,Chapter 1: Introduction to Business
Process
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter you will be able to:
1. Define the functional organizational structure, and explain why this structure creates problems
for modern businesses
2. Describe key business processes in an organization
3. Identify the main integration points between and among processes
4. Understand the cross-functional nature of processes and their relationship to organizational
areas
5. Adopt and apply an integrated perspective to business processes
6. Describe GBI’s organizational structure
7. Explain how the SAP system promotes an integrated approach to business processes
Chapter Outline and Teaching Suggestions
1. The Functional Organizational Structure
a. The Silo Effect
b. Enterprise Systems
Discuss how companies are organized, and explain that the functional structure is the most
common organizational structure. You can use a university or company or a business school
department that you are familiar with as an example. Point out that processes are cross-
functional. Ask the question: Why is the functional structure so common? Figure 1-1 will assist
you in explaining the cross-functional nature of business processes.
Explain the silo effect and its negative implications for modern business organizations. You
can give an example such as creating a sales order in sales and marketing with no integration
or communication with inventory management or production.
Point out that the nature of the functional organizational structure and the cross-functional
nature of processes directly conflict with each other.
Explain the benefits of an enterprise system (ES) (i.e., supports end-to-end processes,
productivity, competitive edge, monitoring and changing of business processes, etc.).
2. Business Processes
, a. Procurement - Buy
b. Production - Make
c. Fulfillment - Sell
d. Material Planning - Plan
e. Inventory and Warehouse Management - Store
f. Lifecycle Data Management - Design
g. Asset Management and Customer Service - Service
h. Human Capital Management - People
i. Project Management - Projects
j. Financial Accounting - Track for Track for External Reporting
k. Management Accounting - Track for Internal Reporting
Define and explain a business process. Point out that organizations use many processes to
achieve their objectives and they employ specific terms to identify the processes. Processes can
be directly related or closely related to creating and delivering goods and services. Use Figure
1-2 to illustrate a process that is executed in response to a need (trigger). The process is
carried out through a sequence of steps and results in an output. You can use an example such
as ordering supplies.
Processes can be supported by other processes and can have numerous sub-processes. Point
out that communication and coordination of tasks are very important. Figure 1-3 can assist
you in explaining this point. Ask students to indentify some other processes that they are
familiar with.
Describe and give examples of the business processes (A - K). Figures 1-4 through 1-10 will
assist you.
3. Global Bicycle, Incorporated (GBI)
Explain that Global Bicycle, Incorporated (GBI) is a fictional company that is used to illustrate
the important concepts, processes, and techniques discussed in the textbook. Figure 1-11 will
assist you in explaining GBI's organizational structure.
Call up the SAP University Alliance Community (UAC) website http://uac.sap.com, and
demonstrate the functionality and services available for students. Also instruct students to
read the GBI Backround Document on the UAC to understand GBI’s history, products and
operations.
4. How To Use This Book
a. Chapter Structure
b. SAP Software and Certification
c. WileyPLUS
, Explain the four key sections in most of the process chapters. Provide a brief background on
the origins of SAP and the problems it initially solved.
Explain that most SAP consultants are not programmers and have mastered the material
presented in this book.
Explain the three levels of SAP Certification and the value added of becoming a SAP-certified
consultant.
Point out that the importance of the WileyPLUS online supplements and the value added to
passing the SAP Certification exam. Reinforce the point that using this textbook and the
ancillary materials can substitute for taking a formal TERP 10 course.
Review questions
1. Question:
Describe the functional organizational structure. Why do you think this structure is so common?
.
Answer:
The functional organization structure is divided into functions, or departments, each of which is
responsible for a set of closely related activities. This type of organizational structure is widely
used because it spreads the responsibility across an organization instead of locating it in one
particular person or group. In addition, it enables people to specialize in terms of skills and
knowledge.
2. Question:
What is the silo effect? Why does it exist? How can an organization reduce or eliminate the silo
effect?
.
Answer:
The silo effect refers to an organizational structure in which workers complete their tasks in
their functional “silos” without regard to the consequences for the other functions in the
process. This situation exists because each department within a functional organization works
independently and focuses on its objectives. This tendency can be reduced by thinking sideways
or viewing the business across functional boundaries and focusing on the end-to-end nature of
the process and its intended outcomes.
3. Question:
What is a business processes? Why is a process view of organizations essential to becoming a
successful manager?
.
Answer:
A business process is a set of tasks or activities that produce desired outcomes. Every process is
triggered by some event, such as receiving a customer order or recognizing the need to
purchase something. A process view can liberate managers from the silo effect. Managers must
Process
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter you will be able to:
1. Define the functional organizational structure, and explain why this structure creates problems
for modern businesses
2. Describe key business processes in an organization
3. Identify the main integration points between and among processes
4. Understand the cross-functional nature of processes and their relationship to organizational
areas
5. Adopt and apply an integrated perspective to business processes
6. Describe GBI’s organizational structure
7. Explain how the SAP system promotes an integrated approach to business processes
Chapter Outline and Teaching Suggestions
1. The Functional Organizational Structure
a. The Silo Effect
b. Enterprise Systems
Discuss how companies are organized, and explain that the functional structure is the most
common organizational structure. You can use a university or company or a business school
department that you are familiar with as an example. Point out that processes are cross-
functional. Ask the question: Why is the functional structure so common? Figure 1-1 will assist
you in explaining the cross-functional nature of business processes.
Explain the silo effect and its negative implications for modern business organizations. You
can give an example such as creating a sales order in sales and marketing with no integration
or communication with inventory management or production.
Point out that the nature of the functional organizational structure and the cross-functional
nature of processes directly conflict with each other.
Explain the benefits of an enterprise system (ES) (i.e., supports end-to-end processes,
productivity, competitive edge, monitoring and changing of business processes, etc.).
2. Business Processes
, a. Procurement - Buy
b. Production - Make
c. Fulfillment - Sell
d. Material Planning - Plan
e. Inventory and Warehouse Management - Store
f. Lifecycle Data Management - Design
g. Asset Management and Customer Service - Service
h. Human Capital Management - People
i. Project Management - Projects
j. Financial Accounting - Track for Track for External Reporting
k. Management Accounting - Track for Internal Reporting
Define and explain a business process. Point out that organizations use many processes to
achieve their objectives and they employ specific terms to identify the processes. Processes can
be directly related or closely related to creating and delivering goods and services. Use Figure
1-2 to illustrate a process that is executed in response to a need (trigger). The process is
carried out through a sequence of steps and results in an output. You can use an example such
as ordering supplies.
Processes can be supported by other processes and can have numerous sub-processes. Point
out that communication and coordination of tasks are very important. Figure 1-3 can assist
you in explaining this point. Ask students to indentify some other processes that they are
familiar with.
Describe and give examples of the business processes (A - K). Figures 1-4 through 1-10 will
assist you.
3. Global Bicycle, Incorporated (GBI)
Explain that Global Bicycle, Incorporated (GBI) is a fictional company that is used to illustrate
the important concepts, processes, and techniques discussed in the textbook. Figure 1-11 will
assist you in explaining GBI's organizational structure.
Call up the SAP University Alliance Community (UAC) website http://uac.sap.com, and
demonstrate the functionality and services available for students. Also instruct students to
read the GBI Backround Document on the UAC to understand GBI’s history, products and
operations.
4. How To Use This Book
a. Chapter Structure
b. SAP Software and Certification
c. WileyPLUS
, Explain the four key sections in most of the process chapters. Provide a brief background on
the origins of SAP and the problems it initially solved.
Explain that most SAP consultants are not programmers and have mastered the material
presented in this book.
Explain the three levels of SAP Certification and the value added of becoming a SAP-certified
consultant.
Point out that the importance of the WileyPLUS online supplements and the value added to
passing the SAP Certification exam. Reinforce the point that using this textbook and the
ancillary materials can substitute for taking a formal TERP 10 course.
Review questions
1. Question:
Describe the functional organizational structure. Why do you think this structure is so common?
.
Answer:
The functional organization structure is divided into functions, or departments, each of which is
responsible for a set of closely related activities. This type of organizational structure is widely
used because it spreads the responsibility across an organization instead of locating it in one
particular person or group. In addition, it enables people to specialize in terms of skills and
knowledge.
2. Question:
What is the silo effect? Why does it exist? How can an organization reduce or eliminate the silo
effect?
.
Answer:
The silo effect refers to an organizational structure in which workers complete their tasks in
their functional “silos” without regard to the consequences for the other functions in the
process. This situation exists because each department within a functional organization works
independently and focuses on its objectives. This tendency can be reduced by thinking sideways
or viewing the business across functional boundaries and focusing on the end-to-end nature of
the process and its intended outcomes.
3. Question:
What is a business processes? Why is a process view of organizations essential to becoming a
successful manager?
.
Answer:
A business process is a set of tasks or activities that produce desired outcomes. Every process is
triggered by some event, such as receiving a customer order or recognizing the need to
purchase something. A process view can liberate managers from the silo effect. Managers must
