Gerrit Lahrmann

Business Intelligence Maturity: Development and Evaluation of a Theoretical Model

In order to identify and explore the strengths and weaknesses of business intelligence (BI) initiatives, managers in charge need to assess the maturity of their BI efforts. For this, a wide range of maturity models has been developed, but these models often focus on technical details and do not address the potential value proposition of BI. Based on an extensive literature review and an empirical study, we develop and evaluate a theoretical model of impact-oriented BI maturity. Building on established IS theories, the model integrates BI deployment, BI usage, individual impact, and organizational performance. This conceptualization helps to refocus the topic of BI maturity to business needs and can be used as a theoretical foundation for future research.

Inductive design of maturity models: applying the Rasch algorithm for design science research

Maturity models are an established means to systematically document and guide the development of organizations using archetypal capability levels. Often, these models lack a sound foundation and/or are derived on the basis of an arbitrary design method. In order to foster the design of relevant and rigorous artifacts, this paper presents a method for maturity model construction that applies the Rasch algorithm and cluster analysis as a sound methodical foundation. The Rasch algorithm is widely used to improve scholarly intelligence and attainment tests. In order to demonstrate the application of the proposed method and to evaluate its usability and applicability, we present a design exemplar in the business intelligence domain.

Management of Large-Scale Transformation Programs: State of the Practice and Future Potential

In addition to continuous, evolutionary optimizations, most enterprises also undergo revolutionary transformations from time to time. Knowledge about current corporate practice for coherent IT and business transformation is therefore very valuable. In this paper we present the results of an empirical study on the management of large-scale transformation programs that focuses on IT as much as business aspects. Companies that rate themselves as mature with regards to transformation management, assess certain transformation management components different than less mature companies. Cost reduction, revenue improvement, and agility improvement are the most relevant goals of transformation programs – all these are business goals and not IT goals. Current state of the practice transformation management can be classified into three approaches: Value-driven, ungoverned and change-driven. We found that no single management approach covers all these areas appropriately yet.

Systematization of maturity model extensions

In order to identify and explore the strengths and weaknesses of particular initiatives, managers in charge need to assess the maturity of their efforts For this, a wide range of maturity models has been developed, but there is no detailed methodical guidance how to extend these models Therefore, we present a systematization of maturity model extensions.

Towards a Classification of Information Logistics Scenarios An Exploratory Analysis

This study identifies typical scenario patterns in information logistics and explores the impact of a broad context of factors such as strategy, organization, processes, and systems on the shaping of those patterns. Based on an empirical investigation, the current state of information logistics is analyzed. The results reveal three common information logistics scenarios: (S1) Balanced, (S2) Standard biased and (S3) Quality and strategy biased. Each scenario is analyzed by taking into account different factors. The four predominant factors identified in this study are (F1) Centralization and process integration, (F2) Quality, (F3) Standardization, and (F4) Sophistication of strategy. It is important to understand which information logistics scenarios exist and how these are shaped. This knowledge is necessary to systematically adapt methods and conceptual models for information logistics design to specific situations.

Information Logistics as a Conceptual Foundation for Enterprise-Wide Decision Support

Traditional decision support approaches (data warehousing or business intelligence) are limited because they focus on certain analysis techniques, user groups, or usage scenarios. This reduces their potential as integrated foundation for enterprise-wide decision support. The concept of information logistics (IL) is proposed to overcome these shortcomings. IL involves planning, implementing, and controlling cross-unit data flows and storing and providing decision-relevant data. It covers strategy, process organisation and IS implementation in an integrated manner, and focuses on enterprise-wide information delivery. In this paper, the concept of IL is presented. An action research project documents the formulation, implementation, and roll-out process of an IL framework in a large company over several years. The applicability, feasibility, and utility of the IL concept is demonstrated.

Design and Engineering for Situational Transformation

Enterprise architecture management (EAM) is an instrumental means to increase transparency, consistency, simplicity, flexibility (i.e. the ability to adjust), and/or ultimately agility (i.e. the ability to innovate/transform). With to-be architecture models as well as evolution guidelines being inherently prescriptive, EAM research is predominantly design-oriented. However, the design and engineering of prescriptive artefacts needs to consider the specifics of problem situations. Based on existing classifications for EAM approaches and for transformation project situations, the potential contributions of EAM in transformation projects are analyzed. Based on this overall analysis, a concrete transformation situation is selected and further analyzed. Cluster analysis of survey data is applied to identify impacts and design configurations as an exemplary problem analysis for the specification of EAM-enabled transformation.

Strategic Positioning of Information Logistics Service Providers: Guidelines for Selecting Appropriate Organizational Models

The development of strategies for information logistics (IL) is currently widely discussed in the literature. Despite all practical needs, there still is a lack of appropriate methodical guidance to the strategy development for IL. Especially the strategic positioning of the IL organization is a fundamental decision which should be taken with care. In this paper, we extend an existing IL strategy components framework, give a detailed characterization of IL service provider types, present guidelines for the identification of the adequate IL service provider type, and evaluate the approach by the application at two companies.The IL strategy framework subdivides an IL strategy into sourcing, making, and delivery parts and an encompassing governance process. In contrast to other frameworks, it also includes the supply-side and the demand-side (customers) of an IL service provider. The IL service provider types IL business service provider, IL competence center, IL full service provider, and IL platform service provider form the basis for the strategic positioning. By using guidelines, the selection of a desirable IL service provider type is supported. The execution of this strategic positioning is demonstrated at a utility and a financial services company. This documents the applicability, feasibility, and usefulness of the approach.

Systemarchitekturen für die Informationslogistik

Die Informationslogistik (IL) beschaftigt sich mit der „Planung, Steuerung und Kontrolle der Gesamtheit der Datenflusse, die uber eine Betrachtungseinheit hinausgehen, sowie der Speicherung und Aufbereitung dieser Daten“ (vgl. Kap. 1). Kernpunkt unseres Verstandnisses der IL ist die Betrachtung von ubergreifenden Datenflussen zur analytischen Nutzung dieser Daten. Das Ziel der Informationslogistik ist also die Bereitstellung relevanter Informationen in geeigneter Qualitat zur effektiven und effizienten Befriedigung von Informationsbedarfen, die im Rahmen der unternehmerischen Entscheidungsfindung entstehen. Als technische Basis fur die Befriedigung der analytischen Informationsbedarfe dienen hierbei Systeme der Informationslogistik, d. h. Informationssysteme. Gemas (IEEE 2000) sind Systeme zur Erfullung bestimmter Aufgaben organisierte Komponenten. Informationssysteme sind soziotechnische Systeme, die zum Ziel der zieladaquaten Bereitstellung von Informationen eingesetzt werden (vgl. Krcmar 2005, S. 25). In diesem Beitrag werden Informations-systeme aus dem Data Warehouse (DWH)-Umfeld sowie deren Architekturen, die sich allgemein als Anordnung von Komponenten, deren Beziehungen zueinander sowie deren Gestaltungsregeln definieren (IEEE 2000), untersucht und hinsichtlich ihrer Eignung in der Informationslogistik bewertet.

Etablierung eines Excellence Teams Information Logistics bei E.ON

Die E.ON AG, eine Holding mit Hauptsitz in Dusseldorf, ist einer der weltweit grosten privaten Energiedienstleister. Fur derzeit rund 40 Millionen Kunden (Privat- und Geschaftskunden, Industriebetriebe sowie regionale und lokale Energieunternehmen) in uber 20 Landern stellt E.ON Losungen fur Strom und Gas zur Verfugung. Dabei konzentriert sich das Unternehmen auf die Zielmarkte Zentraleuropa, Grosbritannien, Nordeuropa und den Mittleren Westen der USA.