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Bunch: a channel-oriented business network modelling approach

Christopher Durugbo (Department of Management, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK)

Business Process Management Journal

ISSN: 1463-7154

Article publication date: 27 May 2014

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the benefits of using the business network channel (Bunch) approach for modelling business networks and studying the business network evolution. Business network models put the structures of process models into context by visualising roles and communication channels for social interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies a case study-based approach involving the creation of business network visualisations to capture snapshots of an industrial firm's business network over a three-year period. A questionnaire-based study was also conducted with 18 key informants to evaluate the Bunch approach against existing business network modelling techniques.

Findings

This study shows that when business networks – as opposed to business processes – are diagrammatically modelled, patterns of relations between individuals can also be visualised and factored into how information systems are (re)designed and deployed. The study also finds that as business networks evolve, the ability to offer complementary channels of communication and coordinate business/technological information is vital to how upturns in process times improves overall business effectiveness and efficiency.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this paper is an exposition on how the Bunch approach could serve as a pedagogical tool for gaining clarity on their roles and links within the business and as an analytical tool for studying the evolution of business networks in relation to roles, links, information technologies, business strategies and business network anomalies.

Keywords

Citation

Durugbo, C. (2014), "Bunch: a channel-oriented business network modelling approach", Business Process Management Journal, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 455-479. https://doi.org/10.1108/BPMJ-02-2013-0017

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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