of the chapter, as well as key concepts to look out for. Relevant and real-life examples The examples in the book make use of real-life, industry-related examples, making it easier for readers to envision and understand how the systems and solutions presented in the book are used in real world situations. Easy-to-read language The language used is easy to understand, with terms and jargon explained. Readers will find the book an easy read. Visual representation The book features diagrams and models in a visually attractive manner to engage readers easily. Case studies for application At the end of certain chapters, case studies based on real projects are provided to demonstrate how the concepts covered in the book are applied in a real world setting. Chapter 1: Business Process and IT Chapter 2: Business Process Engineering Methodology Chapter 3: Business Modelling Activities Chapter 4: Business Process Model Chapter 5: Process Analysis Static Analysis Chapter 6: Process Analysis Dynamic Analysis Chapter 7: IT Solutions Requirements Definition Chapter 8: Solution Blueprint Chapter 9: Concept Solution Blueprint Activities