Business process re-engineering in the small firm: A case study

Although there is no universal methodology for business process reuengineering (BPR), a number of common components exist within the growing body of literature on BPR. However, that literature is based on experiences in larger firms and little has been written for the small firm attempting to gain similar radical gains in performance which have been attributed to successful BPR. This paper examines BPR steps and principles from a small firm perspective and relates these to one firm that had engaged in an extensive re-engineering project. There were many similarities between their approach and also some differences to the steps and principles stated to be necessary far large organizations. While case study findings cannot be generalised easily, the many similarities suggest that much of what is advocated in the BPR literature is applicable to small firms. The study indicates the need for further research on BPR in small firms, including the development of a methodology specifically for small businesses.