Information systems, business process reengineering, and operations research: Forging partnerships for mutual advantage

This paper shows the interdependence of Information Systems and Technology (IS), Business Process Redesign (BPR) and Operations Research (OR). Starting from the premises that the goals of these three concepts are to enhance organizational effectiveness and decision making capabilities, this paper explores the similarities and differences between these disciplines. Using some practical examples of the application of Operations Research in the Information Systems field, this paper shows how to forge partnerships among IS, BPR, and OR for mutual advantage. The paper concludes with a discussion of some open issues in the use of OR concepts in BPR and IS and the changes needed to successfully transform an organization.