Knowledge flow-based business process redesign: applying a knowledge map to redesign a business process

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to suggest a method to redesign business processes from the viewpoint of knowledge flows using a knowledge map. Design/methodology/approach – Knowledge flows and business processes cannot be separated because knowledge is inputted and outputted through business processes. Knowledge flows inherit the feature and appearance of corresponding business processes; therefore, one can identify problems within business processes by analyzing corresponding knowledge flows. The methodology is composed of the following sections: knowledge mapping, knowledge profiling, knowledge flow identification, knowledge flow optimization and TO-BE process visualization. Findings – This paper provides a methodology for knowledge flow-based business process redesign and ten guidelines for knowledge flow optimization. The case study demonstrates that the proposed ideas constitute knowledge-intensified business processes. Research limitations/implications – A more formal validation method that is based on the statistical analysis must be provided to assert the proposed guidelines for knowledge flow optimization as the truly optimized ones. Practical implications – This paper’s idea provides the practical methodology and guidelines that can be directly applicable to performing business process redesign by introducing a real case. Originality/value – This paper’s ideas not only provide present companies with a practical way to enhance their business process to be more knowledge-focused, but also promote the current economy to be more knowledge-intensive.