Business Process Management and IT Management: The Missing Integration

BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT
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Article Critique:
Business process management and IT management: The missing integration ((2016).
International Journal of Information Management, 36(1), 142-154. By: Rahimi, Fatemeh.,
Møller, Charles., & Hvam, Lars Hvam.

BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT 2
Introduction
Business process management (BPM) is a critical aspect of every organization. Proper
business management improves the performance of an organization hence giving it a competitive
advantage over their rivals. BPM goes hand in hand with the Information Technology (IT)
management. A company that engages in advanced technology has an added advantage of
innovation and invention that can trigger the growth of the company [1]. The importance of IT
and BPM in organization cannot be underrated. However, the association between BPM and IT
management has not been explored in depth. This article, therefore, sought to find how BPM can
be linked to the IT management. They realized that horizontal integration between the two will
steer organizations forward by enhancing smooth and strategic operations. They proposed IT
alignment since technology is a key factor that determines business direction, and hence the
integration mechanisms [2]. The authors proposed the significance of IT as a business enabler
and that its integration at both operational and strategic planning levels will positively influence
BPM.
Interdependence between business processes and IT systems
Due to revolutionizing of technological world, organizations are encouraged to invest in
advanced information technology systems. IT offers numerous advantages to companies by
informing and automating their business operations. IT plays a significant role in coordinating
the governance and decision-making process involving IT management in the organization [3].
Additionally, business processes ensure that the IT management systems are connected to the
overall business operations of the company. Therefore, the link between corporate strategies and
IT capabilities are tied to the business process. To optimize these processes, BPM jets in so that
the business process systems are in line with the overall business strategies. The interconnection

BUSINESS PROCESS MANAGEMENT 3
between IT and BPM, therefore, is crucial for organization since they inform the best practices
[4] to be used for betterment of the company.
The interrelation between business management process and IT management can be seen
in their governance capabilities within the dimensions of governance and structure. For instance,
business process governance (BPG) offers an organizational structure for individuals undertaking
BPM activities and also formalizing and institutionalizing decision-making processes at different
organizational levels [4]. On the other hand, IT governance (ITG) capabilities involves creating
an organization structure for persons undertaking IT management activities and also formalizing
and institutionalizing IT monitoring procedures and decision-making process. Nevertheless,
there is a disconnect between ITG and BPG as they overlook the involvement of each other in
the decision-making process and other functions. As such, failure to include business process in
the decision-making of IT, causes strategic misfits between the two, loss of competitive
advantage as well as technology fixation hence negatively affecting the operations of the
company. Similarly, lack of integration of IT in BPM decision-making results into higher risks
and costs of IT implementation [2]. As such, the authors examined the integration of IT
management and BPM into each other and how they influence business operations.
Defining Business Process Governance (BPG) and Information Technology Governance
(ITG)
Business Process Governance which is a structured management approach uses different
strategies such as metrics, software tools, policies, and management practices to coordinate
business processes such as design, analysis, design, specification, and optimization. BPM is a
core element crucial for building BPM maturity hence its responsible for managing business
operations and processes [5]. BPM framework plays an important role in an organization by