MASTER PROGRAMS
Spring Semester
2014/2015
COURSE SYLLABUS
Business Process Management and Information Technologies
Instructor: Kiran V. Zhukova, PhD in Computer Science, Associate Professor,
k.v.zhukova@gsom.pu.ru
Organization of the course
Program
Year
Course status
Workload
Prerequisites
Teaching methods
MITIM
1-st year, 2-nd year
Elective
3 ECTS, 20 hours of classes
None
The course format combines individual class assignments, case
studies, computer labs and will be based on interactive debating
style. A participative approach is used to enable learning by
discovery.
Course abstract
More and more businesses are recognizing the value of modeling their business processes. The
course covers the most advanced techniques for modeling, improving and documenting business
processes. During the course students learn to use a structured, disciplined approach to
understanding business process models through their eliciting, analyzing, documenting and
validating on the base of industry recognized standards.
First part of the course introduces the importance of treating business organizations as systems.
Second part of the course develops process mapping and analysis skills to formalize key
organization activities.
Third part of the course allow students to obtain practical skills on process simulation and
analysis to improve business processes and as a result receive better key point indicators to assess
the effectiveness of proposed solutions.
Course objectives
The course aim is to give students understanding how to change and improve business processes
on the base of complex analysis of organization key activities in order to add value to business.
Key skills developed by students
Students gain knowledge to create horizontal process management structures through
documenting, mapping, analyzing, simulating and validating business processes.
Course content
Topic 1. System analysis and business modeling
Thinking in systems. Business systems. The benefits of formalization. Models vs. systems.
Models types: conceptual, physical, functional, mathematical models. Goals of using models in
management.
Topic 2. Business process mapping and visualization
Process vs. business process. From business functions to business processes shift. Visualizing
business dimensions. Types of diagram modelling: mind-maps, flowcharts, relationship
diagrams, cross-functional diagrams.
Topic 3. Business process improvement and reengineering
Types of process improvement: TQM, Six Sigma, BPR, BPI. Business process management lifecycle. Development of AS-IS and TO-BE models..
Topic 4. IT solutions for process simulation and analysis
Simulation concepts. Business process improvement types. What-If analysis.
BPM tool types. BPM vendors. BPM-cycle and BPM software. BPM languages.
Schedule of classes
Day 1, 09.04.2015 (Thursday), room 7343.1* (lecture room)
10.00 – 11.30 Topic 1. System analysis and business modeling
11.30 - 12.15 Lunch
12.15 – 14.00 Group assignment #1 – Business game on System analysis
14.00 – 14.15 Coffee-Break
14.15 – 15.00 Exam preparation session
Day 2, 10.04.2015 (Friday), room 7337 (computer class)
10.00 – 11.30 Topic 2. Business process mapping and visualization
11.30 - 12.15 Lunch
12.15 – 14.00 Group assignment #2 - Case study on Process Mapping
14.00 – 14.15 Coffee-Break
14.15 – 15.00 Exam preparation session
Day 3, 16.04.2015 (Thursday), room 7339 (computer class)
14.00 – 15.30 Topic 3. Business process improvement and reengineering
15.30 - 15.45 Coffee-Break
15.45 – 17.45 Group assignment #3 – Case study on Business Process Improvement
17.45 – 18.00
18.00 – 19.00 Individual test assignment.
Day 4, 17.04.2015 (Friday), room 7337* (computer class)
10.00 – 11.30 Topic 4. IT solutions for process simulation and analysis
11.30 - 12.15 Lunch
12.15 – 13.30 Business Process management lifecycle.
13.30 – 14.15 Group assignment #4 –Business process management (from mindmap to policies)
14.15 – 14.45 Exam preparation session
14.45 – 15.00 Course Summary
Evaluation system
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Forms of current evaluation: individual class assignments and group work that includes 1
individual assignment, 4 group exercises.
Form of final evaluation: written exam (open book, 90 minutes)
Grading policy
Student’s work for the course will be assessed in 3 key aspects: in-class tests, group
exercises (including assignment completion and in-class activity), knowledge of the
course topics (exam). Exam is held as a written test based on all course issues and
materials. Course Work includes: 4 exercises. Each test and exercise is graded in points
from the range [0-100].
The final assessment is composed as follows:
1. Course work (tests, group exercises)- 50%
a. Group Assignment #1 – 5%
b. Group Assignment #2 – 5%
c. Group Assignment #3 – 10%
d. Group Assignment #4 – 10%
e. Individual assignment – 20%
2. Final exam – 50%