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TI: |
Title
A Comprehensive Process Improvement Methodology:
Experiences at Caterpillar's Mossville Engine
Center (MEC) |
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AU: |
Author
Paper, David; Dickinson, Steve |
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AF: |
Author Affiliation
Utah State University; Caterpillar, Inc. |
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AB: |
Abstract
Since the beginning of the 1990s, business process
reengineering (BPR) has received considerable
attention from the management information systems
(MIS) community. However, dramatic improvements
touted by BPR advocates have failed to materialize
in many organizations. Current research has
provided limited explanatory power concerning the
underlying reasons behind BPR failure. Hence,
in-depth research is needed into companies
experimenting with BPR. This case provides a
longitudinal view of Caterpillar Inc. Mossville
Engine Center experiences with BPR since 1991. It
describes how Caterpillar Inc. (Peoria, IL)
introduced BPR into one business unit, Mossville
Engine Center (MEC), five years ago and saved
between US $10 and $20 million. Caterpillar
believes that its success with process improvement
can be directly tied to adoption and
implementation of an enterprise-wide methodology
called Business Process Simplification and
Improvement (BPS/I). BPS/I provides a systematic
methodology for analysis, design, and
implementation of reengineering principles. The
methodology provides the structure, techniques,
and new job roles to effectively implement
redesigned business processes. The role of
information technology includes facilitation of
data transformation, information flow, and
communication through each stage of the BPS/I
methodology. The case was co-authored by the
Process Improvement Manager. His job was to
facilitate, instruct, and oversee BPR initiatives.
Information was gathered via in-depth interviews,
observation, company documentation, and consultant
information. Our hope is to introduce mechanisms
and guidelines to help other firms effectively
implement and manage BPR initiatives. |
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PG: |
Pages
12 pp |
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PY: |
Publication Year
2001 |
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DE: |
Descriptors
Manufacturing; U.S.; Business Process
Reengineering; Emerging and Innovative
Technologies; Software Engineering Tools
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TA: |
Target Audience
Undergraduate, Graduate |
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AN: |
Accession Number
IT5566 |
