A study into the contingencies of process improvement methods

The design and improvement of business processes is central importance for realizing benefits information systems. A broad spectrum methods has been proposed since the 1990s, which ranges into several dozen. It unclear whether this large number trivially stems from copying relabeling or there are substantial differences in these that can be tied to their applicability different contexts pursuit goals. Accordingly, we ask: Which activities do process have common, how they differ, why? In paper, approach research questions using a multi-method integrating techniques systematic literature review, mining, statistical analysis. Our contributions as follows. First, provide framework with 264 clustered six stages could used incrementally radically improving processes. Second, find map configurations three dimensions described by redesign orbit. Third, uncover similarities contingent factors industry, objectives method applied. Fourth, observe distinct clusters activities, show strategies play role when choosing improvement. findings important implications application various scenarios.