The research issue for this thesis was founded within the RAMESES project, but is specifically concerned with the necessity for SMEs to undertake the activity of business process modelling. The need to understand the `as is' position of an organisation is fundamental to the development, change or implementation of any information or communication technologies (ICT). The primary research question was `are SMEs able to model business processes in such a way that will enable the effective analysis of the organisation in order to enable information systems development change or implementation'. The objective of the research was to develop a method by which this business process modelling activity could be supported in a fashion which was accessible and effective within the target environment. This thesis expounds the benefits of using a critical approach utilizing a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods within the bounds of a multi-disciplinary research team to enable effective exploration and investigation. The concept of the research life-cycle has developed the notion of appropriateness in method and approach: this is discussed against the values of the critical and realist paradigms. The issues reported in this thesis have been identified as a result of detailed case study analysis of six small organisations in the North-east of England. The conclusions are presented in three sections firstly the conclusions relating to the SME and the appropriateness of the BAM technique developed within the RAMESES project. Secondly conclusions are given in regard to the research methodology and reflections given as to the efficacy of the process. Thirdly reflections and conclusions are presented that relate to the work in relation to its overall critical aims and finally makes suggestions as to how future work could be improved.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:272546 |
| Date | January 2003 |
| Creators | Mallalieu, Gillian Margaret |
| Publisher | Durham University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/1078/ |
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