Towards Developing A Model for Global Business Process Reengineering

Business Process Reengineering (BPR) and globalization of companies are two trends that have converged in the last few years. This convergence has led to several global companies taking the effort to re-assess their global business processes and in many cases reengineering these processes. This paper proposes a model and presents some of the preliminary findings based on few interviews. Though the model here is based on the pilot studies on the topic, the initial responses from the field do seem to validate the fundamental tenets of the model

Investigating the Link Between Multinational Strategy-Structure and Management of End User Computing

The goal of this paper is to investigate the link between existing organization strategy-structure and the management of end user computing, in a multinational setting. This paper attempts to answer the question: Is there any consistency between the multinational strategy-structure and its end user computing strategy? The factors influencing the degree of fit between the organization strategy and end-user strategy will also be identified. Recommendations based on the preliminary investigation are made for tackling some of the problem areas. This preliminary investigation is followed by a detailed survey of multinational corporations. Though the results from the survey are not currently available, the initial results from the case studies in this research are presented and discussed

Mandatory Laptop Computers for All Students: Lessons Learned from the Technology-Learning-Communication (TLC) Initiative at Northern Michigan University

This paper presents the preliminary observations of the Technology-Learning-Communication (TLC) initiative at Northern Michigan University. The authors have spent the last year conducting interviews to gather critical information on the impact of mandatory laptop requirement on the various stakeholders of the university. The motivations, processes, changes, and initial feedback from various individuals and groups are presented. It was found that such a technology-focused endeavor requires various structural as well as procedural changes. In fact in some facets the university has to transform itself into a highly cohesive and efficient business organization where procurement, distribution and inventory control become a part of the organization culture. The study also finds that need for welldefined metrics relating to outcome of the project need greater attention. This study provides valuable insight to other universities and decision makers. It is anticipated that this interesting case study will be available in its entirety in early 2002