Business Process Management System Design: The Role of Virtualisation and Work Design

Business Process Management (BPM) has emerged as a fundamental aspect of modern business, revolutionising task execution and operational efficiency. This study explored the integration of BPM, virtualisation, and work design to enhance organisational performance and productivity. Through a systematic literature review major gaps in the current literature were identified, revealing opportunities for further research and investigation. An experiment was established where two simulated BPM systems were given to users to operate, one taking advantage of virtualisation and work design, the other not. An analysis of the data collected from these systems as well as a user survey illustrates the potential significance of integrating virtualisation and work design in BPM systems. We provide a reflective discussion linking theoretical understanding with empirical evidence from literature. We found that both components not only enhanced the performance and effectiveness of BPM systems, but also improved flexibility, scalability, and user experience. A holistic approach to BPM system design has emerged as crucial, encompassing process modelling, automation, workflow management, integration, analytics, reporting, governance, and continuous improvement. The data supports that a relationship between virtualised resources and work design exists when incorporated into BPM system design. Further, it provides valuable insights into how these elements interact and impact each other. The study establishes the effect of virtualisation and work design on the usability of BPM systems. It contributes to the literature on BPM as well as the role of virtualisation and work design in the design and implementation of BPM systems.