The Master of Science Management Information Systems (MSIS) with a Business Process Management Certificate online program offered by the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) equips the next generation of information technology (IT) leaders with in-demand business process management (BPM) skills and information systems knowledge. The 100% online curriculum focuses on developing the essential expertise in information systems, databases and networking at the heart of business process management and digital transformation.
What Is Digital Transformation?
“Digital transformation is a business strategy initiative that incorporates digital technology across all areas of an organization,” according to IBM. A Deloitte study found that businesses are targeting specific areas for automation to create new products, enter new markets and extract additional value from existing digital assets.
As an example of why digital transformation is important, Devsu cites a Google Marketing Platform study that found targeted investment in customer analytics optimized workflows, enhanced efficiencies and improved customer engagement. The technology spend on those marketing business processes returned a 20% growth in revenue and 30% reduction in costs.
“The clarion call is to think differently about digital transformation,” Deloitte concludes. “The types and the technologies are known. The challenge is investing wisely in an ever-expanding tech estate to maximize and sustain the returns. The stakes ask for nothing less.”
What Is Business Process Management?
According to Gartner, BPM is a comprehensive approach for streamlining and integrating organizational activities across their lifecycles to ensure alignment with strategic objectives. BPM provides leaders with visibility into workflows, enabling them to allocate resources efficiently and maximize the return on information and operational technology investment. Gartner notes that “BPM is key to align [information technology/operational technology] investments to business strategy.”
Business processes vary from one industry to another, according to CMW Lab. Crew scheduling is a vital process in the aviation industry, for instance, but would have no role in the financial sector. Three key examples of business processes commonly found across the economic spectrum are:
- Order fulfillment: This process begins when a customer places an order and ends when they receive the product. It typically includes steps such as order receipt, inventory checking, picking, packing, shipping and delivery confirmation. Automating order fulfillment processes can significantly enhance customer experience and loyalty while also optimizing inventory management and reducing costs.
- Sales and operations planning: This process integrates sales, marketing, demand management, production, inventory management and new product introduction data. By dynamically connecting strategies and results from operations across the enterprise, it enables executives to align their supply with demand, optimize resource allocation and improve overall business performance.
- Human resources (HR) management: Efficient HR processes ensure that the organization has the right talent in place, maintains employee satisfaction and complies with labor regulations. By effectively managing human capital — including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, payroll and benefits administration — this process contributes significantly to the overall productivity and success of the organization.
“One of the main advantages of automated business processes is the minimization of manual tasks, which are usually time-consuming and error-prone,” CMW Labs notes, citing a primary benefit of targeted digital transformation. Professionals who are versed in BPM principles will be successful in managing the above three business processes in any role.
How Are Digital Transformation and Business Process Management Related?
BPM and digital transformation are closely intertwined. BPM provides the framework for effective automation by targeting processes for automation, facilitating adoption of digital tools and enabling continuous improvement to ensure alignment with strategic objectives. On the other hand, digital transformation enhances BPM capabilities by enabling advanced analytics, automation and real-time process monitoring.
Therefore, as computer science researchers note, “BPM is a driver, an outcome, and a mediator for organizations that use digital technology to innovate and transform their business processes.” In other words, digital transformation is a business process, and business process management is a strategy for gaining operational efficiencies that become more efficient via continuous digital optimization.
How Does the UIS MIS Degree Online Equip Professionals for Roles in the Data-Driven Enterprise?
UIS’s online program in BPM prepares graduates to design, implement and manage robust digital solutions. For instance, the Data Communications and Network Management course provides in-depth knowledge of network architectures and protocols, illustrating the program’s commitment to helping students develop practical, applicable skills.
Beyond technical expertise, the program focuses on developing critical business acumen. Students learn to analyze business processes, identify optimization opportunities and implement innovative IT-enabled solutions. Students hone their project and change management skills so they can lead complex initiatives and facilitate the adoption of new technologies.
The program’s emphasis on effective communication and leadership prepares students to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders. By combining technical proficiency with business strategy, graduates emerge ready to leverage information systems to create value, drive innovation and lead organizations in an increasingly digital world.
Learn more about the UIS online MSIS with BPM Certificate program.
