Module: Business Process Innovation

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Business Process Innovation
Module Code	MNA1023 (ITS: MT530)
Faculty	DCU Business School	School	DCU Business School
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module aims to develop an understanding of process improvement and innovation and the relationship business modelling plays in such changes. Process change can be incremental (continuous) or radical, with both approaches requiring a structured approach for their successful implementation. The main elements of this framework includes: process investigation, process analysis, process design and process implementation. This module analyses process change, the frameworks utilised for process change and the tools and techniques used for both process analysis and improvement. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures and in-class practical exercises.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the various models, frameworks, and concepts that are used to describe business processes innovation
2. Critically appraise and decompose real world processes into a process map
3. Identify and contrast current business modelling tools and methodologies, for example, Business Process Reengineering, Total Quality Management, 5S's, Discrete Event Simulation
4. Analyse and select the most appropriate business modelling tool or technique for a problem situation.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Directed learning	14	Preparation for class
Lecture	24	Outline of models and relevant theory, participation in practical exercises
Independent Study	48	Reading, Research and library work.
Assignment Completion	5	Process Identification and mapping
Assignment Completion	12	Improvement technique report and presentation
Assignment Completion	22	research, data collection and write up of individual assignment
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10112	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Melda Hasiloglu Ciftciler	Module Teacher	Colum Foley, Vishwas Dohale

Section Breakdown
CRN	12295	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Melda Hasiloglu Ciftciler	Module Teacher	Vishwas Dohale

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Completion of online activity	This assessment activity will be conducted over the course of the module and will consist of four limited word count mini assignments. These assignments will be related to a subset of materials being covered in the module at the time of assignment and will have a one week deadline from posing to submission.	35%	As required
Essay	Individual Process Improvement Strategy report	65%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Intoroduction to Business Modelling & Process Innovation
What is a process? Product V's Process Innovation

Process Life Cycle
1. Process Investigation 2. Process Analysis 3. Process Design 4. Process Implementation 5. Process Improvement

Process Analysis and Improvement Frameworks
1. Document Process 2. Understand Process Behaviour 3. Model and Analyse Process Interactions 4. Implement Best Process Design

Process Improvement Simulation
Enna Process Improvement Exercise

Process Analysis & Improvement - Tools and Techniques
BPR; TQM; 5S (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardise, Sustain); Six Sigma; Lean; Discrete Event Simulation; Systems Dynamics;

Information Technology
Information Technology as an enabler for process change and innovation

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Sethi, Vikram and William R. King: 1998, Organisational transformation through business process reengineering, Prentice Hall.,
Gelinas, Sutton and Fedorowicz: 2004, Business processes & information technology, Thomson South-Western,
Seppanen, M.S., Kumar, S. And Chandra, C.: 2005, Process Analysis and Improvement, Tools and Techniques, McGraw Hill,
Shane, S: 2009, Technology Strategy for Managers and Entrepreneurs, Pearson Prentice Hall,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None