Moderation Instead of Modelling: Some Remarks about Formal and Informal Reengineering Methods

The more formal re-engineering techniques are, the fewer non-technical facts can be captured. Several business process reengineering and software development projects fail because the project management concentrates too much on formal methods and modelling approaches. A successful change of work and organisational processes and structures needs, primarily, agreement among all involved groups. To come up with a shared understanding, the quality and the quantity of communication are critical success factors. The moderation - instead of modelling - of human activities is of crucial importance. To change an organisaion means to persuade people to behave in a different way. A model per se does not change anything, only agreement among all affected parties can provide the basis for real change. Participatory design and adequate moderation of all necessary learning processes are crucial success factors