Enterprise Performance Management in High-Tech Engineering: Developing a Holistic Model

The aim of this research is to develop a holistic model of Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) for high-tech engineering (HTE) companies. To deal with the complexity of such an EPM system, which involves human factors as well as technology, the thesis uses Soft Systems Methodology (SSM). This is an approach to system analysis that is suitable for dealing with complex phenomena that involve people. By using the approach of SSM, this research provides a different perspective on EPM than that found in the existing literature. Case studies were conducted at HTE firms to gain a deep understanding of how performance management was currently implemented. By applying the tools of SSM, the researcher derived conceptual models for both the EPM and the HTE itself. Within the holistic model, these act as the serving system (EPM) and the system served (HTE). SSM helped to guide the researcher to understand the complexity of the performance management system as a whole and how different aspects of operational and strategic performance integrate together. Taking this perspective, the thesis shows that, while an EPM system does have constituent parts, the behaviour of the whole system cannot be determined – or managed – from an understanding of those subsystems alone. Instead, the full character of the EPM system can only be understood when those subsystems are brought together and are interacting with each other. The holistic model produced in this research is derived from sound theoretical foundations. It uses ideas and principles taken from Control, Goal, and Stakeholder theories. Social Learning and Social Cognitive theories were also used to support an understanding of how social phenomena influence performance management within HTE. The main contribution of this research is a holistic model of EPM that is specifically tailored to HTE firms and underpinned by the five theories mentioned previously. The data – collected from study participants with practical experience of HTE – was used to reinforce the theoretical foundations of the EPM system. This is another important contribution made by this research. The holistic model developed in this research can be used across the entire organisation to form a complete Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) system. While specifically applicable to HTE firms, it also contributes to the wider performance management literature.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Supmak, Waraporn

Contributors dc:contributor

• Jackson, Paul
• Limburg, Diana

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/y4kq-3807

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:d48c2909-1524-4e02-a6fc-7c91b7513dda:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1