In Pursuit of Workflow Breakthroughs Using “Just Enough Process Management”

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concept of “Just Enough Process Management” (JEPM). It is the gradual introduction and application of project and process management techniques into “low process maturity” organizations. Such organizations are less likely to have formal initiatives to monitor and manage critical work processes. Significantly, this form of process management is done by individuals at their own behest. Such efforts provide valuable incremental short-term gains and can help pave the way for significant productivity breakthroughs in the long term. This theory is explored through a case study that describes process management efforts conducted in the WebCampus Division of Stevens Institute of Technology. During the transition of WebCampus from a start-up mode to a more routine operation, essential workflow processes evolved from ad hoc procedures. The process goal for WebCampus was to leverage and improve existing cross-functional processes where possible and, in doing so, make it possible to achieve future productivity breakthroughs.