Business Process Management (BPM) is the set of concepts, methods and tools surrounding the definition, implementation, improvement and structuring of lateral processes in organizations. It emerged as a combination of mature organizational concepts (BPR, Six Sigma, TQM) and process-supporting technologies such as workflow management, BPM suites and service-enabled systems. The use of Business Process Automation technology in this context promises significant efficiency gains for organizations through the automated coordination of activities, allocation of tasks to process participants and the integration of applications. The demand for BPM is further stimulated by opportunities related to ongoing process performance improvement, process outsoucing / offshoring and the interest in process standards such as ITIL and SCOR. Not surprisingly, global analysts such as the Gartner Group have identified Business Process Management as the number one priority of CIOs for a number of years.
BPM & SI Audience
The BPM and SI program primarily addresses the needs of public and private organizations with Process Management initiatives. It covers topics relevant for IT staff that is participating in BPM Projects, Business personnel involved in process modeling projects, and executives involved in process management and strategic development projects. The program is also suitable for IT organizations with BPM tool offerings and provides business-level education for sales-force personnel, technical staff, and consultants. Current students can choose BPM courses (for example MIS 712) as electives in the Information Management concentration of the MS in Information Systems program.
Certificate Structure
The program is designed around three core courses in BPM, starting with a strategy-focused module (MIS 710) that covers the transition from organizational goals to high-level process design. The next module (MIS 712) continues from the process design level and covers implementation aspects, change management, and technology platforms for Business Process support. The next module focuses on the design of innovative services in organizations (SME 720). These three courses are followed by an elective that either applies process management to the supply chain management domain (MIS 690) or allows students to report on a research or practical project in the BPM context (MIS 800). Practitioners are encouraged to apply the insights from the first three courses to their organization and to report on their experiences.
Certificate Curriculum
Business Process Management & Service Innovation Graduate Certificate
Master of Science in Information Systems
Stevens will grant a Master of Science in Information System with concentration in BPM & Service Innovation (MSIS/BPM) degree after the successful completion of eight additional graduate courses, in addition to the four courses for the Graduate Certificate in BPM & SI.
Research in BPM
The Howe School maintains an active research program in the area of Business Process Management and Innovation. More information about the related activities that inform this MSIS concentration can be found here.
