Improving systemic success factors in a university to achieve more effective and efficient operations: Using the PrOH modelling methodology
Business Process Management Journal
ISSN: 1463-7154
Article publication date: 18 October 2019
Issue publication date: 5 March 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to improve the efficacy of professional support services and teaching processes within a leading UK university so that they align better to changing academic requirements and external market forces, using a novel systems thinking methodology. A case study is given from a school in a leading UK university.
Design/methodology/approach
The case uses a novel process modelling methodology known as the process-orientated holonic modelling methodology. Abducted rationalisation is used to reflect upon the 4V’s theoretical concept of operational characteristics (volume, variety, variation over time and visibility). The paper also briefly describes the unique systems thinking principles behind the methodology and its use of abductive rationalisation.
Findings
The methodology and models show that it is advantageous to simultaneously review strategic processes and operational processes because this enables roles, processes and tasks to be more purposefully redefined and more closely meet endogenous organisational requirements and exogenous market forces.
Originality/value
This work will interest organisational analysts wishing to use a novel approach to improve strategy and operational processes in higher education and universities. The practical implications of the study are discussed using the 4V’s theoretical concept: volume of throughput, variety of offerings, variation over time and visibility of processes to students. The international context and implications are outlined.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the then dean of CSS and other senior and executive management of the case study university, who provided critical support to this study.
Citation
Clegg, B. (2020), "Improving systemic success factors in a university to achieve more effective and efficient operations: Using the PrOH modelling methodology", Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 630-654. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-11-2017-0308
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited