Development and validation of business process reengineering (BPR) variables: a survey research in Slovenian companies

Abstract

Business Process Reengineering (BPR) literature is based primarily on case studies and there is a lack of rigorous wide-ranging empirical research covering all its aspects. This paper presents the results of a survey research carried out in 73 medium and large-sized Slovenian manufacturing companies. Seven crucial areas were identified based on a synthesis of BPR literature, which must be practised to achieve effective process reengineering: management commitment, education & training, team work, BPR project characteristics, employee cooperation, information technology support, and levers & results. Variables have been constructed within these areas, using Likert scales, and statistical validity and reliability analyses. These developed variables can be important both for understanding BPR and in terms of the descriptive statistics, also reported in this paper. What emerges is the crucial importance of process orientation, goal setting, and top management commitment. Furthermore, these variables can be helpful for further research aimed at investigating BPR and its linkages with other areas, such as strategy, performance measurement, etc.