Objectives and competences
In this course, students:
1. Understand the role and importance of business processes as a central element of digital transformation in organizations.
2. Learn methods for analysing, modelling, and redesigning business processes and use visual modelling tools (e.g., BPMN, DFD, Visio).
3. Acquire approaches to process automation and digitalization using RPA, the Power Platform, and artificial intelligence.
4. Gain practical skills in using advanced Excel functionalities for data processing, reporting, and analysis in the context of process improvement.
5. Develop the ability to align business needs with information support, particularly in service industries such as banking, insurance, healthcare, and tourism.
6. Are trained to use analytical tools (Excel, Power BI) to monitor, analyse, and visualise process-related data.
7. Understand the importance of data-driven decision-making in the redesign and optimisation of business processes.
8. Become familiar with the characteristics of digital solutions for e-business and their role in supporting modern business processes.
9. Develop awareness of the importance of sustainable and ethical use of information technology, considering environmental, social, and regulatory aspects.
10. Strengthen their digital competencies, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities in complex information environments.
11. Are prepared to work independently in the field of business process redesign and implementation of information solutions, as well as to collaborate effectively in team-based projects.
Content (Syllabus outline)
The course Digital Transformation of Business Processes addresses modern approaches to the redesign and informatisation of business processes with the goal of increasing organisational efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability. In the first part of the course, students are introduced to fundamental concepts of business processes, including their modelling, analysis, and redesign, with an emphasis on automation methods and the application of artificial intelligence. In the second part, the focus shifts to information systems specific to service industries and digital business, where students explore practical approaches to applying digital solutions across various sectors.
Through project work, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of digital transformation on business processes in real-world environments. In practical sessions, they use Microsoft Visio for process modelling, advanced Excel functionalities for data analysis, and Power BI for visualising key performance indicators (KPIS) and supporting decision-making.
Detailed course content:
1. Introduction to business processes and digital transformation
o Definition of digital transformation and its significance for organizations
o Basics of process-oriented approaches and process modeling
o Types of business processes: core, support, and management processes
o Techniques and tools for modeling (BPMN, context diagrams, DFDs)
2. Business process analysis and redesign (BPR)
o Identification and analysis of existing business processes
o Process redesign and optimization – objectives, methods, approaches
o Best practices in business process redesign
o Process metrics and measuring efficiency
3. Process automation and digitalization
o Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Intelligent Process Automation (IPA)
o Use of Microsoft Power Platform: Power Automate and Power Apps
o Modeling redesigned processes using Microsoft Visio (BPMN, context diagrams, DFDs)
o Examples of automation using tools (e.g., automatic report generation, data entry)
4. Use of artificial intelligence in business processes
o The role of AI in optimizing and automating processes
o Examples of AI applications: predictive analytics, chatbots, pattern recognition
o Limitations and challenges of using AI
5. Informatization of service activities
o Information systems in service sectors (banking, insurance, healthcare, tourism)
o Functionalities and characteristics of service information systems (e.g., ERP modules)
o Standards and regulations (e.g., PSD2, GDPR, ZVOP-2)
6. Data analysis and visualization in digital transformation
o Using Microsoft Excel to prepare and analyze business data (filtering, pivot tables, basic formulas)
o Using Power BI for data visualization and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs)
o Interpretation of visualizations and reports for decision support
o Use of analytics to improve processes and efficiency
o Examples of use: monitoring process performance before and after digitalization, identifying bottlenecks, supporting reporting
7. Digital solutions for e-business
o E-business in service organizations: e-banking, e-insurance, e-government
o Use of e-payment systems, e-archiving, and electronic signing
o Blockchain technologies and their role in e-business
8. Green IT and sustainability aspects of digital transformation
o Sustainable approaches in process digitalization
o Energy efficiency of IT infrastructure and process optimization
o Linking process redesign to green goals (ESG)
9. Project work
Students complete a project in which they:
o Analyse business processes in a selected company
o Redesign one process with at least two subprocesses
o Model processes using Microsoft Visio (context diagram, DFD, BPMN)
o Propose automation and integration of digital solutions (Power Platform, RPA, AI)
o Use advanced Excel functionalities to analyze process data and prepare visual representations (e.g., tables, charts, KPIs)
o Evaluate the outcomes of the process redesign
Learning and teaching methods
- lectures;
- case analysis;
- discussion;
- programmed learning;
- practical exercises and assignments
- project work
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Development of knowledge and understanding:
Students:
1. Understand the role of business processes in the functioning and transformation of organizations.
2. Know the methods and tools for analysing, modelling, and optimising business processes (e.g., BPMN, DFD, context diagram).
3. Understand the basic principles and effects of digital transformation in service organizations.
4. Learn about process automation approaches (RPA, IPA) and their role in digital business.
5. Understand the role of data analysis in business process redesign.
6. Are familiar with the basic concepts of data visualisation and the importance of using tools such as Power BI to support decision-making in process transformation.
7. Understand the functionalities of information systems in service industries and digital business (e.g., ERP, e-banking, e-insurance).
8. Are aware of the sustainable and ethical aspects of using information solutions (e.g., ESG, GDPR).
9. Understand the potential applications of artificial intelligence in supporting processes and decision-making.
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Cognitive/Intellectual skills:
Students:
1. Analyse existing business processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
2. Plan process redesign using appropriate modelling techniques and digital tools.
3. Are able to analyse the efficiency of business processes based on data.
4. Develop the ability to interpret visual reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to support business improvements.
5. Evaluate the appropriateness and effects of various digital transformation approaches.
6. Link business objectives with technological solutions and understand their synergies.
7. Develop the ability to critically assess information solutions in terms of efficiency, sustainability, and ethics.
Key/Transferable skills
Students:
1. Collaborate in teams when carrying out project tasks related to business processes and digitalization.
2. Use modern tools for data analysis and presentation in a digital environment.
3. Develop skills in working with information and making decisions based on data visualizations.
4. Cultivate professional ethics and responsibility in the use of digital technologies.
5. Communicate and present solutions in a professional manner (both written and oral).
6. Independently seek resources and knowledge for ongoing professional development.
7. Adapt to new technologies and working methods in a digital environment.
Practical skills:
Students:
1. Independently model business processes using Microsoft Visio (BPMN, DFD, context diagram).
2. Prepare a business process redesign project incorporating automation and digital solutions.
3. Use advanced Excel functionalities to analyse process data and prepare reports (e.g., tables, charts, formulas, KPIs).
4. Independently create Power BI reports to visualise process data and KPIs.
5. Propose appropriate information solutions to support redesigned processes in service industries.
6. Identify and present opportunities for applying artificial intelligence to support process improvements.
Readings
Sternad Zabukovšek, S., Bobek, S., Deželak, Z. (2021). Informatizacija procesov in storitev – učno gradivo. Maribor: Ekonomsko-poslovna fakulteta.
Kovačič, A. in V. Bosilij-Vukšić: Management poslovnih procesov: prenova in informatizacija poslovanja s praktičnimi primeri, GV, Ljubljana, 2009
Additional information on implementation and assessment Written exam (40%)
Practical exam (40%)
Coursework (20%)
Comments:
The written exam can be replaced with two midterm exams.
The practical exam can be replaced with two midterm exams.
