Elements for tailoring a BPM maturity model to simplify its use

Abstract

Although research exists on Business Process Management (BPM) maturity models, few studies report on their practical use. This paper explores the situational needs and practitioner’s views on assessing BPM maturity. Data triangulation uncovered different applications in Swedish industry and public sector organizations through three phases: (1) data collection in a practitioner-driven BPM maturity model design, (2) validation of the design in a workshop and follow-up interviews, and (3) testing the BPM maturity model by practitioners. The basic assumption is that a generic BPM maturity model will most likely not fit all organizations. Therefore, a framework is presented with elements (e.g. scope and measures) for a BPM maturity model to be customized to an organization’s needs, supplemented by a practical ‘tailoring template’. The framework and template contribute to the BPM discipline with a Swedish example, and allows twelve design propositions with recommendations to simplify the application of BPM maturity models and enhance their fit.