The Road to Success: Recommendations for the Design of Successful Business Process Modeling Initiatives

Abstract

Process modeling is among the most important activities in the business process management lifecycle and enables enterprises to improve communication, coordination, and knowledge management. However, enterprises frequently face challenges when introducing process modeling to their organization. These range from a lack of strategic alignment to insufficient stakeholder participation leading to pitfalls, such as project failure or outcomes that do not meet predefined expectations. Hence, we present findings from eight successful process modeling initiatives and consolidate them to a decision-support framework. The contribution of this research is twofold. First, our study suggests that the success of process modeling depends on contextual parameters, including top management involvement, tool support, and employee education. Second, the design of process modeling initiatives fundamentally changes with organizational objectives. Based on a clear set of goals, enterprises can choose from at least three success strategies that require a unique configuration and structure.