ITM 206 Module 1 Case Homework

Introduction to Business Processes

Assignment Overview

Required Reading

Business Process Management. (n.d.). MAPGUIDE/Introduction to BPM. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ibissoft.se/papers/MapGuide.pdf

Davenport and Short. (1990). The New Industrial Engineering, Page 100, Definition of a Business Process. Retrieved from:
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=p6vuyWD8I30C&oi=fnd&pg=PA97&dq=definition+business+process&ots=9D5jGIJ4M3&sig=ww7VqEIRWt37820idwfwGxl8WYM#v=onepage&q=definition%20business%20process&f=false

Business & Entrepreneurship. (n.d.). Functional vs. divisional organizational structure. Retrieved fromhttp://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/functional-vs-divisional-organizational-structure-3764.html

Optional Reading

SlideShare. (2010, April 29). Introduction to business process management. Retrieved fromhttp://www.slideshare.net/alanmcsweeney/introduction-to-business-process-management

Sparx Systems UML Tutorials. (2004). The business process model. Retrieved fromhttp://www.sparxsystems.com/downloads/whitepapers/The_Business_Process_Model.pdf

Thornton, S. (n.d.). Organizational Structure of a Business. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ehow.com/about_5387149_organizational-structure-businesses.html

Now you have developed some understanding about the business processes and their impact on the organization, you are ready to write a case paper on the following topic.

When you've had a chance to review information from the background readings and research other sources on your own, please prepare a 3- to 5-page paper on the following topic:

What is a business process? Why is adopting a process view of organizations essential to becoming a successful manager?

In answering the above, you may want to consider following:

· Describing one or more key business process in an organization to include why they are important. You might use examples from your current or past organizations that you worked in or had to deal with. The background material talks about kinds of processes – or levels of processes. What kind of processes or what levels of processes are the ones that you described.

· Identify the main integration points between and among processes. I.e. You can provide an example of how the process described above integrate(d) with others. You may want to consider using the terminology in some of the background material.

Assignment Expectations

Your paper should be between three and five pages. Take a definite stand on the issues, and develop your supporting argument carefully. Using material from the background information and any other sources you can find to support specific points in your argument is highly recommended; try to avoid making assertions for which you can find no support other than your own opinion.

You will be particularly assessed on:

· Precision: Your draw on a range of sources, and to establish your understanding of the historical context of the question. You carried out the exercise as assigned, or carefully explained the limitations that might have prevented your completing some parts (running out of time isn’t generally considered an adequate limitation).

· Support for assertions:You use examples, citations (especially to the required readings), and elaboration to support assertions. You provide evidence that you have read the required background materials.

· Clarity: Your answers are clear and show your good understanding of the topic. You see what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly.

· Breadth and Depth: The scope covered in your paper is directly related to the questions of the assignment and the learning objectives of the module.

· Critical thinking: The paper incorporates YOUR reactions, examples, and applications of the material to business that illustrate your reflective judgment and good understanding of the concepts. It is important to read the "required readings" posted in the background material plus others you find relevant. Your informed commentary and analysis is vital -- simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.

· Overall quality: Your paper is well written and the references, where needed, are properly cited and listed (refer to the university guidelinesStudent Guide to Writing a High-Quality Academic Paper) if you are uncertain about formats or other issues.