Design Of Socio-technical Systems Research Articles

The joint use of resilience engineering and lean production for work system design: A study in healthcare

Although lean production (LP) has been increasingly adopted in healthcare systems, its benefits often fall short of expectations. This might be partially due to the failure of lean to account for the complexity of healthcare. This paper discusses the joint use of principles of LP and resilience engineering (RE), which is an approach for system design inspired by complexity science. Thus, a framework for supporting the design of socio-technical systems, which combines insights from LP and RE, was developed and tested in a system involving a patient flow from an emergency department to an intensive care unit. Based on this empirical study, as well as on extant theory, eight design propositions that support the framework application were developed. Both the framework and its corresponding propositions can contribute to the design of socio-technical systems that are at the same time safe and efficient.

Guiding the behavior of sociotechnical systems: The role of agent‐based modeling

AbstractPerformance and success for many sociotechnical systems depend on the way the social and the technical parts interact and coevolve with each other. Such dynamic interactions are increasingly becoming an essential part of design and governance of many emerging systems such as sharing economy platforms and critical infrastructures. This paper makes a case for an agent‐based approach to support the design and governance of sociotechnical systems and asserts that agent‐based modeling (ABM) and simulation, with certain suggested revisions, can be a powerful methodology in this domain. This paper addresses three goals: The first is to make a case for using ABM in the analysis, design, and governance of sociotechnical systems due to systemic trends that increase the relevance of ABM. The second goal is to point to a crucial difference between the application of ABM to natural, social, and physical systems, where most of the ABM literature resides and its application to sociotechnical systems. As a part of this goal, we will focus on using ABM as a design tool to guide the behavior of sociotechnical systems at higher levels of abstraction by changing parameters at lower levels. The third goal is to provide a perspective on the often controversial topic of model validation for ABM and discuss various levels of expectations and flavors of validation for ABM. To this end, and building on the framework proposed under the second goal, we present a process that we call quasi‐validation as a suggested high‐level framework to gain confidence in using agent‐based models for intervention‐based scenario studies. Finally, we discuss a set of future research directions in ABM for design and governance of sociotechnical systems.

A Socio-Technical Perspective on the Design of IT Architectures: The Lowlands Lens

The paper aims at developing a more comprehensive design theory for designing effective IT architectures based on organizational design principles. It builds on the sociotechnical systems design theory (STS-D) for the design of work, workplaces, and organizations as developed in the Lowlands (The Netherlands and Belgium). Traditional sociotechnical approaches study the effects of the technical system on the social system and try to jointly optimize both systems by end-users’ participation. The Lowlands STS-D approach focuses on creating organizational conditions for developing humane and productive organizations. Organizations are considered as social systems. Technical systems need to support the effective functioning of work and control of work within that social system. Therefore, the division of labour is central in the Lowlands STS-D approach. It is articulated in designing the execution tasks (production structure) and control tasks (control structure). Furthermore, it claims that the design of IT architecture follows after organizational design of the production and control structure. This boils down to the design of provisioning of information needed at workplaces and between workplaces. To understand the Lowlands approach for designing IT architecture, called archipelago, we will first in-depth explain its organizational design principles and sequence, and its application for designing IT architecture, which is becoming ever more feasible with new technologies. Furthermore, with this paper we attempt to bridge the different languages used by organizational and IT designers as they should jointly work on the same outcome: humane and productive organizations.

Towards a total workplace innovation concept based on sociotechnical systems design

This article aims at developing a more comprehensive design theory for stakeholders who are involved in design processes aimed at workplace innovation, by starting from sociotechnical design and by exploring how we can broaden that perspective with other approaches, to also cover issues such as Information Technology-design and Human Resources-design. This article will focus on sociotechnical design (STS-D) theory for the design of the division of labour as developed in the Lowlands (Netherlands and Belgium). In addition to STS-D theory, other theories and practices for designing control, coordination and support systems have been developed, such as Lean Thinking, Total Productive Maintenance, Human Resource Management (HRM) theories, Relation Coordination theory, Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) theories, the practice of the New World of Work (time and place independent work) and Sociocracy for participative strategic decision making. In this article, we will outline a start for combining these approaches with STS-D theory to develop a systemic concept of Total Workplace Innovation (TWIN). As such, this article is an essayist and conceptualising approach to organizational design theory.

Using the Democratic Past to End Neoliberalism in Universities: Action Research, Socio-technical Systems Design, and the Global Future

Abstract Honouring Werner Fricke means carrying on his work. This essay argues for the applicability of the lessons and strategies learned from the successes of the “socio-technical systems design” and “industrial democracy” movement to the reconstruction of universities as stakeholder ‒ designed and managed organisations. Universities must now conduct research and teach in ways that promote social mobility and solidarity, and prepare new generations to reclaim welfare states from the global inequality and environmental collapse created by neoliberalism. Doing this means fundamental organisational change away from Neo-Taylorism by means of approaches learned in the previous generations of the industrial democracy movement. Keywords: industrial democracy, Neo-Taylorism, neoliberalism, socio-technical systems design, Universities ----- Usando el pasado democratico para acabar con el neoliberalismo en las universidades: Investigacion-Accion, Diseno de Sistemas Socio-tecnicos y el Futuro Global Resumen Honrar a Werner Fricke significa llevar adelante su trabajo. Este ensayo aboga por la aplicabilidad de las lecciones y estrategias aprendidas de los exitos del movimiento de “diseno de sistemas ociotecnicos” y “democracia industrial” en la reconstruccion de la universidad como organizaciones disenadas y gestionadas por los actores interesados e involucrados. Las universidades deben ahora realizar investigaciones y ensenar de forma que promuevan la movilidad social y la solidaridad, y preparen a las nuevas generaciones para recuperar los estados de bienestar de la desigualdad global y el colapso ambiental creado por el neoliberalismo. Hacer esto significa un cambio organizativo fundamental alejado del Neo-Taylorismo mediante enfoques aprendidos en las generaciones anteriores del movimiento de la democracia industrial. Palabras clave: Democracia industrial, Neo-Taylorismo, neoliberalismo, diseno de sistemas ociotecnicos, universidades. ----- Bibliography: Greenwood, Davydd J.: Using the Democratic Past to End Neoliberalism in Universities: Action Research, Socio-technical Systems Design, and the Global Future, IJAR, 2-2017, pp. 178-190. https://doi.org/10.3224/ijar.v13i2.06

Using the Democratic Past to End Neoliberalism in Universities: Action Research, Socio-technical Systems Design, and the Global Future

Honouring Werner Fricke means carrying on his work. This essay argues for the applicability of the lessons and strategies learned from the successes of the “socio-technical systems design” and “industrial democracy” movement to the reconstruction of universities as stakeholder ‒ designed and managed organisations. Universities must now conduct research and teach in ways that promote social mobility and solidarity, and prepare new generations to reclaim welfare states from the global inequality and environmental collapse created by neoliberalism. Doing this means fundamental organisational change away from Neo-Taylorism by means of approaches learned in the previous generations of the industrial democracy movement.Keywords: industrial democracy, Neo-Taylorism, neoliberalism, socio-technical systems design, Universities-----Usando el pasado democrático para acabar con el neoliberalismo en las universidades: Investigación-Acción, Diseño de Sistemas Socio-técnicos y el Futuro GlobalResumen Honrar a Werner Fricke significa llevar adelante su trabajo. Este ensayo aboga por la aplicabilidad de las lecciones y estrategias aprendidas de los éxitos del movimiento de “diseño de sistemas ociotécnicos” y “democracia industrial” en la reconstrucción de la universidad como organizaciones diseñadas y gestionadas por los actores interesados e involucrados. Las universidades deben ahora realizar investigaciones y enseñar de forma que promuevan la movilidad social y la solidaridad, y preparen a las nuevas generaciones para recuperar los estados de bienestar de la desigualdad global y el colapso ambiental creado por el neoliberalismo. Hacer esto significa un cambio organizativo fundamental alejado del Neo-Taylorismo mediante enfoques aprendidos en las generaciones anteriores del movimiento de la democracia industrial.Palabras clave: Democracia industrial, Neo-Taylorismo, neoliberalismo, diseño de sistemas ociotécnicos, universidades.-----Bibliography: Greenwood, Davydd J.: Using the Democratic Past to End Neoliberalism in Universities: Action Research, Socio-technical Systems Design, and the Global Future, IJAR, 2-2017, pp. 178-190. https://doi.org/10.3224/ijar.v13i2.06

Sociotechnical System Safety: Hierarchical Control versus Mindfulness

Both the hierarchical control model of organizational processes in a sociotechnical system and organizational mindfulness have been promoted, largely through independent lines of argument, as having potential to improve safety in large-scale sociotechnical systems. We review the arguments to assess the confidence we might place in these claims and to assess whether these views are necessarily incompatible or could be complementary. Our analysis reveals a lack of consistency in the arguments for hierarchical control. It remains unclear whether application of this model to sociotechnical system design will enhance safety or will even degrade it by promoting micromanagement. We conclude that the type of mindfulness that bolsters important safety-related cognitive processes is just what is missing from the hierarchical control model. The safety of large-scale sociotechnical systems with catastrophic potential poses an enormous challenge. A functional model with some hierarchical properties, when complemented with insights relating to organizational mindfulness, offers an innovative way of working toward resolving that challenge.

Applying organizational psychology as a design science: A method for predicting malfunctions in socio-technical systems (PreMiSTS)

As a discipline, design science has traditionally focused on designing products and associated technical processes to improve usability and performance. Although significant progress has been made in these areas, little research has yet examined the role of human behaviour in the design of socio-technical systems (e.g., organizations). Here, we argue that applying organizational psychology as a design science can address this omission and enhance the capability of both disciplines. Specifically, we propose a method to predict malfunctions in socio-technical systems (PreMiSTS), thereby enabling them to be designed out or mitigated. We introduce this method, describe its nine stages, and illustrate its application with reference to two high-profile case studies of such malfunctions: (1) the severe breakdowns in patient care at the UK’s Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust hospital in the period 2005–2009, and (2) the fatal Grayrigg rail accident in Cumbria, UK, in 2007. Having first identified the socio-technical and behavioural antecedents of these malfunctions, we then consider how the PreMiSTS method could be used to predict and prevent future malfunctions of this nature. Finally, we evaluate the method, consider its advantages and disadvantages, and suggest where it can be most usefully applied.

The influence of the processes of design and redesign of construction works on the performance of the production for the enterprises of building Industry

Design and redesign of construction works is a formal and informal specification relating to the actions of the individual, including both structural and interpersonal aspects of the work, taking into account the needs and demands of both the organization and the individual. The term “redesign of construction work” necessarily implies such operational approaches and methods as change of work, growing responsibilities, ergonomic factors, enrichment of work, the design of socio-technical systems, formation of teams performance/productivity, streamline production operations, etc. The systematic redesign of works usually use either methods related to the solution of employment problems on an individual basis, from time to time, or methods of diagnosis, evaluation and improvement of work organization in the framework of a larger program aimed at improving productivity and quality of working life. When “appropriate” task or problem set before “according” by a group or individuals and used “appropriate” group process, the results can be exceptional and serve as an effective source of productivity growth and efficiency of construction companies.

How Can Knowledge Leakage be Stopped

This article discusses how leakage of knowledge can occur in value creation networks embedded in knowledge-intensive firms, and how a collaborative approach can be utilized to minimize risk and increase sustainability. For knowledge to be preserved from unintentional outflow, its confidential nature and description must be understood at all levels. Loss of knowledge can occur at any point; whether it is through the process of consultation or when employees do their work. Forfeiture of information can be unintended or a planned effort. To prevent such unintended leakage, it is important to develop a shared mindset among employees to minimize the risk. The socio-technical system design is a philosophical framework that enables companies to simultaneously consider both ethical and technical systems in order to best match the technology and the people involved. History has shown through a number of situations that firms that failed to comprehend new opportunities were often limited by stakeholders' thoughts and actions.

Improving the primary task

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to document and discuss the effects of a participatory intervention in preschools focussing upon improving the performance of the primary task on employee health and organizational effectiveness. Further, to investigate the role of implementation intensity on the outcomes. Design/methodology/approach A longitudinal, participatory intervention study of 62 preschools involving approximately 1,800 employees. The evaluation uses short-term sickness absence to measure employee health, employee-assessed primary-task quality and parent-assessed user satisfaction to measure organizational effectiveness, and implementation intensity was measured as hours per employee and as per the request by the workplace managers, and compensation was offered by the project. Findings The multi-level analyses show that preschools with higher implementation intensity have stronger effects on employee health and organizational effectiveness than preschools with lower implementation intensity. The differences indicate that the main intervention component, improving performance of the central work tasks through collaborative, participatory workplace activities, had effects on both health and effectiveness and that workplace and employee engagement in the intervention is crucial to its success. Practical implications Inspired by the Tavistock tradition for socio-technical systems design, the study indicates an avenue for conducting collaborative organizational change processes that benefit both employees and organizations. In addition, it proposes “hours used per employee” as a relatively simple measure of implementation intensity in such interventions. Originality/value The study contributes to research in the field of occupational psychological health by reporting on a comprehensive participatory intervention study comprising measures of employee health, organizational performance and implementation intensity.

What is interaction science? Revisiting the aims and scope of JoIS

Interaction Science has undergone rapid development since JoIS’ (the Journal of Interaction Science) founding in 2013. The advent of novel techniques and tools required reviewing the understanding of Interaction Science and the scope and aims of JoIS. More particularly, the set of methods and frameworks needed to be revisited and checked against the characteristics of today’s ecological system and the resulting requirements for developing socio-technical systems. In this editorial, we tackle the interdisciplinary nature of Human-Computer-Interaction, the different thematic areas in Interaction Science, and diverse scientific research methods (and methodologies). We also examine the JoIS articles published so far, in order to provide a sound baseline for re-defining Interaction Science and update the mission of JoIS accordingly. The newly proposed definition of Interaction Science explicitly takes into account diversity and transdisciplinarity of interactional phenomena. We recognize the action space of Interaction Science being complex and ever-changing, and thus opt for wide generalization. Such way, the interaction is considered as the exchange of material or immaterial goods between acting parties (biological or technical entities) embodied in a certain context. Regarding scientific methodology, one of the important proposals relevant to JoIS is to relax emphasize on the use of empirical investigation based on traditional laboratory experiment. Traditional laboratory empiricism (usually empowered by statistics and hypothesis testing) is too restrictive to exclusively represent JoIS’ aims and scope, so we make way to complementary methods such as modeling, simulation, case studies, and design as science. By acknowledging studies of new methodologies, metrics and measurements, as well as work grounded in theories and applications, we ask for future contributors to stay committed to the TEAM (Theory advancement, Empirical advancement, Applied advancement, Methodological advancements) approach. We finally anticipate for the next decade Interaction Science will progressively integrate its scientific concerns with the engineering goal of improving the interactive design of socio-technical systems, resulting in a body of transdisciplinary knowledge and methodology. Interaction Science continues to provide a challenging test domain for applying and developing psychological and social theory in the context of technology development and use.

Sociotechnical systems design: coordination of virtual teamwork in innovation

Purpose This paper aims to report on a qualitative comparative case study of coordination in three ongoing research and development projects, each conducted by teams working virtually across multiple, geographically dispersed sites and involving varying degrees of task uncertainty at differing stages on an innovation continuum, from basic fundamental research to scale-up and commercial development. Design/methodology/approach This study investigated characteristics of effective virtual innovation teamwork, primarily using structured interviews, observation and a limited number of surveys. The analysis was based upon Pava’s (1983) methodology of sociotechnical systems (STS) for non-linear work and was used to assess the influence of virtuality and task uncertainty on the quality of team deliberations and the knowledge development barriers experienced at the various stages on the innovation continuum. Findings The study identified different technical and social coordination mechanisms and their impact in mitigating knowledge barriers for differing levels of task uncertainty. Technical elements, many based in digital information technology, appeared most significant for coordination where task uncertainty and ambiguity were low. However, with high task uncertainty, the most significant mechanisms were closely tied to the formal and informal social systems of virtual organization. Research limitations/implications The key implication for future research is the development of further applications to evaluate this coordination model for modern teamwork in virtual contexts. Practical implications The findings extend previous theory about coordination of innovation to include fundamental research and virtual collaboration. Based on the results, a four-step STS methodology for design of virtual team coordination mechanisms was developed and piloted successfully by scientific teams at a prominent North American research laboratory. Originality/value This research project has shown that modern STS methodology, updated for non-routine work in a virtual context, can provide a way to assess and mitigate “coordination costs” associated with virtual teamwork. Further, it has identified clear categories of coordination mechanisms that are most effective when teams are working at different stages in the innovation process.

Cognitive work analysis: An influential legacy extending beyond human factors and engineering

Jens Rasmussen’s multifaceted legacy includes cognitive work analysis (CWA), a framework for the analysis, design, and evaluation of complex sociotechnical systems. After considering the framework’s origins, this paper reviews its progress, predictably covering experimental research on ecological interface design, case studies of the application of CWA to human factors and engineering problems in industry, and methods and modelling tools for CWA. Emphasis is placed, however, on studying the nexus between some of the recent results obtained with CWA and the original field studies of human problem-solving that motivated the framework’s development. Of particular interest is a case study of the use of CWA for military doctrine development, a problem commonly regarded as lying outside the fields of human factors and engineering. It is concluded that the value of CWA, even for such diverse problems, is likely to result from its conceptual grounding in empirical observations of patterns of human reasoning in complex systems.

A Socio-Technical Analysis of Interdependent Infrastructures Among the Built Environment, Energy, and Transportation Systems at the Navy Yard And the Philadelphia Metropolitan Region, USA

This paper reports on a research initiative that explores the interdependencies of the system of systems – the built environment, energy, and transportation – related to the redevelopment of The Navy Yard in Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Metropolitan Region. The overarching goal of the project is a clearer understanding of the dynamics of multi-scale interactions and interdependencies of systems of sociotechnical systems that will be useful to system practitioners (Rouse and Bodner 2013). The understanding and the subsequent planning and design of sociotechnical systems are “wicked” problems and one characteristic is there is no definitive formulation (Rittel and Webber). One of the main findings or lessons learned of the work reported for the understanding of interdependencies of infrastructure is the identification of what are the problems or challenges because for wicked problems “[t]he formulation of the problem is the problem (Rittel and Webber 1973: 161)!”

Activity Prioritization to Focus the Control Task Analysis

We describe a structured method for decreasing the gap between cognitive work analysis (CWA) and sociotechnical systems design within industrial contexts. Key to closing this gap is reducing the volume of data collected during initial CWA stages so as to focus further development effort on the key determinants of system performance. The goal of the current study was to develop a method to accompany control task analysis (ConTA; and associated contextual activity templates [CATs]). The method developed, “activity prioritization,” involved a multifaceted procedure for prioritizing activities to identify each activity’s overall impact on system performance. Using three key values, each activity receives a priority score that is ordered to create an activity priority list. For the prioritization, the functions described in the CAT were the purpose-related functions identified via a work domain analysis of long haulage trucking. The method described was used to guide development of highly automated trucks within a recently completed industrial project (methods for designing future autonomous systems [MODAS]).

A simulation based approach for enhancing health aspects in production systems by integrating work margins

Over the past thirty years, workplaces and especially production systems have been through numerous changes due to globalization. By Introducing new outstanding sociotechnical system design like lean manufacturing, todays workshops are more reactive to the market. In spite of the improvement in terms of reactivity and efficiency, the harmful impact on the workers’ health is noticed. Work related disorders among them the Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) became more frequent among assembly line workers. Several approaches aiming to reduce the MSDs and operator risks in general have been proposed. Conventional approaches which focus on biomechanical risks have showed their limitations. A new approach based on “work margins” has been proposed to overcome the shortcomings of the conventional ones, by taking into consideration psychosocial risk factors. This paper aims to propose an approach for integrating work margins in production systems using Discrete Event Simulation (DES).

BISE and the Engineering Sciences

The development of our journal in the last year has been very encouraging. We have received over 220 submissions from authors worldwide, and the ISI impact factor 2014 reached 1.7. Overall, the journal and the community are developing favorably and we appreciate the participation and impact of a new and outstanding generation of faculty members, which is important for a prospering community. While the field is growing, the list of research topics is also growing, which makes the core of our discipline harder to embrace and demarcate. For instance, the issue 6 of our journal last year featured two research notes and a discussion on ‘‘grand challenges’’ in BISE research (Becker et al. 2015; Barbian and Mertens 2015; Eymann et al. 2015). Apart from a broad collection of research challenges in both research notes, the article by Becker et al. (2015) also summarized challenges for the academic community. Some of the top-ranked challenges concern the identity of the discipline: identifying IS as an academic discipline, rethinking the theoretical foundations of the IS discipline, mastering the methodological breadth/richness, etc. These challenges are not surprising for a field which deals with information technology and information systems. 30 years ago, most BISE research was either rooted in software and data engineering within organizations, or in operations research. The technical developments over the past decades were so rapid that our community adopted many new topics and new methodologies. The range of topics published in our journal today ranges from business process management to electronic markets, social network analysis, and IT governance. On a high level, the design, development, and management of socio-technical systems has been and still is a unifying theme in our journal. But it is also clear that the different topics draw on different theories and technologies. Furthermore, they require different research methods. The reorganization of the BISE editorial board in 2013 along seven departments tried to address the increasing diversity of topics, theories, technologies, and methods used. When we look at the papers published in these departments, they cover a broad range of topics from engineering to scientific theories. This continuum can probably be best characterized as engineering science, as it was described by (Fung and Tong 2001):

Special issue on recent advances in cognitive engineering

Cognitive Engineering puts models of mental processes and cognitive systems into interaction practice, and at the same time seeks to explain phenomena, predict behavior, and develop schemes to process representations of cognitive models. This is complicated by social, emotional, and technical factors that are present in interactive settings. Consequently, researchers and practitioners in the area of cognitive engineering face the challenge to address these factors as well as the influence and context of technological artifacts themselves. This endeavor requires structured discourse on methodological and technical knowledge and findings across disciplines (cf. [1]). As technology and technological artifacts have become abundant in everyday life, the design and evaluation of socio-technical aspects like situation-awareness, cognitive task analysis, work design, and the identification of common cognitive reference points are of crucial importance. Hence the role of stakeholders (designers, project managers, workers etc.) requires review, in particular, with respect to their informed involvement in development processes (cf. [2]). Their capabilities, including selforganized adaptation of artifacts and learning, are increasingly becoming essential for achieving certain qualities (cf. [3]), such as resilience of systems in diverse contexts of use. Cognitive engineering can be seen as an academic and practical endeavor. Proponents of both areas operate out of different backgrounds, ‘differences in defining and tackling problems—that prevail in the systems of science and practice’ ([4], p. 517). These differences come into play when taking into account that ‘communication elements of one system, such as science, cannot be authentically integrated into communication of other systems, such as the system of a business organization’ (ibid., p. 516). For well-reasoned engineering processes adjusted knowledge from science and practice is required, in particular aligned assumptions and mindsets behind specific development approaches (cf. [5, 6]). This adjustment is of particular importance when artifacts are created in collaborative settings (cf. [7]). There are many ways to start and guide this process of development. In this issue, the inquiry of engineering knowledge in the course of system development is investigated. It allows practitioners to frame their acquisition of development knowledge and the identification of system requirements (cf. [5, 8]). Such an approach does not exclude generative developments, such as the on-site collaboration of research and development practice (cf. [9, 10]). The findings presented in this special issue on recent advances in cognitive engineering show the continuous need for analyzing concrete designs and implementations of cognitive models and their construction processes. Experiencing cross-disciplinary discourse in this way allows setting the stage for comprehensively informed and systemically analyzed research and development efforts. Discipline-specific approaches to cognitive engineering are challenged as they are likely to leave open essential questions of socio-technical system design. Instead, ways of working with cognitive systems and models in a sociotechnical context are identified fostering research and theory building. The authors address several tensions associated with integrating various elements, including development assumptions, design dimensions, communication styles, rigor and relevance, and stakeholder interests, and show how such tensions are valuable themselves for research and theorizing (cf. [2, 11, 12]). The contributions reveal conflicting objectives, and practitioners’ dilemmas. They describe the dialectical forces that foster the tensions associated with gaps, including studying specific phenomena, stakeholder involvement, and dedicated user support systems, namely for navigation and social relationships handling. In some cases the tensions represent fundamental, unresolvable paradoxes that can be generative of new research and practice if appreciated as such. The contributions take different approaches on phenomena occurring in actual situations of using technical Correspondence: christian.stary@jku.at Department of Business Information Systems Communications Engineering, JKU Knowledge Management Competence Center, Johannes Kepler Universitat Linz, Science Park III, Altenbergerstrase 69, 4040 Linz, Austria

Dynamic Socio-technical System Design based on Stakeholder Interaction

In order to directly involve stakeholders in socio-technical system design, we argue for streamlining executable process specifications with business process modeling. Due to current agility requirements of organizations, socio-technical system development is considered one of the key activities of members of the organizations. Dynamic process adaptation enable handling the volatility of business operation and IT infrastructure. Subject-oriented process representations are key enablers to dynamic adaptation due to their capability for stakeholders to create directly executable models. In this way stakeholder can be involved in change management pro-actively. Subject-oriented models (i) represent all relevant features required for system control and decision making, and (ii) are executable on demand. This effectiveness enables organizational change in a creative and efficient way, while establishing innovative design and change management tools. Subject-oriented Business Process Management capabilities are reflected in this realm revealing benefits and potential for further research.