Business Process Modelling as a Synchronization Tool: Improving Client-Provider Communication in a Context of Service Outsourcing Articles uri icon

publication date

  • December 2009

start page

  • 412

end page

  • 428

issue

  • 4

volume

  • 8

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1461-4111

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1741-5179

abstract

  • This paper shows how Business Process Modelling (BPM) can be used as a powerful tool for improving provider&-client communication in a context of service outsourcing. The objective of this approach is to reduce some of the inefficiencies and disturbances that occur in situations of organisational decoupling (outsourcing), geographical decoupling (offshoring) or both (offshore outsourcing). The findings discussed in this paper are especially relevant to situations of offshore outsourcing in which communications problems are augmented by cultural differences and geographical distance. The experience reported is part of a six months' action-research project that was carried out by the University Carlos III of Madrid's Engineering Management Group in one of the leading callcentre companies in Spain.